Ban Ki-Moon sends letter on reconfiguration on Unmik

Here are the key parts of the text obtained by KosovoCompromise.com:

"The position of the UN on the question of status of Kosovo has been one of strict status neutrality. Following Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence of 17 February some member states have recognized Kosovo as a sovereign state, others have not. UNSCR 1244 continues in force until the Council decides otherwise.

In the absence of other guidance form the Council, and following consultations with your government and other relevant stakeholders, I intend to reconfigure the international civil presence in accordance with the following provisions, which would apply for a limited duration and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.

1. Police

Kosovo Police service (KPS) operating in certain Serb-majority areas may report to international police under the overall authority of the UN.

2. Courts

Additional local and district courts serving relevant Serb-majority areas will be created. They will operate within a unified, functional and accessible Kosovo court system under the applicable UNMIK legal framework of resolution 1244 (1999).

3. Customs

The SRSG will determine, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, an organizational structure allowing Kosovo to function as a singled custom area, which will include guarantees for the presence of international customs officers at relevant customs point.

4. Transportation and Infrastructure

A technical coordination committee, including the Republic of Serbia and other relevant stakeholders, will be established by the SRSG, to address all relevant technical and cross-boundary issues, taking into account the work  of the Pristina-Belgrade technical dialogue group.

5. Boundary

In accordance with UNSCR 1244, KFOR retains primary responsibility for security within Kosovo, including the physical control of boundaries. International civilian police operating under the authority of the SRSG will also continue to monitor these boundary crossings.

6. Serbian Patrimony

The Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC) in Kosovo shell be afforded international protection. The SOC in Kosovo will remain under the direct authority of tis religious seat in Belgrade. The SOC will retain certain privileges to preserve and reconstruct its religious, historical and cultural sites in Kosovo. The Republic of Serbia will continue close cooperation with the UN and all relevant bodies in the provision of support to such preservation and reconstruction activities.

The implementation of the above provisions will be subject to agreement between my Special Representatives and your government. In this context, my Special Representative will consult with other relevant stakeholders, including the authorities in Pristina. In accordance with para 6 of resolution 1244, I intend to appoint a new Special Representative in conjunction with the envisaged reconfiguration.

Mindful of the EU's commitment to the region, I intend to consult with the European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, to determine a status-neutral European Operational role in the implementation of the above provisions within the status-neutral framework of the United Nations."

Download PDF document