Kfor generals note improved security situation in divided Kosovo town

Excerpt from report in English by independent internet news agency KosovaLive

Mitrovice [Kosovska Mitrovica], 3 June: Current developments and general situation of security in Mitrovice were the topics of discussion between the municipal officials and the outgoing Commander of Multinational Brigade NorthEast (MNBE), Philippe Houbron, and the incoming commander, General Philippe Tracqui.

It was a joint evaluation that under the command of Gen Houbron, the Brigade has met its objectives, such as the increase of security level, improvement of freedom of movement for all citizens in the past four months. Gen Houbron is to handover the command of the Brigade on Friday [3 June] to General Philippe Tracqui.

The municipal authorities told the generals that they are committed to implement the Standards, and in particular to return the displaced and the refugees.

"The reconstruction of Serb destroyed houses has been completed. Thirty-seven families have returned, whereas everything is well under way to start with implementation of the project for returning Roma in their neighbourhood. We also expect to start the project for returning of Albanians in their properties in the north," the head of municipal government, Mustafe Pllana, said.

The generals have acknowledged the commitment of municipal authorities to implement the process of returns. "And in doing that, the municipality will have always the support of Kfor [Kosovo Force]," said Gen Houbron.

"Special attention will be given to multiethnic environments to sensitive multiethnic areas. The minority members in these environments want to live together and in peace, but the extremists are those making obstructions. All of us should oppose them," said Gen Houbron. [Passage omitted]