ECIKS - News and analysis about Kosovo Economy in English

Prishtina, Dec 11, 2004 - The top U.N. official in Kosovo, Søren Jessen-Petersen, released yesterday the External Audit Report of the 2001 Kosovo Consolidated Budget (KCB). Under the applicable Law in Kosovo the SRSG is required to ensure that appropriate independent audit arrangements are established for the Kosovo Consolidated Budget.

The audit of the 2001 KCB was conducted by the Netherlands Court of Audit. The audit report provides an overview of the observations, conclusions and recommendations arising from the 2001 audit. It covers various topics of financial management related to the 2001 Kosovo Consolidated Budget.

The auditor recognizes that there are improvements in the financial management. However, further improvements are necessary. The report includes a list of audit recommendations by different budget functions. Main findings and recommendations of the report concentrate in the areas of banking and cash management, information and accounting systems, internal audit, administration of revenues and expenditures, municipalities, public enterprises as well as the financial statements. These recommendations are being currently reviewed by the respective budget organizations. Preliminary discussions and assessments of actions revealed that many of the recommendations have been consequently implemented or are in the process of being implemented.

With the successful establishment of the Office of the Auditor General, under UNMIK Regulation 2002/18, the overall management of the audit process with the Netherlands Court of Audit for fiscal years 2002, 2003 and onwards is now undertaken by the Auditor General of Kosovo.

The audit report of the 2001 KCB has been distributed to the President of Kosovo, the Prime Minister, other Ministers and representatives of the Government, the President of the Assembly and Assembly Members, Municipalities, UNMIK institutions, Donor Agencies, Liaison Offices, other relevant organizations and the press.

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