Ban Ki-moon: Global support vital for UN conciliation role in Kosovo
The United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) "remains uniquely placed" to facilitate dialogue between the communities, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says in his latest report on the issue as he calls for ongoing international support for the operation.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Thursday, April 22, 2010
"The continuing support for UNMIK activities by the communities on the ground, by Pristina and by Belgrade, as well as by the Security Council and the broader international community, is of crucial importance," he writes in the report to the Council, in which he voices concern at possible increased tensions in northern Kosovo, where many Serbs live.
"The strategic goal of UNMIK remains the promotion of security, stability and respect for human rights through engagement with all communities in Kosovo, as well as with Pristina and Belgrade and regional and international actors." Mr. Ban writes.
"The longer-term stability and development of Kosovo and the region rests on a successful process of reconciliation between communities," he says, noting that the security situation remains relatively calm but fragile.
Mr. Ban notes that several Serbian cultural and religious sites were vandalized during the reporting period. "Securing respect for the rights of all communities continues to be a challenge, as evidenced by continued reports of security-related and other incidents affecting minority communities," he says.
