§ Andrew MackinlayTo ask the Prime Minister what measures have been taken each year to advance the undertakings he gave during his first visit to Pristina, Kosovo; what further measures he proposes; and if he will make a statement. [185632]
§ The Prime MinisterThe UK remains committed to building a stable, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo, based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244, which set up the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) to help establish an autonomous, self-governing Kosovo. Free and democratic elections were held in 2001 which resulted in the formation of a Provisional Kosovo Government (PISG). In November 2003, the UNSC set out key standards that the PISG needed to reach for a process on final status to begin. The UN Secretary General, consulting the Contact Group, will assess progress in a formal review in 2005.
The UK continues to be a leading partner in Kosovo working closely with the UN Mission in Kosovo, the EU and the Contact Group to build a Kosovo based on the rule of law. I welcome the 14 July Joint Declaration by Kosovo Serb and Albanian leaders pledging to work together on reconciliation, return of displaced Serbs and reform of local self-government.
Since the establishment of UNMIK in 1999, the UK has provided over £50 million and over 100 seconded staff. We have contributed over £115 million to programmes to help develop policy, strategy and operational systems in key areas such as public administration, social policy and health care reform.