Prizren, a city in Kosovo.
At today's meeting of the Security Council on Kosovo, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Caroline Ziadeh, stressed the importance of resolving long-standing problems between Belgrade and Pristina, as well as between the Kosovo Serb community and the authorities in Pristina, through open communication and dialogue.
"A major common view is dissatisfaction with the level of progress made through political dialogue and its direct impact on the security situation," Ziad said. Unfortunately, the level of mistrust remains high and must be addressed. ”
Historical entanglements
Kosovo is a region on the Balkan Peninsula that effectively separated from Serbia after the NATO intervention in 1999. In 2008, Kosovo declared independence, but Serbia did not recognize it. The United States and most EU countries recognize Kosovo's independence. However, many countries, such as Russia and China, still support Serbia's position and do not recognize Kosovo's independence. Such differences make the Kosovo issue a complex diplomatic and legal issue at the international level.
Efforts to resolve the Kosovo issue have been ongoing, including a number of international and regional attempts, including through EU-brokered dialogues, but progress has been slow and relations between Kosovo and Serbia remain tense.
The controversy continues
Ziad reported on recent setbacks that have hampered efforts to build confidence among Kosovo's ethnic communities through political dialogue. She reiterated that "continue to be concerned about how the new regulations on cash transactions are communicated and implemented, and how it unnecessarily affects the more vulnerable of the non-majority group." ”
According to the regulations issued by the Central Bank of Kosovo, all cash transactions in Kosovo must be carried out in euros, and the use of the dinar, the official currency of Serbia, is no longer permitted.
Ziad also highlighted efforts to resolve the controversial issue of the legitimacy of local government in four municipalities in northern Kosovo, which are predominantly inhabited by Serbs, and reiterated UNMIK's support for dialogue.
"Unfortunately, this sets the stage for a fragile and unresolved issue to be delayed," she said. From our point of view, we will continue to support the dialogue promoted by the EU as a forum for finding consensual solutions to outstanding issues. ”
"Another aspect of the main agreement is to take serious and credible steps towards the establishment of Serb-majority city associations/communities," she added. These agreements could provide a solution to this and other outstanding normalization issues. ”
Ziad noted that some progress had been made during the reporting period, including the identification and validity of vehicle license plates, progress on the Energy Roadmap, and the facilitation of customs activities.
She also praised the Pristina leadership for taking action to fully implement the High Court's 2016 ruling confirming the property rights of the Visoki Dečani Monastery. She added: This action is welcome because it greatly contributes to trust between communities, as well as public confidence in the rule of law. "
Increase mutual trust
Taking into account UNMIK's commitment to using its resources to promote mutual trust and tolerance, Ziad outlined the Mission's programmes, including the second United Nations Confidence-Building Forum in Kosovo, held last November;
"The promotion and protection of human rights is an essential part of UNMIK's mandate," she said. Together with our partners, we continue to encourage the authorities to place the principles of human rights and the rule of law at the heart of sound policy judgments."
In closing, Ziad reiterated the importance of the full implementation of the EU-driven agreement and the continued commitment of both sides to engage constructively and find practical compromises.
"Progress comes from actions that are willing to reach compromises," she said. That is the path to lasting peace and stability. ”
"Sincere dialogue, communication and mutual understanding mark the way forward," she stressed. ”
