Developments today, 24 March 2000 - Updated
3:30 p.m. EST
Civilian administration
UN envoy assures Kosovars of support in finding missing persons: The head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Dr. Bernard Kouchner, has assured Kosovars that he would arrange audiences for them with European leaders to exert pressure to find missing family members. "I'll do my utmost to help find them," said Dr. Kouchner on Wednesday during a visit to Djakova, a small town in southwest Kosovo where he met with members of the Municipal Council and the Missing Persons Association. Approximately 1,000 to 1,500 people from Djakova are still missing since the war began a year ago.
Interim Administrative Council endorses tax regulations: The Interim Administrative Council (IAC) today endorsed the revised Kosovo Consolidated Budget and the Tax Administration regulations. With IAC approval, the regulations will go to the head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) for his signature into law.
The Deputy Special Representative for the Secretary-General, Mr. Joly Dixon informed the IAC that a wage tax, a presumptive tax and a business profit tax were being considered. Currently, customs duties, sales taxes, excise taxes and hotel food and beverage taxes are collected in Kosovo. When all the taxes are in force, they should generate an estimated 165 million deutsche marks ($82.3 million) annually, Mr. Dixon said.
For further information, contact the Spokesman's Office: tel (212) 963-7161/2; fax (212) 963-7055.