Representative UNMIK calls on Kosovo and Serbia: Avoid measures that can erode trust

Special Deputy Representative of UNMIK, Milbert Dongjoon Shin, has called on Kosovo and Serbia to resume dialogue on resolving remaining issues.

He at the UN Security Council has presented UNMIK's report on Kosovo before representatives of UN member states.

“Welcome dialogue meetings in June and September between Belgrade and Pristina. We both called on them to avoid measures that could erode trust and encourage parties to address the remaining issues with confidence and within the framework of dialogue”, he has said.

Shin has also spoken of holding elections in Kosovo, while stressing that he hopes that “is consistent with the Constitutional Court's final decision, political divisions will be exceeded”.

He reiterated concerns about closing parallel structures in the north.

We refocus the sorrow that we have expressed along with international partners in terms of the potential impact of closing Serbia-led institutions in the sense of access to health, education and culture. Pristina authorities have cited administrative efforts to these measures and issues that are complex. It is important that Kosovo authorities engage with all communities before implementing decisions affecting their daily life”.

While citing the attacks on Banjska and the Iber-Lepenci channel, Shin has called for effective measures leading to accountability.

We've spent the second anniversary of the incident in Banjska. We call on authorities in Belgrade and Pristina to take effective transparent measures to bring the perpetrators of the event to justice. Including cooperation through already created mechanisms. Full accounting is also necessary for last year's event in the Iber Lepenc channel. We are concerned about arrests regarding the appearance of national and religious symbols. We re-focus the need to respect the legal framework existing in Kosovo and become the proper balance between freedom of expression and preventing inciting interethnic violence”, he added.

He stressed the importance of returning Serbs to Kosovo institutions. He also mentioned media freedom. He said he remained under pressure. He has mentioned that association has reported on attacks on journalists and that the public broadcaster is facing challenges to his independence./Periscopi/

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