U.S. Strongly Supports Decentralization Plan for
Kosovo
usinfo.state.gov ^ | 23 October 2002 | Philip
Reeker
Posted on 10/24/2002 9:36 PM Pacific by Destro
Washington File
23 October 2002
U.S. Strongly Supports Decentralization Plan for Kosovo
(Oct. 23 statement by Philip Reeker) (210)
The United States strongly supports U.N. Special Representative Michael Steiner's plan for decentralization in Kosovo, which would provide a "substantial degree of control at the local level while preserving the political unity of Kosovo," said State Department's Deputy Spokesman Philip Reeker.
He also urged all eligible voters "to participate in Kosovo's democratic institutions by casting their ballot in the October 26 municipal elections."
Following is his statement:
(begin text)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
October 23, 2002
STATEMENT BY PHILIP T. REEKER, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN
The United States strongly supports UN Special Representative Michael Steiner's plan for decentralization in Kosovo, in accordance with the Constitutional Framework and his Seven Point Plan for Mitrovica. On October 21, Special Representative Steiner announced a meeting for November 1 to discuss with Kosovo leaders plans to bring government closer to the citizens of Kosovo at the local level through the creation of locally elected municipal units within sizeable non-majority communities. The U.S. encourages further development of the plan, which would provide a substantial degree of control at the local level while preserving the political unity of Kosovo.
We applaud Special Representative Steiner's efforts to involve non-majority communities in everyday decisions that affect them such as in education, health care and other areas. It is now incumbent upon all eligible Kosovo voters to participate in Kosovo's democratic institutions by casting their ballot in the October 26 municipal elections.
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Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
