In his first public comments since being named Secretary-General Kofi Annans Special Representative in Kosova yesterday, the new envoy said he expects to be the last person to hold that position because he believes a resolution of the provinces final political status can soon be reached.

Speaking at the headquarters of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosova (UNMIK) in Pristina yesterday, Joachim Rücker said work would focus on preparing for the operations departure and the handover of Kosova to the appropriate authorities, as determined by a final status settlement.

The UN has run Kosova, an Albanian-majority Serbian province, since international forces drove out Yugoslav troops in 1999 amid ethnic fighting. Independence and autonomy are among options that have been mentioned for its final status.

I recognize and I respect that minority communities in Kosova, especially the Kosova Serb community, need special reassurances, and I would emphasize that the majority population has an obligation and responsibility to reach out to the minorities more than ever before, said Mr. Rücker, who assumes his post on 1 September and said he expects to be the Secretary-Generals last Special Representative there.

He said the key tasks ahead included the creation of stable institutions, a peaceful and secure environment, economic development, and minority participation in Kosovas life.
I have great faith in the people of Kosova, and in particular I have great faith in Kosovas young generation, a generation that has the opportunity to live in peace and prosperity, he said.

Mr. Rücker added that UNMIK would work to leave behind a united Kosova, despite the fact that Serbia rejects the idea of independence and Kosovas Serbs have been boycotting the provinces local government.
We cannot and we will not accept partition as an option, he said. Engagement with UNMIK and with the Kosova Institutions is the only method of ensuring that the Kosova Serb concerns are addressed and an acceptable solution is found.