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UNESCO ANNOUNCES June 9, 1999, 11:17 . Archives and Librariesin the BalkansThe UN system moves into high gear as its plans for the implementation of the Kosovo peace agreement. UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Balkans Carl Bildt on Tuesday described Kosovo as a &laqno; devastated wasteland that will have to be rebuilt from the bottom up ». This includes the reconstruction of archives and libraries. There is evidence of massive destruction of the collective memory including the loss of vital documents such as birth certificates and property deeds. In a short term, a detailed assessment of destruction and damages of libraries and archives must be made. Urgent measures need to be taken to safeguard collections that have survived but are now in danger because of bad preservation conditions. In a mid-term, rehabilitation efforts, particularly in the area of public administration, must take account of the importance of libraries as local gateways to knowledge, that provide a basic condition for lifelong learning, independent decision-making and cultural development of individuals and groups in the region. In the reconstruction phase, record management components must be taken into consideration as civilian rehabilitation projects begin. Adequate record management measures are also important to guarantee long-term transparency of administrative and governmental action and are essential to a successful process of democratization in the Balkans. Public administration reform programmes that will potentially be implemented in the region in the aftermath of the war must take account of these aspects. UNESCO has the necessary experience, competence and professional contacts to play an active role in supporting the peace and democratization process through assisting with the rehabilitation of libraries and archives in the region
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