Coordinated approach to the north of Mitrovica

Present were, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Hashim Thaqi, Mr. Samuel Žbogar, Head of the EU Office in Kosovo/EU Special Representative, Ambassador of the USA in Kosovo Mrs. Tracey Jacobson, Mrs. Adrijana Hodžić, Chief of the Administrative Office in the northern part of Mitrovica and Ambassadors and other representatives of the development agencies in Kosovo.

The purpose of this meeting is discussion of the donors’ activity in northern Mitrovica in order of better coordination between donors and institutions.

On this occasion the Prime Minister of Kosovo Mr. Thaqi said that: “Republic of Kosovo and Republic of Serbia are part of the dialogue for normalization of the relations between state of Kosovo and that of Serbia together with our commitments for good neighbourhood as a necessary precondition for Euro Atlantic integration of Kosovo and other countries in the region. The agreement will facilitate free movement of citizens and goods; it will create a safe environment in the north and will be worked on full dismantling of all illegal security structures. The offer for every citizen of Kosovo, regardless of ethnicity is simple and clear our state is mutual and we have built it and will continue to build it for our common wellbeing”.

During the meeting the chair Minister Çitaku underlined that: “The northern part of Mitrovica is continuing to face lot of political, social and economical nature challenges, therefore partnership between the Government of the Republic of Kosovo and international institutions is very important. The assistance of international partners remains an important contributor of the economic and social development of Kosovo.  The partnership between institutions-donors is essential in order to ensure a cohesive and strategic approach in the north of Mitrovica. Investments must be led based on the primary needs of the citizens of Kosovo in this part of country and must ensure long-term economic and social sustainability”.

The head of the EU Office in Kosovo/ EU Special Representative Mr. Žbogar said: “The importance of the dialogue and visible improvements of the relations between Kosovo and Serbia are evident considering the time period from sixth months when the dialogue started and the progress that we have achieved so far. We have seen dedication and commitment from both sides for the dialogue and problem solving and I can say that the agreement is possible and that it would be for the benefit of both citizens of Kosovo and Serbia. ”

Meanwhile, American Ambassador Mrs. Jacobson said: “American Government is fully supporting the process of improving relations between Kosovo and Serbia through the dialogue led by Baroness Ashton and I believe that this is a proper time for a better coordination of foreign investments for the municipalities in the north of Kosovo”.

During the meeting the participants agreed as follows : (1) By the end of the April all donors will notify Kosovo institutions regarding their current and planned activities for the northern Mitrovica ; (2) By the end of the April will be prepared Terms of references for the engagement of the donors in the north. Terms of references will determine the structures, responsibilities and procedures for the investments in the northern Mitrovica; and (3) all donations will be coordinated by the Mitrovica North Administrative Office.