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MNB(East) paying Kosovo property owners

Army News Service

Release Date: 03/15/2004

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo (Army News Service, March 15, 2004) -- Multi-national Brigade (East) officials are compensating Kosovo citizens for property used by U.S. forces under a real-estate claims program that began in December.

As of Feb. 29, the real estate claims office issued payment on nine leases and expects to issue payment on an additional 22 leases this month. Throughout the program, officials distributed 318 claims packets, made contact with 444 potential claimants, assisted in drafting 51 powers of attorney, collected 14 affidavits, and collected a total of 156 claims forms. Of those claims, six have been denied since the claimed properties were not located in areas eligible for reimbursement.

Brig. Gen. Rick Erlandson, MNB (E) commander, said "It is great to see so many people are applying for this program. We have met with people of all ethnicities regarding the real estate program and it has been well received".

The program, which was officially announced Dec. 12, is intended to compensate the owners of property that was damaged, occupied or used by U.S. forces since June 10, 1999.

Claims packets, which owners of property need to complete in order to receive compensation, have been available since Dec. 22 at local municipal buildings in Kosovo. The packets contain instructions on how to file claims, which must be made by June 30.

Claimants are required to prove their identity and the ownership of the property. UNMIK travel documents, UNMIK identification card, or a passport are required for identification.

To prove ownership, claimants need a Possession List or Partial Possession List, a Plan, and a Sketch. The documents used to prove ownership of the property need an original stamp on UNMIK letterhead from the Kosovo Cadastral Agency. If owners cannot provide any of these documents they will need to provide other credible evidence of ownership, such as a court decision.

Each claim is reviewed regarding ownership, location and length of military occupation and use, and proper documentation. Claimants receive written notification of the decision.

If the claim is approved, notification will include an offer to pay a specific amount of compensation for the past occupation and use of the property. If the U.S. military continues to occupy the property, owners will be offered a continuing monthly payment during that occupancy.

If the claim is denied, notification will include the reasons for denial. Failure to respond to an approved offer within 30 days of the offer date or failure to provide sufficient information with which to contact the owner are some reasons for denial. Should the claim be denied, there is no right of appeal, officials said. However, they said the denial letter will explain the option to have the denial of the claim reviewed by a higher headquarters office.

U.S. Army representatives are available at municipal buildings on certain days in a number of different Kosovo communities to receive claims. A question and answer sheet regarding this program and claim forms are available from the representatives or at the MNB (E) website at http://www.mnbe.hqusareur.army.mil/.