Chief UNMIK: Personal and political agendas must be left to save lives

After beginning his regular reporting, expressing condolences for all in Kosovo whose lives have been affected by the global virus, Secretary General Zahir Tann's Special Representative, spoke of Kosovo's particular sensitivity to the threat of a broader explosion.

“Although heroic efforts are being made by medical personnel, Kosovo health care resources are reaching their limits. ”

P SSP Tan praised the quick action taken by public health authorities to impose measures that reduce the spread of the virus; and welcomed financial assistance coming from member states, such as the 100m-euro loan from the European Union and the urgent credit of the International Monetary Fund of 56.5m dollars, while seeking more direct support for the most affected.

He also voiced concerns about domestic political instability, including the vote on no-confidence on March 25th, Cosovapress reports.

The “is a trait for regret, that in the current circumstances in Kosovo, political divisions have distracted the attention of many leaders from the health crisis. These divisions have reduced public confidence in political leadership during a time of increasing anxiety and uncertainty of the population. ”

P The SSP Tanin underlined that a focused government, mobilization of people and resources, and strong leadership, are the three essential elements for success in defeating COVID-19.

I call on political leaders... to focus on unifying their energy by putting aside personal and political agendas. ”

He also reflected the positive actions that are being taken both in the Mission and abroad.

Positive and much needed examples of “intercommunitary co-ordination and between administrative boundaries “include:

• Communication and improved co-ordination between health authorities in Pristina and Belgrade, which enabled donor tests from Serbia and free movement of essential goods through administrative borders;
• Kosovo energy operator KO's acceptance STT from the European Network of Energy Transition System Operators, which will advance regional energy efficiency;
• The appointment of the Special Representative of the European Union to advance the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue;
• Recent initiatives in infrastructure and joint transportation, under the auspices of the US president's special envoy.
• And the initial removal of the 100 per cent fee against goods from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

P The SSP tann elaborated on how UNMIK and UNKT are adapting their work during the pandemic, providing direct support for affected communities and municipalities; helping local public health authorities; working together with the media in distributing information on public health; reacting to increased 36 per cent of domestic violence; and monitoring human rights closely.

The mission has also taken all measures to protect the staff, with no case of infection with COVID-19 registered so far.

We stay together with the people of Kosovo in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. ”

While the pandemic has challenged communities and populations worldwide, The Tanian PSSP praised leaders in” both sides of the administrative border “, which are supporting each other in the global war.

“Sic stressed, only through solidarity and unification of efforts can we succeed in meeting and overcoming this great challenge. ”