SRSG In Mitrovica: March Violence Will No Reoccur

RTK

26 August 2004

During his visit to Mitrovica region along with PM Bajram Rexhepi, the SRSG Soren Jessen-Petersen stated that the March violence will no reoccur. "KFOR, UNMIK, and PISG will work hard in order that March events do not reoccur," SRSG Petersen said.

SRSG Petersen pointed out, "In Mitrovica there will be no functioning economy as long as it remains a divided city. Meanwhile, if there is no economic development, there will be no security. Therefore, Mitrovica is a key priority."

The SRSG's meeting with the municipal officials of the municipalities of Northern Kosovo was held without the presence of media, while Albanian journalists were not allowed to follow SRSG's meetings in the north of Mitrovica.

SRSG Petersen and PM Rexhepi also visited the village of Frasher, Mitrovica, which was badly destroyed during the March riots. Out of 137 houses destroyed, most of them are in the process of being reconstructed.

PM Rexhepi said, "The Government was primarily focused in reconstructing the houses and later on an amount of ? 2000 per family will be distributed to buy additional furniture and equipment."

SRSG Petersen said, "We will speed up the completion of reconstruction process and security process in order that all this is not felt like home only, but also as a place to live in."