Ban: Important step in Belgrade-Pristina dialogue
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted in his latest report on Kosovo that "an essential step forward was achieved" in the last quarter by elevating the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina to a high political level.
(kosovocompromisestuff) Tuesday, February 05, 2013
"I commend the leaders on both sides for embarking upon this challenging yet vital political process, aimed at resolving the most difficult issues hampering progress in their mutual relations," the UN head wrote in the report covering the period from October 16 to January 15, which Tanjug has seen.
Ban noted that while many difficult issues still lie ahead, the resumption of talks is "a strong signal of commitment of both sides to peaceful dialogue and overcoming the burdens of the past conflict."
The Secretary-General warned, however, that events during the reporting period demonstrate "both the continuing fragility of the situation on the ground and the potential for continued stabilization, provided there is sustained political leadership and good will."
When it comes to the situation in northern Mitrovica, Ban said "coordinated action and attention are needed to ensure that the difficult issues are addressed in good faith to avert future tensions."
Ban noted that alongside the high level political process, sustained and well grounded efforts to promote reconciliation and to increase trust among the communities in Kosovo are also important. In connection with this, he stressed that acts of intolerance, such as those which accompanied the Orthodox Christmas holiday this year should be met by firm and effective responses by the Kosovo authorities.
In the report, Ban recalled that nine people who were arrested in this incident claimed they were beaten while in police custody. Ban added the Serbian side has asked that the incident be investigated thoroughly, while EULEX and the Kosovo police said they are doing precisely this.
Assessing the security situation in Kosovo, the UN Secretary-General said it was peaceful overall, except in the north, and especially in northern Kosovska Mitrovica.
During this period, 361 incidents were recorded, fewer than the 406 incidents on record in 2011. The UNHCR registered 239 returnees in the last three months of 2012, of whom 103 Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians, 61 Serbs, 39 Bosniaks, and 26 Albanians. During all of last year, 970 people returned to their homes, compared to 1143 in 2011.
KFOR is still providing security for the Visoki Decani monastery and the Patriarchate of Pec, while other Orthodox churches are guarded by the Kosovo police.
Ban noted that while many difficult issues still lie ahead, the resumption of talks is "a strong signal of commitment of both sides to peaceful dialogue and overcoming the burdens of the past conflict."
The Secretary-General warned, however, that events during the reporting period demonstrate "both the continuing fragility of the situation on the ground and the potential for continued stabilization, provided there is sustained political leadership and good will."
When it comes to the situation in northern Mitrovica, Ban said "coordinated action and attention are needed to ensure that the difficult issues are addressed in good faith to avert future tensions."
Ban noted that alongside the high level political process, sustained and well grounded efforts to promote reconciliation and to increase trust among the communities in Kosovo are also important. In connection with this, he stressed that acts of intolerance, such as those which accompanied the Orthodox Christmas holiday this year should be met by firm and effective responses by the Kosovo authorities.
In the report, Ban recalled that nine people who were arrested in this incident claimed they were beaten while in police custody. Ban added the Serbian side has asked that the incident be investigated thoroughly, while EULEX and the Kosovo police said they are doing precisely this.
Assessing the security situation in Kosovo, the UN Secretary-General said it was peaceful overall, except in the north, and especially in northern Kosovska Mitrovica.
During this period, 361 incidents were recorded, fewer than the 406 incidents on record in 2011. The UNHCR registered 239 returnees in the last three months of 2012, of whom 103 Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians, 61 Serbs, 39 Bosniaks, and 26 Albanians. During all of last year, 970 people returned to their homes, compared to 1143 in 2011.
KFOR is still providing security for the Visoki Decani monastery and the Patriarchate of Pec, while other Orthodox churches are guarded by the Kosovo police.
