The Kosovo Property Agency (KPA) was established on 4 March 2006 under UNMIK Regulation 2006/10, as an administrative agency functioning independently pursuant to Chapter 11.2 of the Constitutional Framework of Kosovo. It is mandated to facilitate the resolution of claims resulting from the armed conflict that occurred between 27 February 1998 and 20 June 1999 in respect of private immovable property, including agricultural and commercial property - and has three main functions; (a) receive, register and assist the courts in resolving specific claims on private immovable property; (b) enforcement of legally final decisions; and (c) administration of abandoned properties.

Under the Regulation, the staff and assets of the Housing and Property Directorate (HPD) is subsumed into the KPA. The KPA therefore assumes responsibility for the implementation of all residential property claims that were pending with the HPD on 4 March 2006 and it will ensure their resolution in an effective and expeditious manner. Further, the Housing and Property Claims Commission (HPCC) will continue to decide the limited number of remaining residential claims that are currently pending before it.

In relation to the KPA's mandate to receive claims relating to private immovable property, including agricultural and commercial property, the claims intake commenced on 5 April 2006, at offices designated by the KPA inside Kosovo, and at office outside Kosovo when endorsed by the domestic authorities.

We welcome the collaboration and cooperation from everyone that this undertaking, which has been conferred on the KPA, both deserves and requires in order to be implemented successfully.