Vol. 510 No. 3
123 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the underfinancing and undermanning of the UN mission in Kosovo (UNMIK); and if the terms of UN resolution 1244 on Kosovo are currently being fulfilled. [22460/99]
I am very concerned about the financial and personnel situation facing the interim UN Administration for Kosovo – UNMIK. I discussed the situation with Dr. Bernard Kouchner, Head of UNMIK, during my visit to Strasbourg last week to assume the Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. I made it clear to Dr. Kouchner that the Government will do all it can to ensure that UNMIK is properly financed and equipped to perform the critical tasks required of it. Dr. Kouchner informed me of his upcoming visit to New York where he will attempt to secure adequate resources for UNMIK. In my presentation to the Council on Ireland's Presidency programme, I stressed that a very high priority would be given to developing the Council's contribution to the stabilisation of democracy in south east Europe. In Kosovo, this will mean increased pragmatic co-operation with both UNMIK and the OSCE.
I recall that, under interim financing provisions for UNMIK adopted by the General Assembly on 28 July last, the Secretary-General was authorised to enter into commitments of up to $200 million. The detailed budget outline of approximately $450 million is currently being considered by the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, prior to consideration by the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly.
The EU is hosting a pledging conference for voluntary donations to UNMIK on 17 November in Brussels and UNMIK is preparing a detailed document on funding needs.
UNMIK is also responsible for policing in Kosovo and over 1,700 civilian police from 39 countries are operational on the ground. UN police units are already responsible for full police functions in the Pristina and Prizren regions. The Secretary-General has recommended that the Security Council increase the strength of the United Nations international civilian police force to 4,700. This increase is intended to ensure that UNMIK has a fully functional international police service both to establish and maintain civil law and order throughout the territory. Clearly it will take some time to build up the numbers of civilian police to the level envisaged by the Secretary-General. While KFOR is the principal component of the international security presence in Kosovo, there is a military liaison unit attached to UNMIK comprising 34 officers and two NCOs. Ireland has contributed two officers and both of the NCOs. In addition, Brigadier General Richard Heaslip of the Defence Forces is on secondment to UNMIK as a district administrator. Ireland is, of course, represented in KFOR by a transport company of the Defence Forces.
