Kosovo, One Year Later: Successes and Failures

Dr. Mark Baskin, Deputy Regional Administrator in Prizren, Kosovo
United Nations Mission in Kosovo

June 21, 2000

Dr. Baskin visited the Carnegie Endowment to share his experiences as United Nations Deputy Regional Administrator in Prizren, Kosovo. Dr. Baskin?s presentation focused on the successes and failures of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) over the last year. On a positive note, Dr. Baskin cited the upcoming elections, the establishment of banks and of a central fiscal system, the creation of 30 municipalities, and UNMIK?s ongoing coordination with humanitarian assistance NGOs. Dr. Baskin also discussed some of the many challenges UNMIK still faces, such as the continuing violence of the region, the lack of an independent media, and the absence of the rule of law.

In describing the challenges UNMIK is confronted with, Dr. Baskin elaborated upon the purpose and structure of the mission. UNMIK is a federated mission that does not possess a unitary command. Its objectives are many. As a municipal administration, for example, UNMIK deals with practical concerns like garbage collection and road building. UNMIK is also attempting to promulgate the rule of law through the establishment of a judiciary system, a police force, and democratic elections. Dr. Baskin argued that the idiosyncrasies of Kosovo?such as its unique mixture of ethnic groups and languages?makes UNMIK?s job a difficult one. Dr. Baskin concluded by saying that UNMIK?s success ultimately depends upon the willingness of the international community to commit itself to Kosovo over the long-term.

Prepared by Jonathan Blavin, Junior Fellow.