Hard debate between Citak and Daciqi over Kosovo history

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic and Kosovo Ambassador to America Vlora Citaku have continued where they left the debate on the situation in Kosovo three months ago during the Kosovo session in Kosovo

Ivica Dacic criticised Kosovo institutions for, as he said, the serious situation of Serbs and other minorities in Kosovo.

There are visible obstacles to the return of displaced persons. All must work on the stable and long-term return”, Dacic said, claiming that over 200 thousand Serbs have left Kosovo since 1999.

He appealed the international community to engage in the protection of the Serb cultural and historical heritage in Kosovo.

Kosovo's “striving to gain membership in U NESTO doesn't seem reasonable. This effort has a negative impact on dialogue and such an effort is also in INTERPOL. Co-operation is provided through UNMIK office”, Dacic said.

He said the positive results achieved in the dialogue show that dialogue has no alternative, but “required greater implementation of the agreements on the part of Pristina”.

The “should have responsible approaches, and this is indicated by President Vuciq's attempt to open the dialogue for Kosovo. Serbia is not against dialogue with Pristina authorities, but we are against unilateral steps”, he added.

But Dacic was harsh at the countries that have recognised Kosovo, especially those who are extending an invitation from other countries to recognise it.

Has the Republic of Kosovo been accepted by the UN? Why are you inviting the Republic of Serbia here? I am warning countries that will extend an invitation to recognise Kosovo: we are talking about our territorial integrity and don't expect us to rejoice over the violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of your countries”, Dacic said.

“Zija Citaku is not Kosovar but is Albanian because there is no Kosovo nation”, Dacic said, challenging Albanians' right to have another state outside Albania.

The ambassador Chitaku then responded.

“on June 10th 1999 resolution 1244 was approved to resolve the serious humanitarian situation in Kosovo and enable the return of Albanian refugees forcibly from Serbian forces”, Citaku said, demanding that UNMIK now complete its mission in Kosovo since the situation in the country since then changed.

“U n NMIC has no role except for any self-initiated initiative to justify its position in Kosovo”, she added.

While UN Secretary General's Special Representative to Kosovo, Chief of Kosovo UNMIK, Zahir Tan, stressed today before members of the Security Council that the last quarter has been dominated by holding early elections in Kosovo and subsequent negotiations on creating a new government.

In his regular report on Kosovo, PSSP tan said that the vacuum of functional institutions has challenged progress in governing priorities and added that “over this period were lost significant economic and social opportunities.” He also stressed that elections “were generally free, fair and competitive, despite short time of preparation and campaigning.” The voice of many younger voters, for whom dominant concern was economic opportunities, reducing corruption and empowering rule of law, was spotted.

Speaking of the initiative proposed by Serbia's President, Vuciq, for an internal dialogue on Kosovo, PSSP Tanin underlined that the pursuit of fair compromises, and often difficult and painful, requires powerful leadership on all sides.” He stressed that political reconciliation should also be followed by social reconciliation.

P The SSP Tanin stressed UNMIK's efforts to support advancing reports between communities on the ground. In this regard, he stressed the round table held in Geneva, in co-operation with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, to turn attention to many unresolved cases of missing persons in Kosovo. Other UN-led initiatives to strengthen relations in society include the First Assembly of Kosovo Youth, attended by over 140 new leaders, 60 per cent of whom were girls representing all ethnic communities in Kosovo.

After three months of election campaign and post-election uncertainty, SPSP Tan underlined the importance of Kosovo moving forward with seriousness and responsibility, and for the international community to co-operate to ensure continued essential support.