Britain expresses urgency for forming government, and progress in dialogue: Failure to fulfill agreements has negative consequences

The O Mission Chief Report has been discussed at this meeting The SEU in Kosovo, McGourk, where the United Kingdom said it welcomes holding the February 9th elections, as it expressed urgency of forming the new government.

The United Kingdom welcomes the peaceful and competitive parliamentary elections held in Kosovo in February, and the important support the Mission has given to the Central Election Commission. We continue to stress the urgency of forming government” to co- talkers in Kosovo.

The United Kingdom shares concerns raised in the Mission's report on the level of tensions in the four northern municipalities during the reporting period. We are particularly concerned about the uncoordinated nature of the closure of institutions and facilities in northern Kosovo, which provide vital services to Kosovo Serbs and other non-communal communities”, the UK statement says, broadcast Clankosova.tv.

In addition, the United Kingdom said it encourages the Government of Kosovo to ensure that non-ethnic communities have an equal role in the future of the country and to fulfil its commitments as a multiethnic state.

In this report, it also urged Serbia to fully co-operate in bringing those responsible for the attack on KFOR troops, Banjska, and to fulfil its commitment to co-operation in investigating the Iber-Lepenci Canal attack.

“We call on both sides -- Kosovo and Serbia -- to engage constructively in the EU-launched dialogue and to meet their respective obligations, including the establishment of the Association of Serb-run municipality”.

“It is essential that Kosovo and Serbia respect their commitments and not withdraw from dialogue agreements. Failure to fulfil these commitments has negative consequences for the everyday lives of citizens and for the broader stability in the Western Balkans”, the statement said.

On the other hand, the United Kingdom said it shares concern over issues raised in the World Press Freedom Index regarding the protection and independence of journalists.

“While we recognise Kosovo's progress in fighting corruption and improving the ranking in Transparency International's corruption perception index, we express concern about issues raised in the World Press Freedom Index concerning the protection and independence of journalists”.

We share the reported concerns about political influence on media institutions and welcome the mission's planned activities for advancing media freedom and the safety of journalists”.

The United Kingdom is a long and powerful supporter of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state. During our foreign secretary's visit to Kosovo in early April, she reaffirmed the UK's commitment to supporting Kosovo's Euro-Atlantic aspirations and its development as a comprehensive, different and multiethnic democracy”.

The United Kingdom will continue to support stability, security and economic co-operation in the Western Balkans, including through the work of our Special Representative, Dame Karen Pierce, and the organisation of the Berlin Process Summit in London this autumn”, the statement said. /Periscope/