Thaci on strategy in north Kosovo

"The strategy has four main fields: strengthening the rule of law on the entire territory of Kosovo, decentralization and the formation of new municipalities in northern Mitrovica, the issue of municipal governments in the three northern municipalities (Leposavic, Zvecan and Zubin Potok), improving the social-economic situation in this part of Kosovo," he said.

Kosovo Prime Minister Thaci said that the formation of a special fund for northern Kosovo is expected in order to help achieve these goals.

"Last year, we invested EUR 8mn in that part of Kosovo. This year, depending on the circumstances, we can form a special fund in the north and for that we have complete international support," Thaci said.

He said that the document will include concrete deadlines for implementation and will be harmonized with the Ahitsaari proposal, the constitution, and Kosovo laws.

He said that the preparation of the strategy is in "its final phases" and added that "it's being worked on in cooperation between the Kosovo government and international factors, including the international civil office."

EU special representative in Kosovo Pieter Feith confirmed the existence of the strategy.

Serbian Kosovo Ministry State Secretary Oliver Ivanovic stated earlier that Feith's statements regarding the integration of northern Kosovo into the Kosovo institutions are dangerous, and that they are only feeding the hopes of radical Albanians.