11 February
Three protocols
designed to speed up progress in identifying missing persons have been
signed between UNMIK and the FRY authorities. The Protocol on Cross-Boundary
Repatriation of Identified Remains puts in place a mechanism for the
return of human remains to members of their families, minimizing administrative
formalities. One on the Exchange of Forensic Experts and Expertise provides
ways for both parties to exchange forensic information in order to facilitate
the identification process. Under the Protocol on Joint Verification
Teams on Hidden Prisons, joint verification activities will be conducted
at the sites of alleged hidden prisons and the results will be made
public with the aim of allaying fears of all communities regarding this
issue.
The Interim Administrative
Council (IAC) endorsed two regulations: on Civil Emergency Preparedness
in Kosovo; and on Broadcasting through the Establishment of the Independent
Media Commission and the Media Appeals Board. The IAC members also condemned
the violence in Pristina on 8 February during the demonstration against
the arrest of three ex-KLA members. Cutting across party lines, the
Kosovo Albanian and Serb members said that while people had a right
to protest, they had no right to resort to violence or take the law
into their own hands. They also appreciated the work of KFOR and UNMIK
Police, especially in handling the demonstration.
12 February
The Kosovo Judicial Institute hosted an information session on
the Trafficking Regulation. The session was intended to brief the press
on the challenges that the judiciary had faced in the application of
that regulation since its promulgation.
UNMIK and KFOR endorsed introduction of a formal rank structure
within the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC). The initiative would help
restructure the KPC to most effectively use both active and reserve
elements, and would ensure a coherent and effective chain of command
for the Kosovo civil emergency force. The KPC would adopt recognized
ranks, in much the same way as many other civil emergency and police
forces across the world.
13 February
The OSCE released a report on property rights in Kosovo. It is
an overview of progress made by the Housing and Property Directorate
and the Housing and Property Claims Commission in ensuring effective
remedies for property rights violations. The findings demonstrate that
resolving property ownership issues is crucial in the respect for human
rights, the rule of law and to ensure the conditions for return.
The Media Hearing Board reviewed a complaint against Bota Sot
and found that the paper did not "endeavour to achieve accuracy,
fairness and impartiality in all reporting". The Board recommended
to the Temporary Media Commissioner that Bota Sot clearly acknowledge
editorial responsibility and accountability for the articles that it
publishes.
14 February
Newly-appointed
SRSG, Michael Steiner, arrived in Pristina to officially take up his
duties. As he came to UN Headquarters and met briefly with the press,
Mr Steiner declared that Kosovo was in a "new phase", and
his work would therefore differ from that of predecessors Kouchner and
Haekkerup. "Under Kouchner, Kosovo was in an emergency phase,"
he said. "Under Haekkerup, it was in an administrative and design
phase. Today Kosovo is in a transfer phase. We will have to concentrate
on the transfer of authority to the newly-elected government. I am looking
forward to a good co-operation with the people and the leaders in this
regard."
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