Source: United Nations (Video News)
Briefing by Caroline Ziadeh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, on the situation in Kosovo.
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“Civil society interlocutors, political and community leaders alike pointed to a continued trust deficit,” said UN envoy Caroline Ziadeh, urging dialogue to ease tensions in Kosovo.
Briefing the Security Council on the situation in Kosovo, Ziadeh noted progress on some fronts, including the February parliamentary elections, which, despite technical issues and party appeals, were held without major incident. “It was especially encouraging to note the gains in women’s representation,” she added.
The UN envoy welcomed the recent appointment of Peter Sørensen as EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, describing his “early engagement” as “an opportunity to support both sides in making headway.” Referring to an earlier agreement between the parties, she said, “The progress made in December, when Belgrade and Pristina agreed on the terms of reference for the Joint Commission on Missing Persons, should inspire both sides to move forward in other areas of the Dialogue.”
Ziadeh also voiced concern over the deteriorating situation in northern Kosovo. “When I visited northern Kosovo on 25 March, civil society interlocutors, political and community leaders alike pointed to a continued trust deficit particularly vis-à-vis the institutions,” she said. “They lamented the unilateral actions taken by the Pristina authorities, including the recent closures of Serbia-run Centres of Social Welfare and the adverse socio-economic impact this has had.”
She condemned the attack on the Ibar-Lepenac/Ibër-Lepenc water canal on 29 November and reiterated a call “for a comprehensive and transparent investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible.” She said, “I urge all leaders to act responsibly, avoid escalation, and to cooperate in bringing the perpetrators to justice.”