Press Release UNMIK/PR/438
PRISTINA - The Prime Minister
of Albania, Mr. Ilir Meta, today told the Kosovo Transitional Council that
the problem in the Presevo Valley should be solved through "dialogue
and democratic means" and not violence. The dialogue should begin
soon so that the Albanians are assured internationally recognised standards
of human rights.
On an overnight visit to Kosovo, during which he addressed the KTC, Mr. Meta offered to closely work with UNMIK and KFOR to combat illegal trafficking and organized crime to promote security and stability in the region, which could otherwise have dangerous consequences. Saying he highly valued the role of the international community in Kosovo, Mr. Meta said positive steps have been taken here to improve security, rebuild the territory and enhance democratic processes. He assured Albania's help in consolidation of democratic processes in Kosovo and encourage processes that promote peace, security, understanding and tolerance. "We wish that the democratic processes in Kosovo include all ethnic minorities, including the Serb minority". The Prime Minister said release of Albanian political prisoners from the Serbian prisons would improve co-existence of different communities in Kosovo. The Prime Minister also spoke of enhancing economic ties and improving communication links between Albania and Kosovo.
Mr. Meta said his visit here was part of the initiative of the Albanian government for strengthening regional relations and he was carrying a message of "regional and Euro-Atlantic integration". The Prime Minister welcomed the democratic changes in FRY and hoped they would continue and take deep roots.
SRSG Dr. Bernard Kouchner welcomed the Albanian Prime Minister and said his comments were positive and looked ahead to the future. He said UNMIK and Albania had close cooperation, with joint working groups functioning regularly.
Dr. Kouchner said he was planning to expand the membership of the KTC next week to reflect the political, religious and ethnic pluralism of Kosovo. "In the absence of a democratically elected body, my intention is that all segments of the society be represented in the KTC".
SRSG announced that Father Sava had informed him of his intention to retire from public life and devote himself to priesthood. "It is a big loss for us, for Father Sava made an outstanding contribution to dialogue in Kosovo. I would like to thank him publicly for his efforts and express my sincere gratitude and, I am sure, that of the whole KTC".
The KTC was also briefed about the security situation in Kosovo and specifically in the Presevo Valley by KFOR. The KFOR representative expressed KFOR's determination to prevent destabilisation of the Presevo area by interdicting the flow of illegal and armed groups in the vicinity of the eastern boundary in order to limit its impact on the safe and secure environment within Kosovo. He warned, however, that any violence in the valley would erode the international community's support for Kosovo. He said while all parties had accepted a long lasting cease-fire and "we have requested the presence of international observers to monitor the situation in this area".
The KTC also received an introductory briefing about budget 2001 from Mr. Jurgen Voss, deputy to the DSRSG, EU Pillar, and Mr. Tony Preston-Stanley, head of the Central Fiscal Authority.
For information only - not an official record
Contact UNMIK Press and Information Office - (381-38) 500-223, 501-396.