08 November 2002
U.S. Urges Continued Cooperation on Rebuilding Kosovo
(Nov. 5, Brussels: Ruth Hansen statement to donors meeting) (750)
The head of the U.S. delegation to the Kosovo Donors Meeting in
Brussels November 5, Ruth Hansen, urged other donors to "maintain the
momentum" on cooperative efforts to rebuild Kosovo, saying that
"[t]ogether we have invested substantial resources ... and have made
substantial progress."
Hansen noted that the United States had pledged more than $350 million
for reconstruction and development since July 1999 and that next
year's aid would be used to train and equip police units, provide
technical assistance on economic reforms, and support the return of
displaced persons and refugees.
She warned, however, that the U.S. Congress would likely stipulate --
as it has done in the past -- that American aid should not exceed 15%
of resources pledged by other donors.
"We must be able to demonstrate to the American people that our
program is one part of a strong continued international effort," she
said.
Following is the text of Hansen's statement:
(begin text)
Brussels
November 5, 2002
U.S. STATEMENT AT KOSOVO DONORS MEETING
I would like to thank the World Bank and the European Commission for
organizing this meeting. It is a very valuable opportunity for us all
to work together for a strong international effort in Kosovo. As we
have heard, there is more to be done, and much progress to preserve.
We must maintain the momentum.
On behalf of the U.S. Government, I would like to acknowledge the
achievements and progress that have been recorded by the Kosovars, the
United Nations and international donors. It is truly impressive. We
are encouraged to see the emergence of a political culture of respect
and tolerance in Kosovo. We urge all Kosovars to respect the rights of
internally displaced persons who want to return to their homes in
Kosovo to work for a better future for their families and for Kosovo
as well.
The U.S. has been a strong and active supporter of these efforts,
having pledged over $350 million for Kosovo's reconstruction and
development since July 1999. Specifically, in 2003, U.S. assistance
will train and equip the Kosovo Police Service and Kosovo Protection
Corps; support economic reforms through technical assistance and
employment generation programs; strengthen political institutions,
civil society and community development; and support the return of the
displaced and refugees. We also will continue to provide a sizeable
contingent to the UNMIK police.
As in past years, the size of our program depends on the magnitude of
assistance committed by other donors. Our Congress again will likely
stipulate that this year's program should not exceed 15% of resources
pledged by other donors by March 31, 2003. We must be able to
demonstrate to the American people that our program is one part of a
strong continued international effort.
We take this opportunity to urge donors to remain committed to
activities that strengthen civil security and rule of law and help to
create conditions that allow for successful returns and for the
development of minority communities. We ask the donor community to
join us in promoting improvements in Kosovo's regulatory environment,
fiscal policy planning, and administration to encourage investment
that is vital to continued economic growth. We should uniformly press
for an expeditious and transparent privatization process to promote
the private sector. Bolstering regional trade links is vital.
Recognizing this, the U.S. strongly supports Kosovo's participation in
the Stability Pact Trade Working Group and other efforts to bolster
regional trade links. We urge the donors to promote policies and
practices that integrate Kosovo into Southeastern Europe rather than
isolate it from the region.
On other matters, the U.S. will welcome the shut-down of the CFA and
the effective merger of its functions with the Ministry of Finance: In
addition; the U.S. believes that regular engagement by the IMF is
beneficial for economic policy makers in Kosovo, for us as donors, and
for potential investors. Therefore, the U.S. would encourage the IMF
to work with Kosovar authorities to develop a macroeconomic framework
that could be observed by IMF staff and reported to donors. We also
strongly support a more active role for the EBRD and the IFC in
Kosovo, both in private enterprises and the public sector, especially
in infrastructure. Improvement in Kosovo's regulatory environment
would help facilitate such lending, and we urge expeditious action in
this area.
We look forward to working with Kosovars and with our international
partners to achieve our mutual goals in Kosovo. Together we have
invested substantial resources in Kosovo and have made substantial
progress. Our commitment needs to remain strong now - to preserve
these gains, press onward, and maintain peace and stability in a
fragile region. Thank you.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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