Based on the Ahtisaari Plan and the process of power of decentralization, the International Civil Office in cooperation with the Republic of Kosovo authorities have started preparations for forming the municipality of northern Mitrovica. Constituting the legal powers in Serb-majority northern municipalities, is part  of a strategy for integration Kosovar citizens of Serb ethnicity residing in the northern Kosovo.

Local and international officials say they are satisfied with the interest of local Serbs to participate in the preparatory team. ICO spokesman, Andy McGuffie, hopes the cooperation of Kosovar citizens from Serb minority, for the implementation of projects and northern Mitrovica, in general.

Although the so called representatives of illegal parallel structures financed from Serbia from the northern part have somewhat opposed the implementation of strategy of the Republic of Kosovo government in cooperation with ICO,  the Republic of Kosovo Minister of Local Government, Sadri Ferati, expressed confidence that the Kosovar citizens of Serb ethnicity is growing interest to participate in Kosovar institutions.

After establishment of the preparatory team, which will define the responsibilities of the municipality on the basis of decentralization, will follow the announcement of election date for Northern Mitrovica, and three other municipalities with Serb majority in the north, Zubin-Potok , Leposaviq and Zveqan.

Constituting the legal powers in these municipalities, envisaged to be the main part of the strategy for further integration is growing among Kosovars of Serb ethnicity on showing interest to participate in Kosovo institutions.