Sergio Vieira De Mello, the United Nations Under Secretary for Humanitarian Affairs and Relief Coordination, said this morning at a Washington news conference that the United Nations is ready to move fast in assistance, reconstruction, and development in Southeastern Europe.
Time is short - there is only three months before the start of winter.
Mr. De Mello that while the European Union and The World Bank will take the lead in long-term infrastructure reconstruction, the United Nations will act swiftly in the reconstruction of basic services, including housing, schools, and energy production. He also wants an emergency employment project for returning Kosovars. Mr. De Mello also stated that Macedonia, Albania, and other countries in the region will require assistance, including economic assistance to offset damaged international trade. Such a plan should include political, security, and democratization elements. But without economic programs, it will be difficult to have success.