Pristina, 10 June - The European Commission (EC) Liaison Office hosted today a high level kick-off meeting on the revitalisation of Brezovica. Participants included senior government officials as well as local and international stakeholders.

Renzo Daviddi, Head of the EC Liaison Office said: \"The revitalisation of the Brezovica area is important for Kosovo\'s economy. It can only be done through a comprehensive approach. The aim is to ensure that the citizens of Brezovica benefit in terms of an improved infrastructure, better all-year round employment opportunities whilst protecting the natural environment.\"

The Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuçi promised that the government would provide support for the necessary improvements to the public infrastructure in Brezovica. 

The Mayor of Shtërpce/Štrpce, Bratislav Nikolić, welcomed the proposed approach, and outlined the importance notably of strong local ownership and involvement. 

The EC Liaison Office has contracted a specialised company to produce a development plan for the area. It will also support the government to take legal and strategic decisions and also help the Privatisation Agency of Kosovo in organising an Investors Conference later in 2010.