CANADA: SUPPORT FOR REFUGEE/IDP RETURNS TO KOSOVO

UNCLAS OTTAWA 001538 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM EAID PREF YI CA UNMIK SUBJECT: CANADA: SUPPORT FOR REFUGEE/IDP RETURNS TO KOSOVO REF: A. STATE 129862 B. 02 OTTAWA 3092 ¶1. (U) Post delivered points contained ref A to Claudie Senay, Policy Advisor for Humanitarian Affairs in DFAIT's Human Rights, Humanitarian Affairs and International Women's Equality Division, on May 19. ¶2. (U) In a follow-up discussion May 29, Senay said that Canada recognizes the importance of minority returns to Kosovo. In addition to funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) for long-term development programs in Kosovo, GoC has provided funds to UNMIK's Housing and Property Directorate, which is responsible for establishing legal property titles and determining compensation for seized property. Senay said Canada is also providing funding to promote returns through the local initiatives program at its embassy in Pristina (ref B). ¶3. (U) She said Canada would not commit to providing additional support for returns at this time, adding that CIDA will continue to consult with UNMIK about what steps can be taken to improve the returns climate. CELLUCCI