NATIONS UNIES UNITED NATIONS Mission United Nations Interim d’Administration Administration Mission Intérimaire des Nations In Field Operations Unit Returns Section Unies au Kosovo Field Operations Unit Consolidated Report on Communities and Returns Weekly Report 22 – 28 April 2006

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA REGION ! and RAE participated in GSV to Crkvena Vodica/Caravadicë, in Obiliq/c Municipality ! RCRUs and OCRM discuss future arrangements in relation to forced repatriation

Municipal Working Groups and Task Force Meetings At TF meeting held on 25 April in Lipjan/Lipljan municipality, draft of Municipal Returns Strategy 2006 (MRS) was discussed. UNHCR, UNMIK and FOU provided comments. The Serb Representative did not have any remarks whereas the Ashkali Rep stressed that he still has not received the MRS document for his comments. In this regard the MR proposed to have another Task Force meeting prior to next MWG meeting to further discuss the MRS.

Go&Inform Visits/Go&See Visits UNHCR and DRC organised GSV to Crkvena Vodica/Caravadicë (Obiliq/Obilic Municipality), scheduled for 27&28 April for 10 beneficiaries (Out of foreseen 7 Serbs and 3 RAE, eventually 4 Serbs and 1 RAE participated in the visit) currently displaced in . The security assessment did not foresee any obstacles and no need for special security measures considering that all three communities are already living in the village in peaceful coexistence. The receiving community did not oppose any potential returnee. Properties of Serbian beneficiaries are not destroyed and they are vacant or occupied by other Serbs. Properties of RAEs are destroyed and reconstruction is essential. The DRC informed that one beneficiary family sold house to K/A neighbour. The family was contacted through DRC Serbia Office and they denied any selling of property. However, it was agreed to allow this family to attend GSV but discouraging them from engaging in any business related to property during the visit.

RCRU Meetings Internal meeting on Rorced Returns took place on 28 April with representation of RCRUs from all the regions and OCRM Repatriation. Issues included possible ways on handing over the screening responsibilities to the Ministries and needed assistance to repatriated families. The paper prepared by FOU on Forced Returns was used as the basis for the discussion. RCRU Prizren proposed organizing the seminar to disseminate the information about forced repatriation and to sensitize local authorities to the problem and highlight their responsibilities.

GJILAN/GNJILANE REGION ! The Kosovo PM Agim Ceku visits to Zhiti/Zitinje ! Serb and Albanian youths of Zhegër/Zegra village meets at multiethnic workshop

Pertinent Development RCRU Gjilan/Gnjilane in coordination with the Office of Prime Minister organized on Wednesday a visit of Prime Minister Agim Çeku to the village of Zhiti/Žitinje, where the Serbs halted their return due to various reasons. Addressing the members of Zhiti/Zitinje multi-ethnic Village Council, Prime Minister Çeku encouraged the receiving community to maintain the climate conducive for return, peaceful coexistence and integration. On the other hand, he called on the IDP representatives in attendance to accept the offer made by local institutions and receiving community, and contribute to move the process forward. In addition, he said that a positive outcome in Zhiti/Žitinje could positively impact the returns process Kosovo wide. The Prime Minister said that IDPs should display more confidence and will for return to their homes and pledged to work in finding long-term solution for water network and sewage system, which were identified among the major concerns for both, IDPs and receiving community. In an effort to assess the situation and identify the way ahead in the light of positive messages brought by Prime Minister Çeku, the Village Council in Zhiti/Žitinje held a post-visit briefing. All participants agreed that minimum conditions for return in the village, security situation and freedom of movement in particular, were in place for quite some time now. The IDP representative was reassured that water & sewage project would be implemented once IDPs send clear signals that they have i i t ti t t Th C il d d th IDP t ti t P i Mi i t ’ tth 2 rest of displaced persons sheltered in Partesh/Parteš and encourage them to return to their homes. Also, it was agreed that efforts should focus those willing to return without further delays. The IDPs representative in turn, pledged to convene a meeting with all IDPs in Partesh/Parteš shortly. Thus, the Village Council, in two-week time the latest, shall be informed about the meeting conclusions concerning the eventuality of return.

Multiethnic workshop A multiethnic workshop held in Shillovë/Šilovo on Friday, 28 April, brought together K-Albanian and K-Serbian youth from Zhegër/Zegra village. The workshop was organized at the initiative of Serb and Albanian youth groups from Zhegër/Zegra. Participants presented and analyzed joint activities carried out during 2005 and plans for 2006. The workshop was also attended by youth representatives from Lladovë/Vladovo village, Llashticë/Vlaštica, Budrika e Ulët/Donja Budrika and Pasjan/Pasjan. The event was aimed at promoting interethnic relations in Zhegër/Zegra village and neighbouring villages.

Municipal Working Groups and Task Force Meetings At Viti/Vitina MWG on 25 April the MAP reiterated commitment of the Municipality to support return of all IDPs to their homes and guaranteed fair access to public services, health assistance and social assistance. In addition, he said that items stolen and damages caused to several Serb IDPs houses in Zhiti/Žitinje would be recovered once they decide to return. The President also appealed to donors’ community to support return of 4 Roma families to Zhiti/Žitinje. Participants received the English/Serbian version of 2006 Municipal Strategy on Returns and were asked to provide comments within two-week time. All participants agreed to convene a coordination meeting aimed at supporting the return of the 4 Roma families to Zhiti/Zitinje. MRO informed that an elderly Serb couple expressed interest to return in Viti/Vitina town. Their house (Category II) is currently under the HPD administration. UNHCR will provide assistance once they return, including repairs. Municipality pledged to explore the possibility to assist the couple with essential household items.

On 27 April the Special Adviser on Returns to SRSG Office attended the Novobërdë/Novo Brdo MWG meeting. The MWG discussed, and in principle approved, the 2006 Municipal Returns Strategy (MRS). The forum allowed additional two weeks time (until 10 May) for eventual inputs and comments to the final version, which will be presented to the Municipal Assembly for endorsement. The President was pleased to inform the forum that the Municipality has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the British Liaison Office in for construction of a multiethnic secondary school in Novo Brdo/Novobërdë. He also requested an assessment to be conducted for a potential returnee from Jagodina (a case referred by the Special Adviser on Returns to SRSG Office), as well as for a 12-member family from Izvor displaced in Smederevo.

At TF Prekovc/Prekovce-Bostan/Bostane-Izvor (Novobërdë/Novo Brdo) on 27 April, the DMAP briefed the Task Force about the meeting with UNDP and Ministry of Communities and Returns (MCR), which discussed the issues concerning eligibility criteria of NGOs implementing return projects. A representative of Voice of Kosovo (VOK) informed the participants that a meeting with UNDP and other stakeholders recently held in Belgrade addressed several issues of concern with regard to return process, including those voiced by MAP and DMAP. As result, significant modifications in this aspect are expected to happen in the near future. Taking into consideration the new developments reported by VOK, the Assembly President proposed launch of new assessment for Prekovce/Prekoc-Bostane/Bostan-Izvor by UNDP. The Tri-Partite Agreement (TPA) for a beneficiary in Bostane/Bostan has been signed and the construction will start shortly.

RCRU Meetings RCRU Gjilan/Gnjilane and UNHCR held a meeting with Kaçanik/ Kacanik MRO on 24 April in order to encourage local authorities to revitalize the MWG that would review and endorse the MRS for 2006. During the meeting UNMIK ensured the MRO that the international agencies involved in returns related activities would work with local administration with the view of promoting viable and sustainable returns and also help in sending a positive message to all IDPs and refugees. RCRU encouraged the MRO to attend the monthly regional MRO’s meeting that would help her in gathering the information and exchanging experience with other stakeholders. UNHCR suggested to initiate together with the MRO the visit of Shtërpcë/Štrpce based IIDPs from Kaçanik/ Kacanik in the light of the new window of opportunity for returns.

UNDP/SPARK The Community Development Voucher Scheme Committee met once again on 27 April to agree on a project for funding through the scheme. There was no agreement reached on a multiethnic project, but a proposal to use the 11,000€ for separate projects in Kosovo Serb and Kosovo Albanian villages was accepted. The projects include renovation of a Serb schoolyard in Gornja Bitinja/Biti e Eperme (€ 5.500); a dental X-ray machine for the multiethnic clinic in Drajkovce/Drekoc and a library for the Albanian school in Firajë/Firaja (altogether estimated at € 5,500). UNDP and the municipality will introduce the proposal to beneficiaries once the project designs are finalized.

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MITROVICË/MITROVICA REGION ! The MRO of Zubin Potok meets with UNHCR and UNMIK to discuss IDP issues

On 26 April, Zubin Potok Municipal Return Officer (MRO), Community Shelter Officer and CA met with UNHCR to discuss “general trends” and joint action plan concerning returns in Zubin Potok. The LCO said that three issues -“financial commitment” by Pristine/a which is uncertain to IDPs, ‘mis-‘ or exaggerated information about “security” in their places of origin and the “lack of communication” between IDPs and the Municipality - have been discouraging factors to IDPs’ in participating in return process. The Municipality and UNHCR decided to solidify their efforts and maintain close coordination, streamlining communications concerning Returns and community issues in Zubin Potok.

SOUTH WEST REGION - PRIZREN AND PEJË/PEĆ ! At Prizren MWG and Kline/a MWG meetings the IDPs express their concerns on the safety of their properties after KPA/HPD evictions ! Suharekë/ Municipality shows significant signs of progress in returns-related activities

Municipal Working Groups and Task Force Meetings The MWG Prizren on 28 April approved the final version of the MRS. The CCK representative tried to delay the approval due not receiving information prior to the meeting, but was rejected by the chairman. The IDP representatives seemed accepting of the MRS process but also requested more information from the municipality on the return issues so that they can in turn pass accurate updates to other IDPs. The recent resignation of the MRO in Prizren has left a big gap in the returns work of the municipality and this is clearly being felt by the IDP representatives. They also complained about the slow pace of evictions and also their properties being vandalized after evictions. Much of the discussion, as usual, centred on the alleged failures of the HPD/KPA rather than on the responsibility of Kosovo law enforcement agencies to protect people and property. The MCO and the CEO did little to assure IDPs that they would work hard to improve this situation only making general statements on how they wish IDPs to “return home.” The Assembly Communities’ Committee representative made a surprising attack on the failure of the international NGO ASB to cooperate with the municipality in creating beneficiary lists. ASB strongly defended its record and adherence to UNMIK rules and regulations for return and instead pointed out the irregularities in the returns process on the government’s side. This dispute seems to stem from competing interests in the municipality to benefit certain individuals which ASB does not always agree with. In short, this MWG meeting positively demonstrated a renewed involvement of the IDPs to engage the municipality in serious discussion of the important returns issues in Prizren.

On April 27 2006 the Suharekë/Suva Reka MWG was chaired by the DMAP. The IDPs could not participate in the meeting due to lack of coordination between IDPs and DRC in Serbia. The DMAP expressed his dissatisfaction over the DRC failure to transport the IDPs to attend the meeting. The ARC provided a progress report of the urban returns project. They reported that four refugee families have returned, with 12 out of 16 houses have been completed and the last four will be finished by next week. The road project and the placing of sidewalks have been completed. The project is expected to be completed 15 May 2006. ASB is working on Concept Papers (CPs) for the villages of Reqan/Recane and Mohlan/ for the return of 40 K- Serb IDP families, the construction of 40 houses, water supply and sewerage connection as well as balancing components. The CPs will be presented to the municipality for discussion by next week before the next MWG. UNHCR requested that the CP be discussed first in a Task Force meeting which should review all details and technicalities before going to the MWG. DMP agreed. Comments: There are several positive developments in Suharekë/Suva Reka. The RAE urban returns project is near completion and four of the six families have returned. The cleaning of a church in the village of Reqan/Recane by the municipality in preparation for a visit by IDPs on 6 May is also promising and the receiving community has agreed to get involved. Also upcoming GSVs to Mushtisht/Musutiste and Delloc/ and the possible development of CPs are good signs.

On 27, April at Pejë/Pec MWG, the MRO briefed about return related activities in Pejë/Pec AOR. The DRC representative briefed the meeting on the developments with “7Shtatori/7Septembar” project; where DRC has organized a successful IED (Inter-ethnic dialog) meeting. The TPA for “7Shtatori/7Septembar” beneficiaries will be signed on May 2, 2006 during a GIV to Montenegro by DRC. The IDPs representative from Pejë/Pec town said that they have visited their apartments and expressed their desire to return to the neighbourhoods of “Teroli” near the bus station 4

On April 26, 2006 the MWG Klinë/a was chaired by the D/MAP. The meeting was updated regarding the returns process in Klinë/a (urban returns, Klinavc/Klinavac and Drenovac/Drenoc project). It was mentioned that joint (K/Serbs and K/) meetings were held in Klinavc/Klinavac to discuss modalities of the project, which is conducive for the acceptance of IDPs by the receiving community. Also the problem of looting of properties after HPD evictions was flagged. HPD representative will be invited for the next MWG to clarify the issue.

On 26 April the Suharekë/Suva Reka JCC meeting was held chaired by the Municipal President. The Municipal Representative commented the overall standards implementation process by emphasizing the importance of the returns process, praised the work of Suharekë/Suva Reka MRO, asked for more actions and results. A special remark was on the use of names of places and streets, in particular the name of Suharekë/Suva Reka, instead of Theranda. The Municipal President said that they agreed on the proper use of names. The municipality has fulfilled its task regarding employment of minorities where applicable, such as in the sectors of administration and health. Employment in education is less due to the lack of education of Roma (that is the only returned minority in SR). The CEO reported that the graveyard has been cleaned as per municipal regulation. There will be a public meeting on the review of budget and graveyards. “Hidroregjioni” company was contacted and requested to exempt RAE community from the payment.

RCRU meetings On April 26 RCRU received a complaint from the Prizren MCO that the list of beneficiaries compiled by ASB NGO has many flaws. The ASB is currently identifying 60 beneficiaries for their return project to Zhupa/Župa valley for which 1.2 million euros has already been committed. However, MCO does not agree with the selection of 32 beneficiaries. To address the municipality concern RCRU attended a meeting with UNMIK representatives and the MCO. It was agreed that ASB will work together with MCO’s office and will review the list of beneficiaries to include only those who seriously intend to return. The names will be reviewed before presenting it to the MWG for approval and before reconstruction work starts.

Go&Inform Visits/Go&See Visits On 27-28 April, a successful GSV to Deçan/Decani was conducted. After long preparation and efforts by RCRU, DRC, MRO, UNHCR and other relevant authorities, at last eight IDPs from Deçan/Decani, manage to visit their properties and met with the local authorities. Most of the IDPs concerns were regarding security and their occupied properties.

Forthcoming activities: 2 May 06 1400hrs MWG Kamenice/Kamenica (Gjilan/Gnjilane Region) 2 May 06 RCRU mtg on Talinovc/Talinovac Ferizaj/Uroševac (Gjilan/Gnjilane Region) 3 May 06 1100hrs TF Babush/Srpski Babuš Ferizaj/Uroševac (Gjilan/Gnjilane Region) 3 May 06 1200hrs TF Prizren (South West Region) 3 May 06 LCPC Novobërdë/Novo Brdo (Gjilan/Gnjilane Region) 4 May 06 1400hrs TF Talinovc/Talinovac Ferizaj/Uroševac (Gjilan/Gnjilane Region) 5 May 06 1000hrs MWG Ferizaj/Uroševac (Gjilan/Gnjilane Region) 6 May 06 IDPs visit to Suharekë/Suva Reka village of Reqan/Recane (South West Region) 8 May 06 GSV to Mushtisht/Musutiste Suharekë/Suva Reka (South West Region) 9 May 06 TF on MRS Lipjan/Lipljan (Prishtinë/Priština Region) 10 May 06 1100hrs TF Bablak/Babljak Ferizaj/Uroševac (Gjilan/Gnjilane Region) 11 May 06 1400hrs MWG Kaçanik/Kačanik (Gjilan/Gnjilane Region) 17 May 06 1400hrs MWG Gjilan/Gnjilane (Gjilan/Gnjilane Region) 17 May 06 1100hrs TF Babush/Srpski Babuš Ferizaj/Uroševac (Gjilan/Gnjilane Region) 18 May 06 1400hrs TF Talinovc/Talinovac Ferizaj/Uroševac (Gjilan/Gnjilane Region) 18 May 06 1000hrs MWG Lipjan/Lipljan (Prishtinë/Priština Region) 19 May 06 1000hrs MWG Ferizaj/Uroševac (Gjilan/Gnjilane Region) 26 May 06 1300hrs MWG Shtërpcë/Štrpce (Gjilan/Gnjilane Region) 29 May 06 1000hrs TF Izvor/Bostane Novobërdë/Novo Brdo (Gjilan/Gnjilane Region) 29 May 06 1100hrs MWG Novobërdë/Novo Brdo (Gjilan/Gnjilane Region) 31 May 06 1400hrs MWG Viti/Vitina (Gjilan/Gnjilane Region)

For more information please contact: Head/Field 038 504 604 Mr Cornelius Nolen [email protected] Operations Unit ext. 7613 038 504 604 Gjilan/Gnjilane Mr Robert Ngangue [email protected] ext. 7625 Region 038 504 604 Prishtinë/PrišPrishtinë/Prištinatina 038 504 604 Ms Aleksandra Witkowska [email protected] ext. 6414 Region ext. 6414 038 504 604 Prizren Region Mr Muhammad Hayat [email protected] ext. 80800909

038 504 604 Pejë/Peć Region Mr Denis Begolli [email protected] ext. 3071 Mitrovicë/Mitrovica 038 504 604 Ms Karin Oliver [email protected] Region ext. 7359