Kosovo agreement paves way for return of Roma refugees to Mitrovica

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Text of report in English by independent internet news agency KosovaLive

Mitrovice [Kosovska Mitrovica], 19 April: An agreement has been signed on Monday [18 April] by UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo], UNHCR, OSCE and the Mitrovice local authorities, which creates a framework and paves the way for the return of Roma to their homes in the south of the city.

The agreement outlines returning of former residents of the Roma Neighbourhood, who currently live in Mitrovice north and Serbia-Montenegro, in three phases.

UNMIK's regional representative in Mitrovice, Rashed Ahmed, said that this is a very important project for the municipality.

"We feel that this agreement could create an environment in which all IDPs [internally-displaced persons] in Mitrovice could return to their homes," said.

Based on the agreement, the UN and other international stakeholders are willing to organize a donors' conference in order to raise funds for the reconstruction project.

The municipality agreed that the former residents of the Roma Neighbourhood will receive all legal and administrative assistance for a swift and, if requested by the beneficiaries, immediate reconstruction and return.

"This agreement will be welcomed by the international community and will be good for Mitrovice, as well as attract much needed donor support for the city," Ahmed said.

Source: KosovaLive web site, Pristina, in English 19 Apr 05