UN resolution 1244

June 9, 1999
UN Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) authorized an international force in Kosovo and provided for the safe return of an estimated 860,000 ethnic Albanian refugees. The draft resolution was created by the G8 countries Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom, and the United States. The Netherlands, Slovenia and Ukraine also joined as co-sponsors.

Political And Security Resolution

The resolution called for an international peacekeeping force with NATO at its core to be deployed to Kosovo for an initial 12 months and indefinitely beyond then unless the Security Council would decide otherwise.

The primary responsibilities for the force in Kosovo was to deter renewed hostilities, demilitarization of the Kosovo Liberation Army -- the rebel group of ethnic Albanians -- and establishment of a secure environment for refugees to return.

The resolution authorized UN member states and international organizations to use "all necessary means" to implement its provisions. This was possible since military operations were deployed under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

International Civil Presence

The resolution authorized the UN to establish an interim civilian administration for Kosovo that would allow for the return of refugees and promote the establishment of substantial autonomy and self-government for the province within Yugoslavia.

The administration would establish a local police force and oversee the development of provisional democratic institutions, including elections, based on the Rambouillet accords. It would support the economic reconstruction of Kosovo and help with humanitarian and disaster relief.

A special representative of the secretary-general would oversee the civilian administration.

Cooperation With War Crimes Tribunal

The resolution demanded full cooperation by all governments and the international security force in Kosovo with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic was indicted by the tribunal for crimes against humanity in May 1999.

Economic Reconstruction

The resolution encouraged governments and international organizations to contribute to the economic and social reconstruction of Kosovo and emphasized the need to convene a donors' conference as soon as possible. It also welcomed work by the European Union and other international organizations to develop a comprehensive approach to the economic development and stabilization of the region affected by the Kosovo crisis.

Demands On Yugoslavia

The resolution demanded an immediate and verifiable end to violence and repression in Kosovo and the withdrawal of all military, police and paramilitary forces from Kosovo according to a rapid time table. It confirmed that a number of Serb military and police personnel will be allowed to return to maintain a presence at key border crossings and cultural sites, to mark and clear minefields and to maintain contacts with the military and civilian missions.

Demands On Kosovo Albanian Groups

The resolution demanded that the Kosovo Liberation Army and other armed Kosovo Albanian groups end all offensive actions immediately and comply with the requirements for demilitarization which were spelled out by the head of the international military force.

Source: based on a report from CNN.