Kosovo: Crafting A Special Status For Northern Kosovo

A piece from 2010 that may be more relevant today as the parties -- especially the US, and the Europeans -- may be more ready to push the parties off dead stopped: https://www.rferl.org/a/Crafting_A_Special_Status_For_Northern_Kosovo/2148191.html

Kosovo: Report to the UNSG on the March 17, 2007 Events in North Mitrovica

On May 21, 2008, Judge Francis M. Ssekandi delivered to the UN Security Council a report on his investigation into UNMIK's actions around the March 17, 2007 events in North Mitrovica.  On that date, UNMIK's Pristina HQ ordered the use of force against former Serbian court officials occupying the courthouse in the northern part of the city.  We in the region -- UNMIK, UN Police and the local NATO elements, had argued against pursuing that course of action.  The report has not, to my knowledge, ever been released.  But it highlights the need for the UN to not take sides in resolving political issues during its peacekeeping mission.  A former UN New York staff member gave me a copy some time ago. 

Judge Ssekendi interviewed me and many others for the report, which was the background to the UNSG's eventual decision to replace the top UNMIK leadership -- the SRSG and his principle deputy -- by not renewing their contracts.  The report contains some comments from the disgraced UNMIK leadership suggesting that I improperly was in contact with some member governments and passed my debacle report to the Serbs.  I did, of course, have frequent contacts with member state representatives -- especially with those from Security Council countries -- in an effort to help them understand the complexities of the north.  I made a special effort to do this with the US office in Pristina as its staff were forbidden to even visit north Mitrovica to see for themselves.  I did not release my debacle report to anyone not of the UN international staff in Kosovo and New York.  I learned later that one of my officers had done so because he thought it would prove useful in convincing the northern Kosovo Serbs that the UN staff in the north was not part of an effort to subject them to the new "independent" Kosovo government.  The Ssekandi report did in fact note UNMIK Pristina's apparent tilt toward using its UNSCR 1244 peacekeeping mandate to assist instead Pristina's efforts to subject the northern Serbs to its control, thus abandoning status neutrality.  UNMIK Pristina was pushed in this direction by the US, UK and Germany.

The Scekandi report noted that UNMIK HQ would have been better served by taking into account our warnings from the north.  But by the time of the March events, I had become a perceived problem in Pristina because of our repeated efforts to caution against use of force and instead urging dialogue with the K-Serbs and elements of the Serbian government in a position to assist in gaining a peaceful outcome to the court seizure.

Kosovo: Meeting of the Mitrovica Focus Group, 19 April 2006

This was an attempt to bring together the north Kosovo Serbian community with the Pristina diplomatic community to reengage on practical issues of local concern.  Not all of the internationals felt comfortable doing this on their own.  The Americans did not feel safe even going into the north.  The meeting was held in our UNMIK Mitrovica HQ.  (I did not draft these minutes.) 

UNMIK Participants: Gerard Gallucci, RR Mitrovica; Andrei Efimov, SPA Mitrovica; Detlef Beisiegel, MR Leposavic; Jean-Luc Sintes, MR Zubin Potok; Alex Melbourne, OIC MR Zvecan, michail Krasnoshchekov, PAO/SRSG, Svetlana Pencheva , PED, Mitrovica, LtCol. Noel Joyce, Senior MLO Mitrovica, Lt.Col. LeMarec, KFOR.

Serbian participants: Momir Kaslovic, Head of regional CCK, Srbrolujb Milenkovic, Chairperson of UAM Advisory Board, Dragisa Milovic, MAP Zvecan, Slavisa Ristic, MAP Zubin Potok; Velimir Bojovic, MAP Leposavic

Participants of International Liaison offices: Zoltan Balazs, Deputy Head of Office, Hungary; Ruairi O’Connel, Deputy Head of Mission, Bristish office; Ann-Sofie Nilsson, Head of office, Sweden; Gloria Di Luca, Deputy head of office, Italy; Wim Peeters, Head of Mission, Belgium; Margriet Struijf, Head of Office, Netherland; Sergey Bazdnikin, Head of Chancery, Russuan Federation; Yvana Enzler, Head of Mission, Swiss LO; Wolfgang Koeth, EC Office; T. Kirk McBride, Chief Political and economic Affairs, USA; Heidi Hakone L Barrachina, PO, US Office, Eugen Wollfarth, Head of German LO, Pierri Johan Kuan, Norweegian LO, Rodolphe Richard, Deputy head French LO, Christos Tzavaras, Head of Greek LO, Christian Siegl, Deputy Head of Austrian LO.

The Regional Representative of Mitrovica Mr. Gerard Gallucci welcome international participants at the first part (without locals) of the meeting of the Mitrovica Focus Group (MFG). He said that the MFG is seen as continuation of the initiative “Friends of Mitrovica” that commenced in early 2004. The MFG is a group with focus on Mitrovica region, the stickiest problem of Kosovo and it is good to see international stakeholders with an interest what the international community can do to keep the place calm and peaceful. MFG is not focused specifically on the north. The next meeting hopefully will embrace all six MAPs of the region. The CA in Mitrovica has been developing relationship with the three northern municipalities and UAM and keeping the relationship with Albanian from the south part of the region. CA is seeking to develop relationship of engaging them positively with the International Community and even offer them some solutions related to the every day problems of local communities. The population in the region has problems with insufficient drinking water usage, and K-Serbs and K-Albanians have found it possible to meet and talk to each other to address this issue. We want your engagement and financial support and we are particularly interested in dialogue between northerners and the international community.Our concern is how to hold the north, which we find to work with us. Serbia might advise them to cease cooperation as it happened with Education. We find it important to give the northerners opportunity to be heard, listening has had positive effect, a focus helping them with a practical concern. They have been advice to keep politics to a minimum when coming here. They will be bringing with them a list of priority quick impact projects of most immediate impact. (QIP). The international community is a good listener and a positive partner.

At the second part of the meeting K-Serbs joined it. The RR gives the floor to K-Serbian participants for brief presentations:

Miomir Kasalovic, Head of Regional CCK. He welcomes participants in his name and on behalf of Sanda Raskovic-Ivic. He presented issues in his opinion comprising the biggest burden for the population in Northern Kosovo:

• Internally displaced persons ( IDPs). There is no adequate accommodation for them and we would like to provide such for everyone.
  • Roma IDPs. It’s one of the huge burdens, for which we need to find solution.
• Employment. It is much needed for IDPs, to have jobs and provide incomes for their families. The CCK is doing as much as possible, but its recourses are rather limited.
• Infrastructure. The road network is in worse state than in 1999. Even what we had has been damaged by heavy KFOR vehicles. We want to improve the road network and to have investments in the road infrastructure

These problems are problems of all ethnicities. I am not going to count everything else we miss and need, but let us start from the basic issues.

Dragisa Milovic, MAP, Zvecan. He welcomes participants. He is MAP of a municipality with 17,000 populations. All problems which have been mentioned by Mr. Kasalovic are common for all northern municipalities. For the first time we stay around the table with people who are willing to help us. More attention has been paid until now to the Albanian community.

• Infrastructure. If you have visited northern municipalities you should have seen the condition of roads there. The infrastructure needs to be improved. The municipality has put efforts but its resources are strongly insufficient.

• IDPs. There are 4,000 IDPs for which only the municipality takes care. Not much has been done for providing decent conditions for IDPs. We fully support new UNMIK approach that allows people to choose to live where they feel comfortable.
• Employment. There is 3,000 unemployed in the municipality, many of them former Trepca workers. We see the solution in opening mines and creation of small and medium size enterprises with 10-50 employees. There are good conditions in the municipality for stock breeding, fruit production, and tourism. Municipality Zvecan has prepared projects and can offer solutions for all these.
• Tourism. Favourable conditions for tourism stay with Banjska mineral spa, where 5,000 people were coming yearly for treatment and rehabilitation till 1999
• Sports facilities. There are not such facilities in the northern part of Kosovo and they are much needed especially for the young generations. To keep young people away from drugs we need to offer them employment, jobs and alternative activities.
• Available experts in all fields. We have experts in all fields who are currently unemployed. What is needed -- a little support and chance to do what they can. We have relevant projects and you may wish to look at them.

Salvias Rustic, MAP Cubin Pothook. He thanks for the opportunity to talk to internationals on practical matters without touching upon politics. If we succeed to solve problems of people for their every day life we shall solve also the political problems. I am MAP of North-West municipality, which had just 10,000 populations till 1999, now the number is much bigger due to many Dips that settled there from other places like Croatia and Bosnia. There is one KA village in the municipality Qabra with 1,200 inhabitants. Zubin Potok had its economic development till 1999. It has resources for pure drinking water for half of Kosovo population. It has plans for development of tourism: we have the lake and the mountain Mokra Gora. There is a hydro station and electric energy is produced in the municipality. The problems in Zubin Potok are:

• Unemployed young people-key problem of the municipality. We want Zubuin Potok to get help in opening new jobs.
• We need a Health House (polyclinic) to improve health care and for emergency cases of patients, because the hospital in North Mitrovica is very far.
• Problems with local road infrastructure. There 64 villages in Zubin Potok in the mountains. Their connection with roads is very bad. In past years some roads have been damaged by heavy KFOR vehicles. The state of streets within Zubin Potok is similar and we need to improve this.
• We need 100 accommodations for IDPs and vulnerable families and individuals.

Velimir Bojovic , MAP Leposavic. The problems in my municipality are the same like mentioned by my colleagues. Leposavic has 20,000 inhabitants. There are 3 Albanian villages, factory for small metal parts in Lesak, “ Parva petiletka” factory in Leposavic, and factory “ Hrast”. Trepca is operational only in Leposavic, where there are two mines. In the past there were several thousand workers in Trepca, but today only 520. Problems we are facing in Leposavic:

• Some problems are related to Belgrade’s policy.Raw materials are imported from Serbia and final products are exported back to Serbia, so custom duties are paid twice.
• There are very good resources for cattle breeding, fruit and berry production, people are interested to work in this field. However, there is no equipment for storage and also credits with favourable conditions are needed.
• There are excellent conditions for tourism. Nothing has been yet constructed on the southern part of Kopaonik Mountain and there are 200 days of snow there, favourable for winter sports.
• There is a spa which waters are favourable for skin diseases near Socanica in the village Kievcice, Elernska reka.
• Other needs are new schools, kindergarten and sports facilities. Leposavic has very good achievements in sports and we would like to provide opportunities for our young generations.
• We have completed the Strategic development plan for Leposavic- (the Development Agenda under mitrovica Initiative project).
• Unemployment levels exceed 3,000. there are experts in all fields. We need minimum conditions and credits to generate income.

Srbroljub Milenkovic, UAM. He welcomes participants. What are needed in the north are 200 accommodations and 1,000 jobs. Our share of municipal capital investment is 10,000 only and we cannot do much with it. The northern part of Mitrovica comprises 1/5 and there are approximately 20,000 inhabitants of which 5,000 IDPs from all over Kosovo. The northern part of Mitrovica is highly multiethnic with Albanians, Turks, Bosnjaks and Gorani living there. However, all economy after 1999 has remained in the south. All facilities such as Cultural centre and sports facilities have been built in the south and there is nothing in the north. In the same time we need these strongly. We also need schools, especially secondary, a Trade centre, green market and kiosk market in order to create favourable conditions for trade and create new jobs. We cannot do much because of very limited budget: for capital investments this year we have only 10 000Euro. These all are important for creating working places. We have very good experience with EAR which funded 2 million heating plant located in the north bur providing heating for both parts of Mitrovica. Under existing financial conditions we even cannot order technical design of a project. Just imagine we will spend all our money for design but afterwards fail to generate donors’ support for its realization.

Representative of EU informed the meeting that the Union committed for 2006 10,5 million Euro for Mitrovica and Zvecan and is prepared to provide 7 million Euro for infrastructure projects in Kosovo. He advised MAPs to consider best options to join these projects. However, he reminded that in accordance with EU rules all proposed projects should contribute to EU integration of Kosovo and for multiethnic links.

MAP Zvecan assured that there will be full transparency and control over donated money. He also stressed that infrastructure definitely relates to all communities.

Momir Kasalovic, asked by RR to provide assessment of political situation, said that there are a lot of concerns on K-Serbian side. Regarding security (explosions during last four days), regarding statements about independence of diplomats representing important countries, regarding lack of returns, regarding “double standards” applied by IC for different communities. It is all unacceptable for K-Serbs. However, they are trying their best to maintain contacts with IC in order to decrease tension (the last meeting was with Frank Wisner). Especially good understanding exists on regional level in Mitrovica.

Kosovo: November 23, 2007 Meeting of the Task Force on the Mitrovica Area

In April 2007, the EU began to ready for assuming its role in a "post-independent" Kosovo and sent its EU Planning Team (EUPT) to begin coordinating with UNMIK on its plans to take our place.  Here follows the minutes of the fourth meeting of the Mitrovica Task Force to continue EU "coordination" with the United Nations. (Note:  Compare the comments on the courthouse and parallel institutions to what actually happened after the unilateral declaration of Kosovo independence in 2008. For example, the courthouse debacle and my congressional testimony from 2011.)

   

November 23, 2006

Minutes of the Task Force on the Mitrovica Area meeting

Participants: Gallucci, Efimov (both UNMIK), Chevrir (UNMIK – CIVPOL), Irvine, Simion (UNMIK - DOJ), Daca, Strohal (both OSCE), Stadler, Boura, Carver (all ICO PT), Denis, Moerman (KFOR), Svensson, Lukits (both EUPT)

TF reviewed the Mitrovica Court and the Mitrovica Detention Center. UNMIK noted the repatriation of prisoners agreement between Serbia and Kosovo and the possibility that Serbia might not continue implementation of it after status. UNMIK – DOJ noted that individuals were transferred in armored personnel carriers to the Detention Center and described times when KFOR had to intercede to ensure that the vehicle (surrounded by hostile crowd) could proceed. UNMIK noted ethnic mix of staff and prisoners and that 4 of the 5 “Category A” prisoners were ethnic Albanians. The TF noted no major ethnicity-related problems among staff members (staff cohesion remained intact even through March 2004 riots). There are no IC prison guards. Prison guards (KCS) are unarmed; a Special Police Unit (SPU) is responsible for perimeter security. KFOR noted its contingency plan for evacuation of the Detention Center personnel and prisoners should situation so warrant and said it could develop similar plans for the Court. They also noted that all the evacuation plans follow the certain priority listings. EUPT noted it had plans for internal security of Detention Center. The TF noted that in the case of the overall K/S boycott of the status settlement, the Serb members of KCS would follow it. If the Court and Detention Center remain in the North as mixed institutions, the challenges for transition would be: security of the facilities and transportation of the local staff.

UNMIK raised a problem of previous lack of 24/7 security at the Mitrovica Regional Court (serious implications for evidence & records). Currently private security firm provides night-time coverage (KPS or other providing day-time coverage). UNMIK noted that UNMIK Criminal Court has no effective “parallel” rival. Parallel civil courts, however, continue to exist. IC/PISG may want to review the salaries policy as a mean of discouraging staff from accepting salaries from Serbia.

Discussion turned to the general issue of parallel structures. UNMIK noted two scenarios: (1) parallel structures openly declare themselves Serbian institutions and (2) parallel structures continue to operate as “open secrets.” In second scenario, best case could be establishing a dialogue between Pristina and local parallel structures. If this is not possible, IC should have dialogue with parallel structures. Establishing contact with these structures’ personnel is critical in eventually obtaining records and convincing personnel to shift to central institutions.

ICO PT reviewed its concept for ICO in Mitrovica (ICOM), plans for staffing and monitoring settlement with possible use of corrective powers. ICO PT emphasized openness to suggestions and criticism and urged formal and informal dialogue with other IC actors. UNMIK stressed ICOM’s role as facilitating settlement implementation. Discussion turned to supporting dialogue between ethnic groups, among Kosovo Serbs, and between Kosovo Serbs and Belgrade. OSCE noted its and various NGO outreach plans in this regard.

TF agreed to review: (1) Mitrovica Hospital, (2) Mitrovica University, (3) financial flows, and potentially also the ICO-OSCE cooperation at its next meeting, Thursday, November 30, at 11:00 a.m. at the ICO PT office in Pristina. TF also agreed to review infrastructure (including utilities) and related economic issues at a meeting on Thursday, December 7, at 11:00 a.m. at the ICO PT office in Pristina. Specific agendas will be distributed ahead of those meetings.

Kosovo: Briefing Note for the new SRSG’s meeting with the MAPs of Northern Municipalities on December 7, 2006*

UNITED NATIONS United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo

UNMIK

NATIONS UNIES Mission d’Administration Intérimaire des Nations Unies au Kosovo

MEETING WITH

Municipal Assembly Presidents of Zvečan/Zvecan, Zubin Potok/Zubin Potok, Leposavic/Leposaviq

Location: Zvečan/Zvecan Municipal Assembly Building

Time: 10:30 – 11:45

Date: Thursday, 7 December 2006

Participants:

Dragisa MILOVIC – Municipal Assembly President of Zvečan/Zvecan

Slavisa RISTIC - Municipal Assembly President of Zubin Potok/Zubin Potok

Velimir BOJOVIC - Municipal Assembly President of Leposavic/Leposaviq

UNMIK

SRSG

Gerard Gullucci - UNMIK Regional Representative

Juozas Kazlas - UNMIK Deputy Regional Representative

Kerim Bardad-Daidj – UNMIK OIC Zvečan/Zvecan

Jean-Luc Sintes - UNMIK Municipal Representative Zubin Potok/Zubin Potok

Lilia Galieva – UNMIK Municipal Representative Leposavic/Leposaviq

Background

There is strong unity between three northern Municipal Presidents (MAP). With very few exceptions, they come out with consolidated positions on main issues (security, freedom of movement, cooperation/non-cooperation with PISG, etc) usually guided by Belgrade and the SNC. Such conformity not only relates to their affiliation with the same political party (DSS) but also to similarity of every day problems they face. As of June 2006, following several security related incidents against K-Serbs, presented by the SNC as inter-ethnic, all three municipalities introduced boycott of PISG. Boycott stalled developing relations with central level and, together with non-acceptance of salaries from PISG, cost local population some two million Euros. The boycott also led them to mostly refuse SRSG Contingency Fund support (though Zubin Potok accepted and is utilizing).

Talking Points

SRSG message: now and through transition period UNMIK will continue to work with all communities helping them to address daily problems

Status process and continued role of UNMIK

• UNMIK not part of the negotiations process but is assisting the Special Envoy.
• SE postponed submission of his proposals until after Serbian Elections
• UNMIK will neither support nor prevent the elections to the extent it does not endanger calm and public order; we expect local authorities to exercise responsibility and mature behavior during this and following period.
• UNMIK will continue working with local authorities during the coming month and through transitional period, and support them in tackling practical issues important for every day life of all communities.
• Other priorities for UNMIK include decentralization, transfer of authority, security sector review, restructuring, ensuring stability.
• Emerging package will include substantial decentralization, new municipalities (including north Mitrovica), protection for cultural sites, minority rights and continued involvement of international community.
• UNMIK will continue efforts to bring attention of international donors to the north. So far we have been successful in this regard and managed to generate more than 1.5 millions Euros for economic development in northern municipalities.
• We believe that continued dialogue and cooperation will be essential after the status determination and pledge our readiness to do so.
• What else do you feel you need to remain secure and increase your well-being in your communities?

Cooperation between northern Municipalities and PISG

• UNMIK did not react politically to your boycott of PISG despite our strong disapproval of this action. Not only UNMIK but IC as well has been encouraging you to revisit this decision.
• Since June 2006, the International Security Presence in Kosovo has introduced additional measures to enhance security arrangements in Kosovo and specifically in minority areas. You have seen these changes in the north as well.
• It should be recognized that the general security situation has improved. The specific cases that you cited in your decision to cut ties with PISG remain very much under investigation.
• Meanwhile, the northern community has lost some two million Euros from the Kosovo budget during this period. This money is not “Albanian” or “Serb” but everyone’s.
• It is regretful that you did not accept funding for Quick Impact Projects from SRSG’s Contingency Fund. This was not even from. KCB.
• Against this backdrop, we ask that you reconsider your decision regarding the boycott at least partially, regarding budgeting. We are ready to assist.

Electricity

• In line with UNMIK’s general efforts to improve every day life of local communities one of greatest concerns is power supply especially during coming winter.
• UNMIK has been engaged in series of consultations with Belgrade authorities to address electricity issue more broadly. Recent contacts in this regard proved to be encouraging and in the near future most probably you will see practical results.

Return to Svinjare (Background: All essential repairs and reconstruction are on track to be completed by 14 December, following which, on 15 December, there is scheduled to be the final Svinjarë/Svinjare Decision Making Board held in Svinjarë/Svinjare, signalling the successful completion of the project. However, few IDPs appear willing to return at this time).

• Reconstruction of houses in Svinjare is almost complete. Next week IDPs can start returns and this is a very good development. The OKPCC will be able to provide those who return this year with wood stoves, firewood, and fencing. Necessary security arrangements will be in place. It’s time for the IDPs to make up their mind.
• No one can question their right to make a choice in good will and without intimidation. They can return, or sell, or use those houses for rent.
• A realistic concern, however, is that if the houses are left unoccupied over the winter, they will be vulnerable to thefts and weather damage. Such scenario is not acceptable. By finishing reconstruction and handing over the premises to the owners, UNMIK will complete its part of the job and will not carry further responsibilities of maintaining them in order or with regard to additional renovation after the winter.
• We are ready to assist IDPs in every reasonable way as soon as they make decision. It may be possible, for example, to facilitate a rental scheme for those properties. This way the houses will be taken care of, but IDPs would maintain the right to return to their property.

Return to Roma Mahalla

• After many years of delay Roma Mahalla reconstruction is developing in a very satisfactory way. The actual return could start in January 2007.
• Municipal authorities in Mitrovice/a actively cooperate to help the process.
• UNMIK expects that K-Serbian community can contribute to the ERA returns in positive way.

Reactive (municipal concerns likely to be raised during the meeting)

Security (Background: MAPs continuously criticize lack of progress in investigation of incidents which happened earlier this year (killing of one K-Serb from Zitkovac and shooting at two young Serbs at gas station, attack of a Priest and his family, throwing of a hand grenade to a family in Rudare, hand grenade attack at “Dolce Vita” Café); they claim that this situation presumes impunity for K-Albanians and provides grounds for new attacks. They may also criticize KPS for lack of professionalism, experience, and equipment, for presence of K-Albanian KPS in the north especially near the administrative boundaries in the north and in traffic control unit).

Suggested response:

• Security related issues top priority for UNMIK.
• But security issues should be separated from politics.
• In order to perform effectively, Police needs support and cooperation from local leaders and community.
• There are a lot of cases when investigation cannot be done properly because of lack of cooperation from locals.

Zubin Potok MAP may raise the long-standing issue of Water/Electric Company "Ibar Lepenac" (Background: the local Serbs believe that this company -- based in Pristina and made up of K-Albanians -- wrongly claims to represent the Ibar Company which actually runs the Gazivode Dam and Hydro plant in Zubin Potok. According to the MAP, Ibar Lepenac is nothing more that a group of former Ibar employees who misrepresented themselves as the proper management of Ibar in order to collect the EU10 million a year in payments for the water and power from Gazivode. In return, the people who actually run the Dam get nothing other than funds for 40 of the 200 people who work for Ibar in the north [the rest getting salaries from Serbia].)

Suggested response:

• UNMIK has done the best it can on economic and business issues but much needs the clarity that future status will bring.
• We are look into the issue you raise.

MAPs may raise issue of unspent funds due to boycott of KCB municipal budget and quire about possible ways of spending it next year or suggest deposit into a separate bank account.

Suggested response:

• UNMIK must follow established procedures and you have had time to consider for yourselves the implication of the refusal to accept your money through the KCB.
• However, with our basic approach of helping UNMIK can consider your official request to make an exemption from the established deadline.

Additionally MAPs may rise questions related to privatization (allegedly unfair for Serbs), cuts of telephone lines in enclaves. 

*NOTE:  The Memorandum of Conversation will be in next post. 

Kosovo: An UNMIK Police Report on the March 17, 2008 Coutrthouse Debacle

The document below is an UNMIK Police report prepared on the events leading up to and on the day of March 17, 2008.  It should be read in conjunction with the prior piece.  I was kept in the dark about UNMIK HQ's planning for re-taking the Court.  Suspecting something was afoot, I pressed for confirmation and was finally given a briefing the night before the action by the UNMIK Police Regional Command in Mitrovica. They had by then been superseded by UNMIK HQ.  They joked that the entire plan was simply to go and arrest Serb thugs.  Indeed, UNMIK HQ had disregarded our warnings about the likely violence that would surround any use of force against the Courthouse and UNMIK Police (and KFOR) was woefully unprepared for events that day.  I later learned that the initial seizure of the Court appeared to have been allowed by UNMIK police sent by Pristina HQ to guard the building.  I believe that the UNMIK Pristine leadership provoked the entire sad episode.  None of this is reflected in the police report which apparently made it into my hands on May 5, 2008.

 

2011: Kosovo: Time for a New Approach

I left Kosovo in October 2008 with some encouragement from the UNMIK leadership and DPKO.  (I transferred to UNMIT in East Timor as chief of staff.)  But I continued to follow events in Kosovo, contributing pieces to TransConflict, and had visited northern Kosovo in June, 2011.  I can't quite remember how the invitation came up to testify in November to the US Congress on Kosovo but I did.  Here follows the text of my comments to the Subcommittee on Europe and Eurasia, Committee on Foreign Affairs, US House of Representative.  (Note:  The Quint refers to the Contact Group on Kosovo -- the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy and Russia -- without Russia, which opposed Kosovo independence.  EULEX is the EU's rule of law entity in Kosovo and its police.)

(Note:  All documents posted in this space can be and enlarged and downloaded by clicking on them.)