At the outset, I would like to express the great importance Turkey attributes to the re-establishment of peace and stability in Kosovo and eventually in the Southeastern Europe.

The war in Kosovo is now over. However, we are now facing the most challenging issues, such as safe return of all refugees and displaced persons, forming a democratic system where all national communities are equally represented and establishment of the interim civil administration without delay.

We should keep in mind that a long-lasting peace can only be established in Kosovo when sustainable economic structure is created.

Political instability in the region jeopardizes economic development of the countries in the region. Moreover, it is compulsory to integrate the Southeastern countries’ economies into the European and world markets. In this respect, international support is also essential for the countries in the region to maintain their programs of economic development and transition to the free market system. It seems impossible that these countries will bear the cost of conflict while keeping up their endeavors for economic development at the same time only with their own resources.

We are aware of urgent need for the reconstruction of infrastructure in Kosovo, such as houses, hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and energy transmission lines, that have been destroyed during the conflict. For that reason, the international community should activate financial support and international organizations should have a leading role in this process thanks to their experiences.

The economic activities in Kosovo have nearly halted due to the crisis and international community should immediately pay attention to the recovery programs directed to the reinforcement of economic situation in Kosovo.

For this reason, Turkey is resolved to make available more assistance and exert all kinds of efforts in order to alleviate the sufferings of the Kosovar people.

As for Turkey’s endeavors, I would like to state that Turkey provided shelter to almost twenty eight thousand refugees fleeing from Kosovo both in Turkey and in two tent cities in Albania and Macedonia.

Turkish aid for Kosovo for this year has been budgeted about 40 million US Dollars. In fact, around 35 million US Dollars have already been spent for providing shelter, clothing, food and medicines for the refugees and Turkey has already committed 100 experts to the UNMIK in order to contribute to the establishment of civilian administration in Kosovo.

The remaining amount of 5 million US Dollars will be spent on projects that will be submitted to the Turkish Government.

Finally, being aware of the fact that establishment and continuation of peace in the region lie in the success of economic development, Turkey is ready to carry out her share in order to contribute to the economic revitalization of Kosovo.