UN envoy asks for social engagement toward possible Kosovo accord

Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-15 05:43:09|Editor: Yang Yi
Video PlayerClose
UN-SECURITY COUNCIL-MEETING-KOSOVO 

Zahir Tanin (C, Front), Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), addresses a Security Council meeting on Kosovo at the UN headquarters in New York, on Nov. 14, 2018. The top UN envoy in Kosovo on Wednesday called for social engagement for the success of negotiations on a possible new comprehensive agreement between Pristina and Belgrade. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The top UN envoy in Kosovo on Wednesday called for social engagement for the success of negotiations on a possible new comprehensive agreement between Pristina and Belgrade.

After meetings between Serbian and Kosovo leaders in the past few months, there is momentum for political dialogue between the two parties, Zahir Tanin, the UN secretary-general's special representative and head of the UN mission in Kosovo, told the Security Council.

At a European forum in Austria in August, both sides advocated a new framework for a comprehensive agreement, including the possibility of territorial exchange, said Tanin.

The addition of this new dimension generated new impetus, as well as apprehension among political actors and the populations on both sides as well as within the region and international community, he said, adding that the discussion has opened space for debate and consideration regardless of the underlying challenges and concerns.

Last week in Brussels, Serbia President Aleksandar Vucic and the President of Kosovo Hashim Thaci met and confirmed their intention to continue the dialogue and to work toward a settlement, within the EU-facilitated process, Tanin noted.

He stressed the need for social engagement for such an agreement to succeed, particularly given the fact that the political talks in Brussels took place against a situation still dominated by frequent adversarial actions on the ground.

"Any process of political negotiation, if it is to succeed, requires the full engagement and buy-in from societies, as well as from leaders and political representatives," he said.

"Top-level commitments that may be reached via political negotiations, no matter the strength of international and regional support, are unlikely to stand unless backed up by full understanding and confidence among communities and individuals across society."

With this in mind, his mission, known as UNMIK, continues to prioritize trust-building in Kosovo particularly at the grassroots level in close cooperation with all international partners on the ground, said Tanin.

Other key objectives of the mission's ongoing work include promoting the use of innovative communication technologies to support constant interaction of all groups and communities across Kosovo, he said.

Without social reconciliation, involving people, communities and civil society, progress can falter, regardless of the best efforts and work of political stakeholders. Trust-building requires patience and persistence, to raise and empower the voices of understanding and compassion, that may help shape a future different from divisions and conflict, he said.

He warned that actions which attempt to pre-empt agreement are not conducive to achieving political compromise. "Whether on larger or smaller issues, one-sided actions carry the constant potential to inflame the situation on the ground."

The recent approval by the Assembly of Kosovo of three draft laws on the Kosovo Security Force that aim to significantly enhance the strength and responsibilities of the force has caused renewed tensions, said Tanin. "This matter needs to be handled with utmost care, to ensure that steps taken are the result of a fully inclusive, fully representative political process respecting relevant legal frameworks."

The announcement by the Kosovo government that a 10 percent tax would be imposed on Serbian and Bosnian goods further increased tensions between Pristina and Belgrade and created instability for business and people, he said.

Reform in Kosovo's rule of law institutions has been undermined by ethnic tension and by political agendas, said Tanin.

The resignation of a Kosovo special prosecutor over alleged threats connected to the investigation of major cases led to public protests and harmed public confidence in the strength and impartiality of the justice system, he said.

Protecting the independence of the judiciary and fighting organized crime and corruption require continuous and strenuous effort -- in Kosovo as they do everywhere. The European Union and the United Nations continue to place resources at the disposal of the authorities to help in this difficult but essential endeavor, he said.

Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia 10 years ago.

   1 2 3 4 Next  

KEY WORDS: Kosovo
YOU MAY LIKE
EXPLORE XINHUANET
010020070750000000000000011100001299944311