2024-04-20 00:48:17
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in his regular six-monthly report on the work of UNMIK that despite some progress in implementing EU-brokered agreements, tensions between Belgrade and Pristina have risen and the security situation in northern Kosovo remains fragile , reported Serbian RTS TV.
In the report for the period from September 19, 2023 to March 15, 2024, published on the UN website, which is to be considered at a meeting of the UN Security Council on April 22, Antonio Guterres assesses that there is no progress in the creation of Union of Serbian Municipalities, despite diplomatic pressure, and expressed concern over the implementation of new regulations on payment transactions, which he said affected the economic and social rights of Serbs, especially the most vulnerable.
The UN Secretary-General said the decision by the Central Bank in Pristina, which designated the euro as the sole currency for monetary transactions from February 1, “further strained relations between the countries”. He called for an urgent discussion on the open issues within the EU-mediated dialogue to ensure that the rights of all affected communities and the most vulnerable groups are protected, BTA reported.
The report highlights the importance of holding local elections in four municipalities in Northern Kosovo. Noting that petitions have been filed to change mayors in four municipalities in northern Kosovo, Guterres stressed the importance of holding local elections in those municipalities in a timely manner, with the participation of Kosovo Serbs, in order to reduce tensions. Conducting elections in a safe and peaceful environment is key to building municipal institutions that represent local communities, the report states. The report emphasizes that the mission’s priorities remain the promotion of security, stability and respect for human rights in Kosovo and the region, and that in achieving its goals, UNMIK continues its constructive engagement with Pristina and Belgrade, all communities in Kosovo, and regional and international actors . According to the plan published on the UN website, the UN Security Council meeting to consider the Secretary-General’s report is to be held on April 22.