Zannier: Ban Ki-moon's report basis for talks
The report by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, which was adopted in November, will represent a basis for the future technical talks between Pristina and Belgrade, Unmik chief Lamberto Zannier has said after his talks with the Kosovo president and Prime Minister.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Friday, February 06, 2009
"We have the report of the Security Council, which I see as a comprehensive document comprising of a number of issues - the six points, reconfiguration of UNMIK, the role of EULEX and many other matters and questions that have to be resolved", he said.
Zannier dismissed the possibility of international pressure on the Kosovo party to sit at the negotiation table with Serb officials.
"I do not think any pressure will be made", he said, adding that they were free to decide on the position they would assume.
Zannier confirmed that the role of UNMIK had been reduced and that its authorization regarding the issue of a dialogue with Serbia is now the competency of EULEX.
"The circumstances on the field have changed, but for as long as Resolution 1244 is in force, my mandate is to report to the UN Security Council. Naturally, I will continue to maintain contacts with Belgrade," Zannier said.
Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu and Prime Minister Hasim Taci stated after their meeting with Zannier that they may discuss with Serbia only the issues deriving from Martti Ahtisaari's plan and that they will not accept status talks or those "regarding the sovereignty of the state of Kosovo."
The UNMIK chief met with the Kosovo leadership in Pristina ahead of the announced visit to Belgrade, which is ready to discuss implementation of the six-point agreement on Kosovo with the United Nations.
"We shall never accept any topic or approach that may be aimed, in one way or another, at the issue of status. We know that Serbia's representatives insist on that, but we say that the issue of status has been closed," said Sejdiu.
