UNMIK/PR/72

Press Release

20 October 1999

SRSG Kouchner Signs Regulation on the Provision of Postal and Telecommunications Services in Kosovo

PRISTINA - Bernard Kouchner, Special Representative of the Secretary General, has signed a regulation giving the Post and Telecommunications Enterprise of Kosovo (PTK) the necessary authority for providing postal and telecommunications services in Kosovo.

Under the regulation, the PTK shall have the authority to use all available public postal and telecommunications assets in Kosovo, including any future expansion.

In addition, the PTK shall administer and be responsible for all facilities and staff used and employed by it, as well as incurring all liabilities in connection with its operation.

The PTK will be allowed to employ personnel previously employed in local postal and telecommunications services in Kosovo as well as other personnel. The service will apply non-discriminatory personnel policies to ensure that the composition of its employees reflects the multi-ethnic character of all the communities in Kosovo.

A Joint Civil Commission on Postal and Telecommunications Services has been established, under UNMIK authority, which supervises PTK activities and provides policy guidelines. Financial records of the PTK shall be periodically audited by UNMIK.