14 October

The Economic and Fiscal Council (EFC) reached agreement on the 2002 Budget mid-year review. The surplus from 2001 was confirmed at 101 million euros but this figure is subject to final audit. The Central Fiscal Authority and the Ministry of Finance and Economy are to prepare a joint proposal for the use of the additional funds arising from the finalisation of the 2001 accounts. Andy Bearpark, head of UNMIK Pillar IV (EU) reported that the Working Level Steering Group had estimated that about 500 million euros of international support would be required in Kosovo for the next three years. Minister of Finance and Economy Ali Sadriu presented the 2003 budget preparation timetable to the EFC, which agreed the joint recommendation of MFE and CFA to endorse it.

15 October

SRSG Michael Steiner and Kosovo's President Ibrahim Rugova inaugurated a privately-owned liquefied petroleum gas terminal in Kosovo Polje. The Standard Plin company is a joint venture of a Swiss and a Kosovan firm. The gas terminal will supply gas to domestic and industrial users, as well as the necessary equipment for its use. "Gas is a clean and safe alternative to electric energy," said Mr Steiner. "The gas terminal is also good for KEK, because we need to be careful with the use of electricity." The terminal provides jobs for 50 people through an overseas investment of eight million euros.
o The Director of the Department of Justice, Clint Williamson, announced the setting up of a Conditional Release Commission based on applicable law of Kosovo. Under the law, effective from 1 October, sentenced persons who have served half of their sentence are eligible for consideration for conditional release. The Commission is led by William Irvine, head of the Penal Management Division, and composed of two international and three local judges and eight other members. Each Commission panel will consist of five members who will review the performance of the sentenced person during his or her imprisonment, reports of Social workers, Medical Staff, and Correctional Officers, as well as any statement made by the sentenced person or additional relevant material. If conditionally released, a sentenced person must sign a commitment not to engage in further criminal activity and must report to the police station nearest their residence.
o The following decisions were taken during the third regular Board meeting of the Kosovo Trust Agency (KTA) held in Pristina: "In accordance with the SRSG's Seven Point Plan for Mitrovica the Headquarters of the KTA will be moved to northern Mitrovica as soon as possible. Regional offices will be opened in Pristina, Prizren, Pejë/Pec, and Gjilan". The By-Laws, Rules of Procedure of the KTA Board and the KTA Charter as well as the first four chapters of the Operational Policies were adopted. After finalisation of the texts they will become public documents and may be obtained from the KTA.

16 October

SRSG Michael Steiner met with the Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Pavle and four Bishops from the Holy Synod in Belgrade. During a long and cordial meeting, they talked about the current situation in Kosovo. They also discussed Kosovo Serb participation in the 26 October municipal elections. In talks described as warm and intensive, the SRSG and high Orthodox officials discussed the difficulties, progress and opportunities facing the people of Kosovo. SRSG Michael Steiner said he was encouraged by the discussions which also covered his Seven Point Plan for Mitrovica and his concept of decentralisation.

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UNMIK Chronicle is a publication of the Division of Public Information, UNMIK Pristina - Tel: (381.38) 504.604 Ext. 5610, email: poultney@unmik.org