"UN must assume role in Kosovo dialogue"

Kosovo Minister Goran Bogdanovic met on Tuesday with the head of the UN mission in Kosovo, Lamberto Zannier. According to reports, Bogdanovic told the Italian diplomat that the UN "has not been involved in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and that the world organization needs to assume a role in the process". "UN must assume role in Kosovo dialogue" During their meeting in Belgrade, Bogdanovic and Zannier agreed that "any unilateral moves from either side could destabilize the situation" in the province and that dialogue "is the only way to solve problems," according to a release issued by the Ministry for Kosovo. Bogdanovic noted that "Belgrade is insisting that the world organization get a role in the negotiation process," but that "above all, the UN itself needs to insist on having a hand in the process." Bogdanovic reiterated Belgrade's long-held stance that "the UN is the highest authority of legitimate international presence in Kosovo, and that it must act in line with its mandate." Zannier offered assurances that UNMIK will continue to work in line with UNSC Resolution 1244 in all areas, including external representation. Zannier and Bogdanovic also concluded that contacts between Belgrade and UNMIK should be intensified in order to resolve any doubts and problems encountered in the cooperation to date. Goran Bogdanovic (Tanjug, file)

"UN must assume role in Kosovo dialogue"

During their meeting in Belgrade, Bogdanović and Zannier agreed that "any unilateral moves from either side could destabilize the situation" in the province and that dialogue "is the only way to solve problems," according to a release issued by the Ministry for Kosovo.

Bogdanović noted that "Belgrade is insisting that the world organization get a role in the negotiation process," but that "above all, the UN itself needs to insist on having a hand in the process."

Bogdanović reiterated Belgrade's long-held stance that "the UN is the highest authority of legitimate international presence in Kosovo, and that it must act in line with its mandate."

Zannier offered assurances that UNMIK will continue to work in line with UNSC Resolution 1244 in all areas, including external representation.

Zannier and Bogdanović also concluded that contacts between Belgrade and UNMIK should be intensified in order to resolve any doubts and problems encountered in the cooperation to date.