4 hours agoUN Secretary: Peace, stability, development depend on progress in Kosovo- Serbia
Periskopi(5 years ago)
(5 years ago)United Nations Organisation General Secretary Antonio Guterres praised that lasting peace, stability and socio-economic development in Kosovo and the region depend on sustainable progress in dialogue aimed at normalising relations between Kosovo and Serbia, writes Serbian news agency Beta, broadcast Express. In the new six - month report on work [...]
In the new six-month report on the work of the UN mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), which is on the agenda of the UN Security Council session held tomorrow, Guterres stressed that progress in dialogue also remains essential for the two countries' European aspirations.
“While welcoming the two sides' clear statements on the importance of advancing dialogue, I underline the importance of a real commitment to continue high-level talks within the EU-backed dialogue in a very close future”, Guterres said in the report.
The report on normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina recalls that delegations led by key negotiators held three rounds of talks at the expert level on issues concerning financial claims and ownership. Despite the willingness of the two sides to meet and resolve unresolved issues, Pristina and Belgrade have still failed to reconcile their positions on several issues, including the establishment of an Association of Serb majority municipalities in Kosovo.
In a document published on the UN website, Guterres praised Kosovo institutions, political subjects and voters for the regular development of early parliamentary elections in February, which, despite the challenges of pandemic, saw higher voter turnout than in October 2019.
Guterres also called on the new Kosovo government and the opposition to work constructively to address the impact of pandemic on Kosovo's population and economy, to continue efforts to consolidate the rule of law, fight corruption, adhere to human rights frames and principles and to fully engage in important political processes.
The report also stresses that significant steps have been taken in the surveyed period to improve the investigative and judicial processes of the Kosovo Special Prosecutor and Kosovo Special Chambers. Those rule-of-law institutions must have full co-operation on all sides in order to be able to carry out their duties effectively, added among other things in the report on UNMIK's work from 16 September to 15 March.
