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 | Lamberto Zannier (Tanjug, archive)
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UNMIK Chief Lamberto Zannier says his mission is no longer able to fully implement its authorities.
He added that it no longer had instruments to exercise its rights under UN Resolution 1244.
Addressing the Permanent Council of the OSCE, he said that the scope of UNMIK's authority, defined by this resolution in a status-neutral form, had become narrower in practice.
Zannier reiterated that the Albanian majority did not accept the application of its authorities, and that it referred only to the Kosovo Constitution, while, formally, UNMIK still had to continue exercising its mandate in keeping with Resolution 1244.
The Italian diplomat underlined that UNMIK could perform its duties only if all sides accept it.
When it came to the Kosovo Serbs, Zannier said that they did not accept cooperation with the Priština authorities, only with UNMIK.
He said that the changes UNMIK was going through “because of the status divergences” were an opportunity and a challenge for the OSCE—a chance because the OSCE would be in the front line as far as monitoring, consultation and, if necessary, alarm raising, were concerned.
The UNMIK chief advocated a greater role for the OSCE throughout the territory of Kosovo, stressing that it was necessary to reassess the organization’s activities on the ground. In terms of new realities, he stressed that it was also necessary to appraise the role of the new OSCE mission, which was vital during the transition period.
“The OSCE’s role will become even more important, particularly on the ground, and not just in terms of filling gaps, but, even more crucially, in consolidating the accomplishments we’ve made together,” he stressed.
The OSCE mission to Kosovo is the organization’s biggest with some 800 members.
Zannier said that the OSCE had advantages such as neutrality, central access and a decentralized network of regional offices, stressing that the organization had already played a significant role in applying Resolution 1244.
The UNMIK chief added that his mission was considering strengthening joint activities with the OSCE in the area of minority rights and the return of displaced persons. |
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