Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the political and security situation in Kosovo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26905/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, Kosovo has been under UN administration since the end of the conflict in June 1999, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244. The head of the UN interim administration mission in Kosovo, UNMIK, has been working closely with the provisional institutions of self-government to encourage the implementation of a wide-ranging reform process, based on European standards, in advance of the consideration of the constitutional status of Kosovo. The EU supports the priority which UNMIK has established for early progress on these reforms which most directly affect the security and rights of minority communities.

The UN Secretary General appointed a special representative, Ambassador Kai Eide of Norway, to prepare a comprehensive review of the implementation of reforms based on European standards. If the review is positive, it will be followed by the opening of a process to agree the constitutional status of Kosovo, which will be facilitated by the international community. Earlier this week, Ambassador Eide submitted his report to the UN Secretary General who is expected to forward it to the Security Council together with recommendations in the near future.

The EU has given a clear commitment that the long-term future of the western Balkans region, including Kosovo, rests within the European Union and has reaffirmed its commitment to a multi-ethnic and democratic Kosovo which contributes to the stability of the region and adheres to the values and standards of the EU. In the period ahead, together with our EU partners, we will continue to work in co-operation with the United Nations, with the governments of the region and with the US and other international partners towards the achievement of this objective.

The security situation is now calm, but it remains tense. I pay tribute to the work of KFOR, the UN-mandated peacekeeping force in Kosovo, and especially to the contribution of the 210 Irish troops serving with the force, in ensuring security and stability in often difficult circumstances.