Published: July 01, 2011
US Strengthens Kosovo's Nascent Institutions and Multi-Ethnic Democracy
By Mina Fabulous 
The United States of America announced that it will strengthen Kosovo's nascent institutions and its multi-ethnic democracy to achieve regional stability in the region.
The U.S. assistance to Kosovo also includes supporting U.S. participation in the European Security and Defense Policy mission (EULEX).
Other activities also promotes the rule of law, ensuring the development of a democratic and multi-ethnic society, promoting economic development, and supporting Kosovo's progress toward Euro-Atlantic integration.
AREAS OF FOCUS:
Peace and Security (P&S)
Advance rule of law and basic security for citizens, mitigate ethnic conflict and build confidence in government institutions
Monitor trends that could lead to conflict, facilitate reconciliation and increase informed discussion of the role of minorities in planning for Kosovo's future
Increase capacity of basic police services, border security, forensics, police administration management and leadership, training and criminal justice coordination
Governing Justly and Democratically (GJD)
Build the capacity and efficiency of the Ministry of Justice and other actors in the judicial system, including courts
Ensure a stable, inclusive, democratic society with participation of all ethnic communities
Establish professional, independent media serving all of Kosovo's communities
Investing in People (IIP)
Improve the quality of basic education
Support higher education to improve the quality of the workforce
Support entrepreneurship among Kosovo's youth
Economic Growth (EG)
Improve the Kosovo Energy Corporation's billing procedures and internal accounting practices
Establish a legal and regulatory environment conducive to investment and the growth of a competitive private sector capable of creating employment
Help Kosovo meet its debt burden as the Government implements sustainable fiscal policies
Humanitarian Assistance (HA)
Provide assistance to minority communities and support efforts to build homes for displaced Roma and other returnees
RECENT SUCCESSES:
USG supported the thirty year concession of Pristina International Airport
Relying on USG technical guidance, the Ministry of Internal Affairs established the first clear division of responsibility within the Kosovo Police organization. The structure provides for improved gender balance and increased minority participation in police decision making.
USG established a model court in ten municipalities and implemented a training program for civil execution clerks to begin reducing the backlog of cases in Kosovo's courts.
USG provided training to prosecutors and police in counter-narcotics and human trafficking which led to a number of successful arrests. Kosovo maintained a Tier 2 ranking in the latest TIP report.
USG assisted the move of 50 displaced Roma families (200+ beneficiaries) from the lead-poisoned camps of north Mitrovica to new, clean housing in south Mitrovica.
Republic of Kosovo declared independence on 17th of February 2008. A number of states such as the United States, Turkey, Albania, Austria, Croatia, Germany, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Australia, Poland and others) announced Kosovo's recognition as an independent state.
At present, 76 UN states recognize the independence of Kosovo.
Mina Fabulous follows the news, especially what is going on in the US State Department. Mina turns State Department waffle into plain english. Contact Mina through NewsBlaze.
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