Developments today, 28 December 1999 Updated
3:30 p.m. EST
Democracy and institution building
UN Secretary-General commends UNMIK progress, raises concern over security: In his latest report to the Security Council released today at UN Headquarters in New York, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said UNMIK had made "good progress" in implementing its mandate over the past six months. Mr. Annan called the demilitarization of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) "an important step forward," but was concerned about the security situation for Kosovo Serbs, Roma and other minority groups. Despite the efforts of KFOR and UNMIK, "the level and nature of the violence in Kosovo, especially against vulnerable minorities, remains unacceptable," he said.
The Secretary-General said more resources were needed to allow for a rapid deployment of international police officers and increased support for the Kosovo Police Service. He also recommended the strengthening of the judiciary and penal system, warning that a "strong response" was needed to address the problem of "unofficial law-enforcement actors" that had been reported to operate within the area.
According to the report, at least 810,000 refugees have returned to their homes, and efforts have increased to provide emergency housing rehabilitation. Most of the occupants of the 50,000 houses deemed beyond repair are living with host families for the winter season, the report said.