Zannier for talks, "but not on status"

UNMIK Chief Lamberto Zannier says he wants to launch new talks between Belgrade and Pristina, but not on status. Moreover, I don’t want to launch any new talks on big political issues, but on resolving practical problems in Kosovo,“ Zannier explained to Vienna daily Presse, adding that he saw UNMIK’s future role primarily as a mediator between Serbs and Albanians. Zannier for talks, "but not on status" “Channels must remain open for political dialogue, and since we’re recognized by all sides we can talk with everyone,“ stressed the UNMIK chief. “Since the Kosovo institutions have now assumed responsibility, we will no longer have any role in administration,“ he acknowledged. Zannier added that although Security Council Resolution 1244 still gave him de facto power in Kosovo, he did not have the instruments to implement it, since the Kosovo Albanians and the countries that had recognized the province’s independence respected only the new Kosovo constitution as the basis for administration and the judiciary. “We are the link with countries that haven’t recognized Kosovo,“ the UNMIK chief said, admitting that Pristina was not very interested in UNMIK. “I’m still the person that submits reports to the UN Security Council on the situation in Kosovo, and it’s in the interests of the Kosovo government for their work to be positively perceived by the international community,“ he underlined. Lamberto Zannier (Beta, archive)

Zannier for talks, "but not on status"

“Channels must remain open for political dialogue, and since we’re recognized by all sides we can talk with everyone,“ stressed the UNMIK chief.

“Since the Kosovo institutions have now assumed responsibility, we will no longer have any role in administration,“ he acknowledged.

Zannier added that although Security Council Resolution 1244 still gave him de facto power in Kosovo, he did not have the instruments to implement it, since the Kosovo Albanians and the countries that had recognized the province’s independence respected only the new Kosovo constitution as the basis for administration and the judiciary.

“We are the link with countries that haven’t recognized Kosovo,“ the UNMIK chief said, admitting that Priština was not very interested in UNMIK.

“I’m still the person that submits reports to the UN Security Council on the situation in Kosovo, and it’s in the interests of the Kosovo government for their work to be positively perceived by the international community,“ he underlined.