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UN envoy: no alternative to dialogue in Kosovo

Xinhua, February 28, 2017 Adjust font size:

The head of the UN peacekeeping mission in Kosovo on Monday told the Security Council that "there is no alternative to dialogue," citing the importance of high-level talks between Belgrade and Pristina.

Addressing the Council, Zahir Tanin, the head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) said the resumption of high-level dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina was an "essential step" to chart a path out of a deteriorating situation and to publicly reconfirm their commitment to work together.

"Stability in Kosovo, normalization of relations between Pristina and Belgrade, are part of the wider effort to improve stability in the Western Balkans," said Tanin, who is also the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Kosovo.

He urged the 15 Council's members to "hold leaders to their words" to maintain "a sincere and consistent" commitment to dialogue, implement the agreements reached and avoid making statements which threaten the potential of progress to be made.

Tanin also highlighted the international expectations of Pristina and Belgrade: non-confrontation, resolving issues through dialogue, and placing the objective improvement of the lives of people ahead of more limited and parochial calculations.

The statement comes as Belgrade is engaged in a political campaign for the presidential elections scheduled for April.

The senior UN official warned against allowing electoral politics to disrupt vital processes and progress: "Normalization of relations, reconciliation, and justice all belong to that broader horizon."

Among other issues in his presentation to the Council, Tanin noted the importance of improving the social and economic situation in Kosovo. Endit