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Kosovo: Politics and Government

Answer

UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1244 (1999) authorises the UN Secretary-General, with the assistance of relevant international organisations, to establish an international civilian presence in Kosovo and authorises that presence to maintain civil law and order, including through the deployment of international police personnel. The UN Mission in Kososvo (UNMIK) continues to operate under this legal basis. The provisions of UNSCR 1244 (1999) remain in place until the Security Council decides otherwise.The EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) has deployed to Kosovo in response to an invitation from the government in Kosovo for a police and rule of law mission in accordance with the UN Special Envoy's Comprehensive Settlement Proposal. EULEX is established under Title V of the Treaty on European Union. In co-operation with UNMIK, EULEX will take on part of the role envisaged in UNSCR 1244 (1999) for the international civilian presence and it accordingly also draws upon the authority of that resolution. The European Council's Joint Action 2008/124/CFSP of 4 February 2008, which established EULEX, states that the European Council shall evaluate, not later than six months after the start of the operational phase, whether EULEX should be extended.The International Civilian Office (ICO) operates on the basis of an invitation from the Government of Kosovo in accordance with the UN Special Envoy's Comprehensive Settlement Proposal. The Proposal provides for a review of the ICO's operations after two years.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

219654; 479 c2192W

Session

2007-08

Subjects

International assistance Kosovo

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk