§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their policy towards the administration of Kosovo as a whole after municipal elections have been held; how this policy will further the principle of democratic and accountable government; and what will be the rights of refugees and displaced people in the municipal elections and rebuilding of democracy. [HL2702]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)Following the municipal elections, responsibility for municipal affairs will be transferred to elected municipal councils. The UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) will oversee the councils and will have wide-ranging powers to take action against maladministration. This transfer of responsibilities to locally elected officials will require them to be accountable to the electorate. Our goal remains the participation of all communities in voter registration and municipal elections; we support UNMIK's efforts to encourage minorities to register. Our efforts are being frustrated by Milosevic's refusal to allow displaced Kosovo Serbs in Serbia to register. We are encouraging countries with lines to Belgrade to urge the authorities there to reverse their policy, in the Serbs' own interest.