UNMIK report: Security situation stable, progress in implementing the Brussels Agreement limited

The overall security situation in Kosovo remained stable, but the institutional deadlock persisted, progress in implementing the Brussels Agreement remained limited, and tensions increased between the authorities in Pristina and local governments, particularly in northern Kosovo, according to the United Nations Secretary-General's six-month report on the work of UNMIK.

The report, covering the period from March 16 to September 15 and scheduled for discussion at a United Nations Security Council meeting tomorrow, states that tensions between the central authorities and local governments in the north increased over jurisdiction, decision-making at the municipal level, demolitions and evictions, as well as the activities of the Kosovo Police.

It also notes that several Serbs were arrested on suspicion of alleged war crimes, while three Serbs were convicted in connection with the events in Banjska.

The report states that between April and August, police stopped several Kosovo Serbs, including four minors, because of slogans or images on their T-shirts. It also notes that on June 28, following the Vidovdan celebration at Gazimestan, 37 people were arrested for allegedly disturbing public order and peace. They were found guilty without their complaints of police abuse being considered.

The closure and obstruction of institutions operating within Serbia's system heightened Kosovo Serbs' concerns about access to services and legal certainty. Restrictions involving religious and cultural symbols, law enforcement operations, allegations of police mistreatment, property demolitions and evictions contributed to a sense of insecurity and unequal treatment among Kosovo Serbs, the document states.

It also highlights continuing challenges related to the reintegration of “Kosovo Serb judges and prosecutors,” along with concerns regarding language rights, media freedom and religious freedom.

In addition, the report observes that the issue of missing persons continued to be politicized.

The document also states that on August 10, KFOR announced the gradual withdrawal of its permanent presence from the main bridge over the Ibar River in Kosovska Mitrovica, as well as the inclusion of Kosovo Police officers in security arrangements at Visoki Decani Monastery. The Serb List and the Eparchy of Raska and Prizren expressed concern about security as a result.

It also notes that the Ibar-Lepenac company continued demolishing buildings owned by Serbs at Gazivode Lake despite calls to halt the demolitions, including an appeal from the European Union, which warned that such actions could undermine the rule of law.

The report assesses that the situation in northern Kosovo remained calm but fragile amid ongoing tensions between central and local authorities. One example cited is the administrative instruction issued by Pristina's minister of local government administration on April 23, regulating the organization, functioning and powers of the joint committee of the municipalities of South Mitrovica and North Mitrovica.

The UN Security Council meeting will be held tomorrow at 9 p.m. Central European Time. The previous report was discussed on April 9, when Serbia was represented at the meeting by Foreign Minister Marko Djuric.