Opposition violence in Kosovo "cause for concern" - UN chief

Opposition violence in Kosovo "cause for concern" - UN chief

Ban said that this applies to the agreements from April 2013 and August 2015 and pointed out that arrangements towards the establishment of the community had not been implemented within the set time frame.

The UN chief stressed that he appreciates the commitment of Belgrade and Pristina to continue high-level meetings within the framework of dialogue with the mediation of the EU "in the nearest future."

The report covers the period from October 16 to January 15, and it will be presented and discussed at the UN Security Council later this month.

According to the draft sent to Tanjug by the UN office in Belgrade, the overall security situation in Kosovo remained generally stable in this period, despite the political violence during opposition protests.

The report notes that the period was marked by continuous disruption of the functioning of the Kosovo assembly by opposition deputies, who were protesting in part because of the agreement adopted in August 2015 in the framework of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

"The continued use of violence and inflammatory rhetoric of the opposition is a cause for serious concern. Such actions are unacceptable and have no place in a democratic society and can only have a negative impact on Kosovo. I call on all parties to redouble their efforts in the interests of all who live in Kosovo. I appreciate the dedication and Pristina and Belgrade to continue the high-level meetings within the framework of the dialogue mediated by the EU in the nearest future," said Ban.

According to him, "demonstrating substantial commitment to the rule of law in Kosovo also calls for quick and decisive action to ensure full establishment and operationalization of the Special Court (for KLA crimes)." He in this regard welcomed the statement of the Dutch government that the seat of the institution will be in The Hague.

"I expect all participants to act efficiently towards completing the remaining steps in accordance with the decisions taken by the Assembly of Kosovo in August 2015," said Ban.

According to the document, priorities of the UN mission in Kosovo, UNMIK, remain improving security, stability and respect for human rights in Kosovo and in the region, and continuation of constructive cooperation with Pristina and Belgrade and all communities in Kosovo.

The UN also released an annex to Ban's document - the report of EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Federica Mogherini on the operation EULEX, which stated that the EU mission in Kosovo continued its supervision activities and the implementation of executive functions in accordance with its mandate in the area of the ​​rule of law.