UN SC discusses situation in Kosovo, UNMIK head presents report

Special Representative and head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) Caroline Ziadeh presented the latest UNMIK report on Kosovo covering developments from 19 March to 18 September.

Ziadeh began by saying that a serious security incident took place on 24 September near the village of Banjska, the RTS reported.

“Early in the morning that day, a Kosovo police officer was killed, and two others were injured at the entrance of the village. Over the course of the day and into the evening, Kosovo police and heavily armed elements engaged in gunfire exchanges, resulting in a number of arrests. The Kosovo police seized a significant number of vehicles, military equipment, and weapons,” said Ziadeh.

She said UNMIK joined the international community in unequivocally condemning the incident and the tragic loss of life, calling for restraint.

“It is essential that the investigations currently underway provide the opportunity to factually document these events and hold perpetrators accountable,” said Ziadeh.

The UNMIK head said the major events on 24 September exacerbated an already deteriorating security environment in Kosovo.

“The current political impasse, with its impact on the security and well-being of the population, can only be overcome through compromise that should be worked out in the Dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina,” said Ziadeh.

At the beginning of the meeting the UNMIK head said de-escalatory measures are critical to reduce tensions, and that she hopes that the outcome of the European Union (EU) and US-led meetings held separately in Pristina and Belgrade on 21 October will place the dialogue back on a forward path, with firm commitment by both sides to implement de-escalatory measures and the proposals set forth during the meetings.

“This includes recommitment by both parties to fully implement all previous dialogue agreements. Accordingly, work on the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb-majority municipalities should begin without delay or preconditions, alongside all other essential agreements,” said Ziadeh.