9 minutes agoUN chief: Long break in Belgrade-Pristina dialogue halted progress
Periskopi(7 years ago)
(7 years ago)UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the long-standing pause in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue halted progress towards normalising relations, which opened the risk of stability in this area. In a new quarterly report on UNMIK's work to be discussed tomorrow at the UN Security Council, Guterres called for [...]
In a new quarterly report on UNMIK's work to be discussed tomorrow at the UN Security Council, Guterres called for the formation of a new Kosovo government after the elections, so that dialogue with Belgrade can be resumed quickly, as well as remove any obstacle to continued dialogue.
In a report of May 16th through September 15th, Guterres welcomed efforts aimed at ensuring greater involvement of society's broader segments in political processes in Kosovo, adding that he particularly encouraged women and young people to get involved and lead the democratic governance of Kosovo.
He said that building trust in Kosovo requires strengthening rule of law and a reliable, independent and impartial judiciary.
UN Secretary General welcomed efforts to ensure that victims of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo have the right to compensation, but said the compensation process for victims was not fully inclusive.
Guterres called on all relevant actors to protect Kosovo's religious heritage and ensure that places of worship are safe so that all communities can practice their faith in peace.
He also called on Kosovo institutions and international actors to continue their full support and co-operation in efforts to investigate crimes committed during the war in Kosovo, which he considered essential for Kosovo's peaceful future.
In the report, Guterres welcomed the continued efforts of the Missing Persons Working Group, as well as the planned change in the Law on Missing Persons, saying that clarification of the fate of the missing in Kosovo is essential for achieving long-term confidence.
Guterres said he was disappointed by small contributions to the UN Fund to support the Ashkali, Egyptian and Roma communities affected by lead poisoning in Kosovo, and called on member states, actors and other organisations to contribute to this fund.
The UN secretary-general expressed serious concern about the ban on UNMIK members on May 28th and the continuation of judicial procedures against them by Kosovo authorities, of which he sought to ensure respect for the privileges and immunity of UN members.
