Developments today, 2 May 2000 - Updated
3:30 p.m. EST
Civilian administration
Interim Administrative Council endorses regulations on tax and broadcast media: The Interim Administrative Council (IAC) today endorsed two regulations on tax and another regulation requiring broadcast media to obtain licenses. The regulations on tax are an amendment to the regulation on hotel, food and beverage service tax, lowering the threshold on the size of businesses which can be taxed from 15,000 deutsche marks ($6,938) to 10,000 deutsche marks ($4,625), and establishing a presumptive tax which provides for the taxation of other businesses at fixed rates. The regulation on broadcast media will require all licence applicants to sign a Broadcast Code of Conduct.
Agreement signed for safe return of Kosovo Serbs: The Joint Committee on Returns (JCR) which will explore ways and means for the safe and sustainable return of Kosovo Serbs to their homes was formally established today in a signing ceremony in Gracanica. The signatories included the head of UNMIK, Dr. Bernard Kouchner, the commander of KFOR, General Joun Ortuno, and Bishop Artemije of the Serb National Council. The JCR will form committees to review, supervise and implement all aspects related to the return of an estimated 150,000 displaced Kosovo Serbs, and will involve coordination between the international security and civil presence. Donors will also be identified for return and reconstruction programmes.
For further information, contact the Spokesman's Office: tel (212) 963-7161/2; fax (212) 963-7055.