UN wants serious investigation

This was heard from UN mission in Kosovo, UNMIK, chief Lamberto Zannier in New York on Wednesday.

"In my opinion, the Security Council needs to take the claims in the report seriously. This is a priority issue and it is in everyone's interest to treat it like one," Zannier said at a UNSC session presenting the UN Secretary-General's new Kosovo report.

The report covers the period from October 19 last year to January 15 this year.

Zannier urged everyone who has any knowledge of the organ trade, Marty included, to immediately turn over all evidence to the investigative authorities.

The key, of course, is to offer protection to witnesses, said the head of UNMIK.

He added that EULEX representatives have given him assurances that EULEX has the competence and the jurisdiction, under Security Council Resolution 1244, to conduct an investigation.

"I understand that EULEX will be ready to take on the responsibility it is entrusted with in this matter. I can reiterate that UNMIK will give its full support to the investigative authorities," Zannier stressed.

He also pointed to the need to start dialogue between Belgrade and Priština as soon as possible.

The Kosovo leaders are now in the process of forming a government, which I hope will be stable enough to have authority in the talks with Belgrade, Zannier stressed.

The UNMIK head reminded of the appeals made by many international officials, which he personally agrees with, that Kosovo needs a clean-hands government.

Belgrade has shown readiness to open dialogue, which was called for by the UN General Assembly and which has been delayed by the political instability in Kosovo. Now that the government in Pristina is about to be formed, I commend the Kosovo authorities who have also expressed willingness to engage in the process, Zannier said at the UNSC session.