The UN Secretary-General said he was concerned about the increasing tensions between Belgrade and Pristina, especially in northern Kosovo, and called on the leaders on both sides to refrain from further moves which could additionally worsen the situation, the FoNet news agency reported.

Antonio Guterres said the biggest problem in the relations between the two capitals was Pristina’s decision to increase import taxes to 100 percent on goods from Serbia and Bosnia last November and which it so far refused to suspend despite repeated calls from the US and the European Union.

He noted the taxes were introduced after Kosovo failed to join Interpol.

“The tensions between Belgrade and Pristina continue to grow and have a negative impact on the possibility for the productive (EU- facilitated Belgrade – Pristina) dialogue (on normalisation of relations),” Guterres said as quoted by Serbia’s state RTS television.

He asked the leaders on both sides “to use coolheaded moves in a search for the progress in the dialogue.”

Guterres’ new report on Kosovo was delivered to the ambassadors of the Security Council member states, though it was not clear whether the issue would be on the February meeting agenda.

The US, UK and France believe that, considering the situation on the ground, there is no need to discuss Kosovo four times a year.

Besides, Pristina leadership, supported by the US and UK, has repeatedly demanded the UN to reassess the role of its Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Russia and China have been opposing the move.

Commenting on the EU activities in Kosovo, the report said that the Special Court continued its investigation into “inhumane treatment of people and illegal organ trade in Kosovo,” and that the hearings of the former high-ranked members of the Kosovo Liberation Army had started.