asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the light of the latest situation in Kosovo, what steps they are taking to ensure that the specific competences of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government, the United Nations interim administration mission in Kosovo and the potential European security and defence policy mission are clarified and made accountable to the people of Kosovo. [HL1035]

The UN mission in Kosovo has already handed over a substantial volume of government responsibilities to the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government. These institutions are accountable to the people of Kosovo through the democratic process. The people most recently expressed their will through free and fair elections on 17 November 2007.

The European security and defence policy mission has yet to begin. The European Council on 14 December underlined that the EU stands ready to play a leading role in strengthening stability in the region and in implementing a settlement defining Kosovo's future status.

Overall administrative responsibility for Kosovo currently lies with the UN Special Representative, Joachim Rocker, who is accountable to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.