Ban: Opposition's violence delays implementation of agreements

In his latest report on Kosovo, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his concern over the violence to which the opposition in Kosovo resorted, and assessed that such development contributed to the postponement of certain aspects in the implementation of the Belgrade-Priština agreements, most notably the establishment of the Community of Serbian Municipalities.

Ban explained this referred to the April 2013 and August 2015 agreements and noted that the arrangements for the establishment of the Community of Serbian Municipalities in Kosovo were not put into practice within the specified time frame.

He underscored that he appreciated the dedication of Belgrade and Priština to the continuation of EU-facilitated high-level meetings within the framework of the Dialogue in the near future.

The report prepared by the UN Secretary-General covers the period from 16 October 2015 to 15 January 2016 and will be considered by the UN Security Council later this month.  

The overall security situation in Kosovo remained generally stable in this period despite the violence during political protests, states the draft report provided to Tanjug by the UN Office in Belgrade.

The report indicates that the period was marked by continued hindrance of the activities of the Kosovo Assembly by opposition deputies, who partly protested over the August 2015 agreement reached as part of the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Priština dialogue.

“The continued use of violence and inflammatory rhetoric of the opposition gives rise to serious concern. There is no place for such unacceptable actions in a democratic society, and they can only have an adverse impact on Kosovo,” Ban stated.

“I call on all parties to redouble their efforts in the interest of everyone living in Kosovo. I appreciate the dedication of both Priština and Belgrade to continue with EU-facilitated high-level meetings within the framework of the Dialogue in the near future,” Ban said.  

He added that demonstrating essential commitment to the rule of law in Kosovo requires swift and determined action with a view to full establishment and operationalisation of the Special Court. He therefore welcomed the statement of the Dutch Government of 15 January that The Hague will be the seat of this institution. 

“I expect that all participants will act efficiently towards the completion of the remaining steps in accordance with the decisions taken by the Assembly of Kosovo in August 2015,” Ban stated.

Improving security, stability and respect for human rights in Kosovo and in the region, as well as the continuation of constructive cooperation with Priština and Belgrade and all communities in Kosovo remain among UNMIK's priorities, reads the quarterly report on the activities of the mission.

A report of Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on EULEX activities was published as an appendix to the UN report prepared by Ban Ki-moon. Mogherini's report indicates that during the reporting period the mission carried on with its monitoring activities as well as its executive roles in accordance with its rule of law mandate.