Kosovo

Troops are still arriving in the war-torn province of Kosovo as part of the NATO-led peacekeeping force, KFOR. KFOR units continue to conduct high tempo patrolling and an overt military presence. This presence is beginning to yield positive results. Serb and ethnic Albanian workers in Pristina have returned to the electrical station and, overall, there have been few reports of disturbances in Kosovo recently. KFOR continues to provide a secure environment and support to the United Nations Interim Administrative Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), headed by the recently appointed French Health Minister, Bernard Kouchner.

The close cooperation between UNMIK and KFOR is reflected in UNMIK's recent appointment of judges and prosecutors to conduct hearings of individuals currently held in KFOR detention. In accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999), KFOR have the mandate and responsibility to ensure both public safety and order, as well as law and order in Kosovo until UNMIK itself can take full responsibility for this.

KFOR confirms that all major routes are secure and that the main refugee camp at Kukes is now empty. Furthermore, the humanitarian situation is improving and life is quasi-normal in cities. The procurement of 8 000 sets of civilian clothing has been initiated to assist the demilitarisation of the UCK by allowing the replacement of uniform for those with no alternatives at present.

However, as the situation gradually stabilises in Kosovo, proof that the destruction of homes and crops of ethnic Albanians living in Kosovo was systematic and planned is being unveiled by the international organisations present on the ground. Several mass graves have already been discovered, revealing the extent of the atrocities committed by President Milosevic's regime.