STEINER: CONDITIONS FOR DEBATE ON KOSOVO STATUS HAVEN'T BEEN MET YET

PRISTINA, Sept 7 (Hina) - UN Civil Administrator for Kosovo (UNMIK) Michael Steiner has stated in an interview with Voice of America that the transfer of powers from the UNMIK to local institutions in Kosovo must be accelerated, after which it will be possible to discuss the province's status. #L# In last night's interview with Voice of America in Albanian, Steiner said that the international community would do all to establish permanent institutions and security for all in Kosovo, as well as to introduce the rule of law and fight crime. Commenting on the issue of Kosovo's status, the UN Civil Administrator said the necessary standards for a debate on the issue had not been met yet and the process should be accelerated. The matter is in the hands of the Albanian people and as soon as they do their homework talks on the final status will start, he said. Speaking about the latest arrests in Kosovo, including those of former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) officers, Steiner said the operation did not harm relations between the UNMIK and Kosovo citizens. They support the fight against crime, Steiner said, adding that nobody could be above the law. He dismissed claims by some circles that the arrests were politically motivated. The only solution for northern Kosovo Serb leader Milan Ivanovic, whom the UNMIK has charged with attempted murder, is to surrender, Steiner said, adding that the international community would treat all Kosovo communities in the same way. Commenting on efforts to enable the return of Kosovo Serb refugees, Steiner said that many more people were returning to Kosovo than leaving it. There are still extremists who want to prevent that process, but people supporting it are much more numerous, Steiner said, adding that it was essential to understand that those who abandoned their homes had the right to return, as it was the best way towards integration in Europe. (hina) rml