[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E904-E905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 GUAM CONTRIBUTES TO THE UNITED NATIONS INTERIM ADMINISTRATION MISSION 
                           IN KOSOVO (UNMIK)

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2002

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize individuals from my home island of Guam who made 
contributions toward the United Nations (U.N.) peacekeeping effort in 
Kosovo. The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo 
(UNMIK) was the result of the Security Council resolution 1244 
authorizing the U.N. Secretary-General to establish an interim civilian 
administration in the war-ravaged province of Kosovo under the auspices 
of the U.N. Taking effect on June 10, 1999, the resolution called upon 
UNMIK to perform basic civilian administrative functions and promote 
the establishment of substantial autonomy and self-government in 
Kosovo. These foundations were laid toward the facilitation of a 
political process that was to determine Kosovo's future status. UNMIK 
was also tasked to coordinate the humanitarian and disaster relief from 
international agencies as well as the reconstruction of key 
infrastructure. During this period it was a paramount goal to maintain 
civil law and order, promote human rights, and assure the safe and 
unimpeded return of all refugees and displaced persons to their homes 
in Kosovo. A significant role was played by the UNMIK International 
Civilian Police in the realization of these goals.
  Unlike previous U.N. operations where the major task was to monitor 
various activities, the UNMIK police was required to maintain order and 
enforce the law. UNMIK was tasked with establishing and developing a 
professional, impartial and independent local police, called Kosovo 
Police Service (KPS). Temporary law enforcement was to be provided by

[[Page E905]]

members of this international unit until such time when the local 
police is able to enforce law and order according to international 
standards. For the past several years, however, the UNMIK police has 
been the only law enforcement unit in Kosovo.
  Out of the almost five thousand members of the Kosovo Police Service, 
several individuals hail from my home island of Guam. These 
individuals--Bob Cruz, Marc Howard, Ferdinand Ibabao, Phil Leddy, Andy 
Pellacani, Joanne Oliva, Mark Riley, Jay Thornton, Ed Toves, Helen 
Vibar, and Tracy Volta--made personal contributions toward establishing 
law and order in Kosovo. In addition to dealing with local crime, these 
individuals also assisted in providing security for people who are 
threatened by ethnic violence and political repercussions. Additional 
duties include the protection of U.N. officials assigned to Kosovo. 
Ferdinand Ibabao, a distinguished member of this group, won a citation 
for preventing a potential assassination attempt on an international 
judge who had earlier refused a bribe from a criminal defendant.
  The work of UNMIK is commendable. Also deserving of note are the 
substantial contributions made by individuals from Guam to this 
humanitarian mission. In the performance of their duties, these men and 
women have brought credit to themselves and the people of Guam. I urge 
them to keep up the good work.

                          ____________________