[JURIST] The United Nations Security Council [official website] on Friday discussed a report [link to PDF file] outlining UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon's plans [JURIST report] to reconfigure the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) [official website] now that the state's new constitution has entered into effect. Lamberto Zannier, whom Ban recently appointed [press release] as head of UNMIK and Special Representative to Kosovo, has already stated [press briefing, PDF] that he envisions a "radical" restructuring of the Mission. Speaking before the Security Council on Friday, Zannier stated that he can no longer enforce his authority [UN summary], meaning that he cannot promulgate laws or exert control over the rule of law efforts. The Security Council could not reach a consensus on the future of UNMIK and was unable to provide an advisory statement to Ban. AFP has more.

The new European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) [official website] is expected to take over the rule of law area in Kosovo as UNMIK nears the end of its 120-day timetable for reducing operations and handing over responsibilities. After that time, EULEX will continue to function in an advisory role with some executive authority. Powers formerly reserved for the Special Representative have been re-allocated under the new constitution. The International Civilian Office [official website] will oversee progress under Kosovo's status settlement. Kosovo's new constitution [text] went into effect [JURIST report] in June.