The issue of national identity is taken seriously by Balkan people – including the least serious among them.
Mitrovica North a Challenge for Decentralisation
Pristina | 25 December 2009 | Petrit Collaku
Mitrovica
The Ministry of Local Governance Administration, MLGA, is inviting Kosovo Serbs in Mitrovica north and Partes in Gjilan municipality, to be part of the decentralisation preparatory teams.
MLGA has re-issued the vacancy for future members of the so-called municipal preparatory teams who will be in charge for the preparation of the locality of Mitrovica.
Also, they will be in charge to prepare the local elections and identify the legal and administrative infrastructure for the locality needs.
Decentralisation is part of the Martti Ahtisaari’s proposal plan for Kosovo and foresees creation of the five new municipalities and one expanded municipality. ICO is in Kosovo to foster if the plan is implemented.
Ministry of local governance stated that the last local elections in Kosovo held on November 15, has brought the concrete answer to decentralisation because Gracanica, Klokot and Ranilug will be governed by the local Serb presidents.
Minister of local governance, Sadri Ferati told Balkan Insight: “We had conferences and two workshops in the north and the interest was high by local Serbs.” He added that MLGA together International Civilian Office, ICO, is inviting Kosovo Serbs in Mitrovica north to be part of this mission because this is all about them.
“We will be present there and this is for their interest,” Ferati said. “We want to integrate all Kosovo people in the system and make sure everyone is having equal rights,” Ferati added.
He said that Kosovo Serbs are aware that there is no perspective for them if the situation continues like this in Mitrovica north. “Parallel structures are fading there,” said Ferati. “We know that Mitrovica is a big challenge for us but I believe that local Serbs want to be integrated,” Ferati added.
Decentralisation is part of the Martti Ahtisaari’s proposal plan for Kosovo and foresees creation of the five new municipalities and one expanded municipality. ICO is in Kosovo to foster if the plan is implemented.
Deputy International Civilian Representative Fletcher Burton said: “This is another step forward in the decentralization process. I believe that the new and expanded municipalities, which recently went through successful local elections, set a positive example to people living in Mitrovica north.”
“Creating the new municipality of Mitrovica North will bring municipal government closer to the community with the aim of improving services and infrastructure, and increasing transparency and accountability,” said Burton.
Decentralisation process is supported by the Kosovo’s government but heavily opposed by nationalist movement Vetvendosje, Self-determination.
