Saturday, December 11, 2004

Premier pledges to work on improving freedom of movement for Kosovo Serbs

rishtina [Pristina], 10 December: Kosova [Kosovo] Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj told UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo] chief Soeren Jessen-Petersen today that the government has concrete plans to promote freedom of movement, in particular for the Kosova Serbs.

"I promise you that the freedom of movement and other issues related to ethnic minorities will improve, because we are willing to work for Kosova and all its citizens," Haradinaj told Jessen-Petersen, who paid his first visit to the new government cabinet.

Haradinaj said that Standards implementation and economic development are the government's priorities and asked for support from UNMIK.

Meanwhile, Jessen-Petersen said that next week he would submit to Haradinaj his proposals for transferring more competencies on the field of economy. He also said that he expects New York to give positive signals in overcoming the obstacles to the privatization process.

Jessen-Petersen said he was encouraged by the great commitment of Haradinaj and the government since the first day. Once again Jessen-Petersen reiterated that Standards implementation remain the main concern for the Kosova government and local institutions in general.

The UNMIK chief also highlighted the Mitrovice [Kosovska Mitrovica] issue, saying that efforts are being made continuously to unify the city. He also said that he has met representatives of the two communities in the city and encouraged them to be committed to solving the problems together.

Haradinaj said that the government will complete the programme by Tuesday [14 December] and present it to the parliament for approval and that he would also meet opposition leaders.

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