UNMIK- UNHCR-OSCE-EU-KPS Press Briefing, 10 May 2001

UNMIK Spokeswoman Susan Manuel
UNHCR Spokeswoman Astrid van Genderen Stort
OSCE Spokeswoman Claire Trevena
EU Spokesman Mike Todd
KPS Spokesman Behar Seimi
UNMIK Spokeswoman Susan Manuel

Turkish FM visit

SRSG Hans Haekkerup returns from New York this afternoon. He has a meeting at 4:30pm with Turkish Foreign Minister Ismael Cem. There will be a photo opportunity at the opening of the meeting, and we expect Mr. Cem and Mr. Haekkerup may say a few words in the lobby afterwards.

SRSG in New York

Mr. Haekkerup addressed a closed session of the UN Security Council yesterday in New York, which was attended by Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Mr. Haekkerup told the press later that he received broad support for moving ahead on the legal framework and on elections this year.

The Security Council will send a delegation here in mid June and we will have the dates confirmed for you soon.

Mr. Haekkerup intends to sign the Legal Framework as an UNMIK regulation soon after his return here. In New York he told the press that a "good compromise" had been reached, although he had not reached consensus on the final document.

He said that 98 percent of the Kosovo Albanian desires had been met. Also, efforts had been made to accommodate the concerns of Kosovo Serbs with amendments spelling out rights and mechanisms to solve problems when a community's vital interests were at stake. Mr. Haekkerup, who met with FRY President Kostunica and FM Svilanovic in NY, said that the FRY has not fully agreed with the document, but Mr. Haekkerup believed there would be "understanding and acceptance,' once it is put forward.

44 released

The appeal of the defense council against the extension of detention of the 42 suspects has been approved by the Supreme Court-thus overruling the decision of the court of Prizren of 18 April. They had been detained by KFOR on suspicion of illegal border crossing and transport of weapons, with the intent to re-supply armed ethnic Albanian groups in FYROM. The 42 suspects were released yesterday. (Two were released earlier) following the Supreme Court decision which was apparently due to procedural issues. The Supreme Court panel was composed of Patrice de Charette, presiding judge, Antti Routsalainen, international judge and Kosovo judge Miftar Jasiqi.

Commander Drini

In the case of the Commander Drini-Ekrem Rexha murder, the first three suspects who were detained on Monday night will see the investigating judge and prosecutor-both international officials-- this evening in Pristina. The judge will decide whether to open a formal investigation and whether to extend their detention. As police reported yesterday, two other suspects in the case were taken into custody on Tuesday.

Kosovo Judicial and Prosecutorial Council

This morning DSRSG Tom Koenigs conducted a swearing-in of nine members of the newly formed Kosovo Judicial and Prosecutorial Council. The KJPC replaces the Advisory Judicial Commission (AJC), established by UNMIK Regulations, in 1999 and 2000. This new body has a different composition and its primary role will be to advise the SRSG on the appointment of judges, prosecutors and lay-judges, as well as handling the extension of their appointments and other related matters including request for transfer and upgrading.

Unlike the AJC, the KJPC will be in charge of conducting disciplinary proceedings against a judge, prosecutor or lay-judge. In conducting the relevant investigations the KJPC will be assisted by the Judicial Inspection Unit within the Administrative Department of Justice.

With regard to any misconduct, the KJPC will approve specific codes of conduct for judges, prosecutors and lay-judges. Therefore, when appropriate, the KJPC will be in position to impose sanctions. The KJPC may make recommendations on the removal of judicial and prosecutorial personnel from their post, however, the final decision will remain under the responsibility of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General.

WHO drug use survey

WHO and UNICEF have been carrying out an assessment of drug use among young people in Kosovo and they are going to present their findings tomorrow at 2pm in the WHO Office. A little hint about what they will talk about - Drugs of all types are available in Kosovo. Levels of drug use among teenagers are very typical for Europe. There are slightly higher uses of heroin. Significantly higher levels of pharmaceutical drug use and comparatively low level of injection drug use. There are high levels of syringe sharing, which of course presents a risk of HIV or hepatitis infection.

UNHCR Spokeswoman Astrid van Genderen Stort

Overview

Regardless of the ongoing fighting in the Kumanovo area yesterday, the 9th of May passed without any major crossings into Kosovo. A total of 333 people were reported crossing, 88 of these passed through Jazince/Globocica border crossing and were mainly from Tetovo area. Over a hundred persons crossed the official border crossing in Blace and over 140 the unofficial border crossing, mainly coming from the Kumanovo area, where shelling continued throughout the day.

Since the fighting in FYROM started on the third of May a total of 8076 people have left FYROM. The majority of the people left from the rural areas around Kumanovo (Nigustac, Lopata, Opcane, Cerkez, Slupcane,Vaksince, Romali, Rajince). Some of the people left the directly affected villages for reasons of fear of being directly targeted some left out of precautionary measures in order not to become the victim of the shootings. People were also reported leaving from Kumanovo and Skopje area as well as the rural area around Tetovo (Brodec, Vesala and Shipkovica), scene of the fighting in March.

Of the 8076 that crossed more than 3000 reverted to taking the unofficial border crossing due to lack of documents. Many of these people were women, young children and elderly people who saw no choice but to cross this way. Many of them reported having been stopped by the Macedonian forces and asked for a contribution in money or gold, before a passage through the unofficial border crossing could be ensured. Roadblocks that block those in flight have also been reported.

"UNHCR remains extremely concerned about the well-being of the civilian population who remain in the area of conflict. It also remains concerned about reports on difficulties of coming across the border", says Eric Morris UNHCR's Special Envoy, "We would encourage all parties to allow freedom of movement for those who are obviously fleeing out of fear of becoming the victim of violence. A humane treatment for all victims displaced by violence is not only needed but expected as mentioned in the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol".

UNHCR is grateful for the support and the generosity of the local community, which has been working non-stop in assisting the new arrivals and ensuring that all arrive safely in their final destination.

UNHCR has set up reception centres at the official and unofficial border crossings in Blace and is all day present and working in close cooperation with Kosovo Red Cross and Mother Teresa Society. In other areas in Kosovo close cooperation with other international and national organisations is ongoing and all displaced are being provided with the necessary assistance.

Since the fighting in March over 16,000 people from FYROM have been displaced by the violence into Kosovo.

Mountain crossing

Very few people crossed over the mountains during these past days. The weather has been very bad and not conducive to undertaking long journeys. UNHCR remains however alert to any possible movements out of the Tetovo region.

Presevo Valley

UNHCR is continuing to urge for a quick and satisfactory implementation of confidence building measures by the FRY Government in Preshevo valley before any decision should be taken on the handing over of Sector B. UNHCR's Special Envoy Mr. Eric Morris, however is at the same time continuing a humanitarian dialogue with Serbian and Albanian parties in Preshevo Valley, with a final aim to enabling return for the displaced to their homes. "It has long been clear that the establishment of a multi-ethnic police force is critical to encourage the return of the displaced", says Eric Morris.

Total 8076
(*1)Please note that for Blace border those with passports can cross the official border crossing ; those without passport have so far had to revert to taking the mountain route which leads straight into Hani I Elezit/Deneral Jankovic (the so called unofficial border crossing)

(*2) of these 900, 650 went to Dragash area (Opoja) and 250 to Prizren town. All were from Brodec village near Tetovo
(*3)The 580 were mainly from Vesale (500 went to Opoja, 80 to Prizren. Two families were reported from Shipkovica village

OSCE Spokeswoman Claire Trevena

Election Briefing

Today sees one of a continuing series of briefings on elections systems for Kosovo's political and community leaders. This time it is being held in Gracanica.

It follows a similar seminar held in Leposavic last month. The OSCE Head of Mission Ambassador Daan Everts will welcome the participants and chair the meeting.

Towards the end of this month, a series of smaller seminars for Kosovo Serb representatives will take place Around Kosovo. These seminars are being organised by the OSCE and the OSCE-supported Department for Democratic Governance and Civil Society. They will provide an opportunity to look at the technical issues of party registration, ballot certification and candidate registration.

CEC Meeting

Tomorrow sees the third meeting of the Central Election Commission where it will be discussing the rules on the Code of Conduct for political parties as well as what political parties, coalitions and individuals must do in order to be certified to run in the election.

CiO Visit

On Sunday the OSCE's Chairman in Office, Mircea Geoana, will be coming to Kosovo. He will be giving the keynote speech at the police school graduation, be meeting with the SRSG Hans Haekkerup as well as Albanian and Serbian leaders.

He will have a press briefing at the OSCE Hq - 4th floor conference room at 4 pm Sunday.

Police School Graduation

As I mentioned the chairman in office will be addressing the graduating class of the OSCE's police school. This is class 15 - and brings the total number of graduates to more than 3,800.

Class 16 won't start until June and the course will be extended from 8 weeks to 12 weeks. But the police school wont be empty during the six weeks between police training courses - it will continue with advanced police training programmes as well as prison officer training and fire fighter training. The Graduation is on Sunday this time. It's still at the Sports hall of the University of Pristina gym at 10.30.

EU Spokesman Mike Todd

Fuel Supervisory Board

The Department of Trade and Industry's Fuel Supervisory Board is now in place. The Fuel Supervisory Board has the responsibility for the regulation of Kosovo's petroleum based fuel market. This will involve the development of increased controls over imports, including the prevention of smuggling and creation of a truly open market for petroleum based fuels. A press conference on their role and responsibilities is planned for next week, a notice will be sent round giving exact details.

Trepca

Just a short mention of Trepca, last week saw the arrival of the new international manager of the complex Mr. Pat Gorman. A briefing is planned for the near future on the current situation with Trepca as part of the commitment made by DSRSG Andy Bearpark to keep the press informed.

Seminar on Commercial Law Regulations

A seminar on the new commercial law regulations is being held this Saturday in the Faculty of Law at the University of Pristina. The event will take place at 10.00 am and is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry's Office for Commercial Law development. The seminar is aimed at Kosovo's legal community and will be focusing in detail on the new commercial laws.

Water

There may be some disruption in Pristina's water supply today as there has been a slight problem discovered with one of the main supply pipes yesterday evening. Technicians are currently working on its repair and disruptions should be kept to a minimum.

VAT

The introduction of Value Added Tax or VAT in Kosovo will be a major development for Kosovo's tax system. With the introduction of VAT to take place in early July, it will be a major step forward towards the creation of a self-sustaining economy based on the principles of the free market.

VAT will replace the current Sales Tax and the Hotel, Food and Beverage tax. The tax offers some distinct advantages over the ones it is replacing - including the fact that no tax is charged on exports, which should further encourage local production. As the introduction of VAT is probably one of the most important developments in the creation of a modern taxation system in Kosovo, over the coming weeks and months a series of measures will be taken to inform both the general public and those businesses who will be paying the tax, of how VAT works, it's importance and the positive impact it should have on both the business environment and the creation of a sustainable budget for the provision of public services.

VAT is a tax, which originated in Europe. Throughout the European Union it remains a key pillar of economic stability. The new legislation being introduced in Kosovo is in line with all current EU standards and requirements: in this sense it is one more important step in Kosovo's integration into a Europe of peace and prosperity.

KPS Spokesman Behar Seimi

KPS Recruitment Drive

The KPS, starting next month 4th of June 2001, will start a new KPS Recruitment and Selection Program based upon a new selection system through which we want the best qualified to apply. The program will have 5 additional classes with approximately 300 cadets per class, who will attend the basic course of 12 weeks of training in the Kosovo Police Service School.

The Application process will start on the 4th of June and will end on the 31st of July 2001. Everyone will have the right to apply, even those who have applied before and never had a chance to be tested, those who failed, those who are waiting to be called for class and all the others who never applied before no matter of ethnicity, gender, social status, religion, etc. The application process will be decentralized in 5 regions of Kosovo. Applicants can apply in their respective region and the conditions will remain the same for all. Another bit of news which we believe will make the citizens happy is that this time the KPS is included in the recruitment and selection process and this system does not give priorities to anyone. Naturally minorities and females will be encouraged to apply.

Commendation

SRSG Hans Haekkerup expressed his appreciation and commendation for UNMIK and KPS Police about their job on the case of the prisoner release from Serbian prisons (group from Gjakova) in a letter sent on May 2, 2001 to Police Commissioner Christopher Albiston.

Mr. Haekkerup had the chance to be present at Gate 3 and to wait for the war hostages from Gjakova. He was impressed by the correct and professional job of the Kosovo Police Service, which is led by UNMIK Police. Police Commissioner Albiston felt proud of the work of the KPS and about this he informed his adviser for KPS matters Mr. Sheremet Ahmeti. This commendation by Mr. Haekkerup is encouragement and strong self-confidence that KPS can serve with responsibility and in a professional manner for the citizens of Kosovo.

Questions:

Q: Did Mr. Haekkerup met Mr. Kostunica in New York?

SM: Yes, I think I mentioned that. They met along with Kofi Annan and Foreign Minister Svilanovic.

Q: Can we get some details on the discussions between them? Also is Yugoslavia influencing work on the the Legal Framework?

SM: No. They met briefly, they discussed the legal framwework. Mr. Haekkerup said there are going to be no more discussions. That was not considered a negotiation, it was an informative talk. The UN Information Service in New York put out a release last night on the Haekkerup visit. There was a mistake in it. It said the Security Council would approve the Legal Framework and that is not true. It is up to Mr. Haekkerup and he will be signing it in the next few days. But it was an informative discussion with the Yugoslavs and they did have reservations about the protection of minority rights as written into the Legal Framework. But you can see, Mr. Haekkerups said that he believes the protections are sufficient and that in the end there will be a committee in the Assembly that deals with the interests of communities, but also the SRSG has the ultimate authority in overruling any legislation that might put their rights at risk.

Q: Kostunica said he urged for the Serbs to have the veto right . Will this be accepted?

SM: No, that is not in the Legal Framework and it will not be.

Q: When do you expect the election date to be announced? Is everything on track?

SM: Yes, everything is on track. When he makes the announcement on the Legal Framework, which I imagine will be within a week of his return, then the election date will also be set.

Q: So October or November will be when the election will take place?

SM: Probably.

Q: You reported several weeks ago about violence against journalists. Can you give us some details about the humiliation toward the journalists? Who is doing it? Which political parties?

CT: As I said when I made the announcement about our program on the protection of journalists, the harassment of journalists, we don't release the specifics because it is confidential because the journalists would not have the confidence to come to us and talk to us about it if they knew it was going to be released. However, if you would like to have a briefing about the whole program, I will set it up for you.