UNMIK chief in Belgrade for meetings

Kosovo Ministry State Secretary Oliver Ivanovic told B92 tv ahead of Zannier's visit that the Serbian side expected from the UN mission to enable a status-neutral dialogue with Kosovo's Albanians.

Ivanovic pointed out that UNMIK is an indispensable factor and that Pieter Feith's International Civilian Office (ICO) cannot reach the Serbian community without its involvement.

"It is expected that UNMIK and Zannier express readiness to enable mediation, that is, contact between the Serbs and (ethnic) Albanians in some status-neutral way," he explained.

"It is expected that he will receive some our priorities from our side. He will receive what is very important for us. What technical issues can (be discussed) immediately and when we could come to the status issues," Ivanovic stated.

"It's obvious that we can't speak about electricity until we solve the issue of the status (of Kosovo), which is not solved, as far as the Serbian side is concerned," he said.

"UNMIK is welcome and it is the only legitimate international organization in that area. The only one that can deal with political issues. UNMIK's authority and credibility depends mainly on the behavior of its staff. Their credibility won't be undermined by the Serbian side," Ivanovic concluded.