We commend him and his staff for bringing new life to the standards process.

The use of criteria as tools for capacity assessment permits consideration of this concept in a practical way.

The process of regular reviews of the progress on standards now indicates significant momentum.

The consultation process revealed a growing interest in the impact of universal human rights standards on business.

The criteria and indicators processes have helped in developing a common understanding of the characteristics of sustainable forest management and in translating it into practice.

Standards distribution and copyright Because developing standards costs a lot of money, time, and resources, virtually all standards are distributed on a commercial basis rather than being provided for free.

The implementation of the standards is a long term endeavour and is expected to continue throughout the evaluation process and beyond.

Through these efforts, we expect increased participation by Kosovo Serbs in the standards implementation process.

Demonstrable progress in the standards implementation process must continue up to, during and beyond the review.

More important, we have seen a clear demonstration of political will and capacity to maintain momentum in the continued standards process.

The implementation of the standards is a complex and long term process that needs time, capacity and the cooperation of all political factors in Kosovo with the international community.

Work on implementation of the standards must therefore continue, and all parties should promote the implementation process in a spirit of sincerity and practicality.

Accordingly, we deem it exceptionally important that these criteria be agreed upon within an open ended intergovernmental process.

Strengthening environmental standard setting, scientific discussion and monitoring and treaty compliance by building on existing institutions, as well as the treaty bodies and specialized agencies

There are several distinct steps in the criteria based assessment process, although some can occur concurrently.

Present standards and standard setting activities.

Addressing this will require input from policymakers with practical experience applying international standards, particularly in emerging economies.

Strengthening environmental standard setting, scientific discussion and monitoring and treaty compliance by building on existing institutions, as well as the treaty bodies and specialized agencies

On the first point, the Government of Afghanistan is itself leading the process of developing a new compact with the international community, setting out benchmarks and reciprocal commitments.

The process of refocusing from normative development to implementation is a challenge in all areas of human rights, and much has been achieved to date.

Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.

The Government is moving on the devolution of authority to the local level to realign centralized structures of the past with European standards of local self government.

There are indications of growing political maturity in Pristina, as proven by a rather smooth electoral process and the energetic approach to standards by the new government.

This is based on child friendly standards, as is UNICEF support to reconstruction in tsunami affected countries.

Also requests the Secretary General to finalize the process for the establishment of guidelines for the enforcement of basic standards of conduct and behaviour for all United Nations system personnel

The political process must be propelled by the achievement of real progress in the implementation of the eight standards, an achievement which is essential to the sustainability of any process related to the future status of Kosovo.

In our view, Belgrade will not be allowed to derail a possible future status process by deliberately obstructing standards implementation.

If the criteria based assessment process is to be effective, the extensive amounts of information collected must be distilled into reports that are understandable and accessible.

In recent years, UN Habitat has reoriented its operational activities to support its normative functions and to help find workable solutions for slum upgrading and sustainable urban development by putting in place and testing norms and strategies at the national, regional and local levels.

Even though the peer pressure process begins and ends with one in a (conflict less) state of harmony, as a result of conflict and the conflict resolution process, one leaves with a new identity a new set of internalized standards.

Developing standards

Standard setting

programme of work, and the provision of guidance to it

Uniform standard

The process of standards' evaluation and the commencement of negotiations on the future status of Kosovo as well as the establishment of a democratic and multi ethnic society are of great significance for the region's overall stability.

While many alternative approaches and methodologies are available, the criteria based assessment process presented in this report represents a potentially adaptive solution.

But in setting standards, we have neglected for too long their implementation.

In addition to helping to improve the lives of all residents of Kosovo, sufficient progress on the standards is necessary so that the international community can begin a process to determine Kosovo's future status.

It should look at the actual political realities as well as the formal preconditions for launching the future status process on the basis of continuing and effective progress towards implementation of the standards.

A fair and comprehensive solution was needed for the Arab Israeli dispute but the peace process in the region had faltered due to double standards and selectivity, and decisions upholding international legal principles had been continuously violated.

Standard setting

Framework of Standards

The programmatic criteria for allocation

Uniform standard

Use of standards and indicators