13 May 2005

“Encouraging signs” in Kosovo News 12/05/2005 - NATO North Atlantic Council to visit Kosovo on Friday, 13 May 2005 Background North Atlantic Council Opinions 13/05/2005 - NATO Transcript of press conference by NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer in Pristina Multimedia High resolution photos of the visit 13/05/2005 - NATO Video file of the statement by NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer at the press conference in Pristina (.WMV/2869Kb) 13/05/2005 - NATO Audio file of the Q&A at the press conference by NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer in Pristina (.MP3/2357Kb) Links Website of the Kosovo Force (KFOR) NATO decision-makers visited Kosovo on 13 May to review the provinc's progress towards international standards and demonstrate NATO’s commitment to peace in the area. The North Atlantic Council, composed of Ambassadors of NATO member countries and Chaired by the Secretary General, met with President Rugova and Prime Minister Kosumi in Prisitina. The Council also visited several communities in Kosovo, including Mitrovica, and met with Alliance-led peacekeeping troops in several parts of the province. Progress, but more to be done Speaking at a press conference in Pristina, Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said there were “encouraging signs” that the province was moving towards meeting key international standards. He said these positive signs included renewed Serb participation in key institutions, the resumption of direct talks between Pristina and Belgrade and the responsible reaction of the population to the indictment of former Prime Minister Haradinaj. The Secretary General stressed however that a lot remains to be done, and that “the world was watching”. A review of the province’s compliance with international standards is due this summer. This review will determine whether or not talks on the province’s final status will go ahead and is widely regarded as a very important moment for Kosovo. Mr. De Hoop Scheffer reiterated that the NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping force would maintain the necessary operational capability to maintain peace in the province.