OSCE Permanent Council decides on mandate for Kosovo Mission

VIENNA, 1 July 1999 - The Permanent Council of the OSCE today decided on the mandate for the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, which will constitute a distinct component within the overall framework of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). As from today, the new Mission will replace the transitional Task Force for Kosovo, which has been working on the ground to set up an infrastructure for the OSCE operation. The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is expected to number up to 700 international personnel.

According to the decision, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo will take the lead role in matters relating to institution- and democracy­building and human rights. It will co­operate closely with other relevant organizations in the planning and implementation of its tasks. The OSCE Mission in Kosovo will concentrate its work in the following interrelated areas:

Human resources capacity-building, including the training of a new Kosovo police service within a Kosovo Police School which it will establish and operate, the training of judicial personnel and the training of civil administrators at various levels, in co­operation, inter alia, with the Council of Europe;

Democratization and governance, including the development of a civil society, non­governmental organizations, political parties and local media;

Organization and supervision of elections;

Monitoring, protection and promotion of human rights, including, inter alia, the establishment of an Ombudsman institution, in co-operation, inter alia, with the UNHCHR;

Such tasks which may be requested by the Secretary­General of the United Nations or his Special Representative, which are consistent with the UNSC Resolution 1244 and approved by the Permanent Council.

"The OSCE Mission in Kosovo will in its work be guided by the importance of bringing about mutual respect and reconciliation among all ethnic groups in Kosovo and of establishing a viable multi-ethnic society where the rights of each citizen are fully and equally respected," the decision said.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo will be established for an initial period until 10 June 2000, with the possibility of prolongations as decided by the Permanent Council.

The Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Daan Everts, was designated Head of Mission by the Chairman-in-Office last week and will officially take up his duties today.