UNMIK Chief Signs Decree on Decentralization in Kosovo

SEEUROPE.NET (BULGARIA), 2005-07-25 12:41:12

On July 22, UNMIK chief Soren Jessen-Petersen signed an administrative decree on decentralization, which involves the creation of five new municipalities in Kosovo.

The decree on decentralization has officially approved the implementation of a pilot project for forming five new municipalities, Gracanica near Pristina, Djeneral Jankovic near Kacanik, Junik near Decani, Mamusa near Prizren and Partes near Gnjilane.

Decentralization is one of the standards which the international community has set for Kosovo as a condition for establishing the province's final status.

The decree makes it possible to create new municipalities in Kosovo, which was envisaged by the program for reforming the local government in 2005, which was approved by the Kosovo government.

The UNMIK chief will determine the territory of each future municipality based on recommendations from the Ministry for Local Government. He will also appoint the members of interim assemblies in these municipalities.

The decree on decentralization, which took effect on July 24, will be applicable until the municipal elections scheduled for 2006.

Source: Beta News Agency