Ziadeh: The priority of the new government of Kosovo must be the implementation of the commitments undertaken

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of UNMIK, Caroline Ziadeh, emphasized during the UN Security Council session that the priority of the new government of Kosovo must be the well-being of all citizens in Kosovo, the implementation of commitments made within the framework of the dialogue, and progress in the normalization process.

"The elections were peaceful and inclusive, despite technical complications. After the confirmation of the results on March 27, I hope for the swift formation of the government, although it may require complicated negotiations. Once the government is formed, the priority must be the well-being of the people of Kosovo and the implementation of commitments made within the dialogue to advance the normalization process," Ziadeh stated while presenting UNMIK's six-month report. 

She highlighted that it is encouraging to see progress in the representation of women.

She expressed satisfaction with the appointment of Peter Sørensen as the EU Special Representative for Dialogue, noting that this represents a positive signal and a step that could help both sides in the search for solutions.

Ziadeh said that when she visited northern Kosovo on March 27, she heard from civil sector interlocutors, political leaders, and community leaders about the lack of trust, especially regarding the institutions, and at the same time, their concerns about what lies ahead in the future, considering the political developments in the region and beyond.

She expressed regret over the unilateral decisions made by the authorities in Pristina, including the closure of social welfare centers, which had negative effects on the most vulnerable. 

She conveyed that, despite this, her interlocutors indicated that they do not see an alternative to dialogue and the need for Kosovo Serbs to find meaning through a system of self-governance within the Community of Serbian Municipalities.

"They appealed to the international community to support all efforts to continue engaging in good faith in the normalization process. The interlocutors expressed concern over the accusations of sexual harassment of women in public. All these allegations must be investigated," added Ziadeh. 

UNMIK, she said, will continue to closely monitor the consequences of the closure of Serbian institutions and called for restraint from unilateral actions, urging that open issues be discussed within the dialogue.

She welcomed the Kosovo government's decision to allow Serbian citizens with Serbian documents to obtain Kosovo documents but appealed for an extension of the deadline, which is currently April 30.

She condemned the attack on the Ibar-Lepenac canal on November 29 and reiterated the call for a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

She also called on leaders to cooperate in resolving this incident and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Ziadeh also expressed concern over the explosive device thrown at the newly opened post office in Zvecan on April 1.

"These acts of violence are unacceptable and must be investigated without delay, and the perpetrators brought to justice," she emphasized. 

Ziadeh also addressed the role of the Kosovo Police Inspectorate in carrying out an independent investigation regarding abuses in the north, including those against minors, requesting that the findings be published to encourage transparency, and added that disciplinary actions are also needed.

She called on the Kosovo authorities to implement the UN recommendations regarding the use of alternatives to detention prior to court procedures.

Ziadeh expressed deep concern over the destruction of religious symbols, citing the recent targeting of a Serbian church.

She stressed that such practices are incompatible with the values that the United Nations stands for.

"Such practices are incompatible with the freedom of religion and pose a risk to interfaith and national relations. I call on everyone to respect religious rights. It is necessary to respect religious sites and show tolerance," she emphasized.

Ziadeh also pointed out the arrest of 16 pilgrims in Djakovica while they were at the Pec Patriarchate.

"Most of them have been released, and four are still in custody," she reported.

In the interest of preserving the rights of communities, she said, full implementation of the Language Law is necessary.

Ziadeh highlighted the importance of the mandate of the Language Commission and reminded the UN Secretary-General's call to the Kosovo authorities to take immediate action to appoint a language commissioner to preserve the rights of minority communities.

She emphasized that building trust remains crucial and reminded of UNMIK's numerous activities to strengthen trust among communities, particularly youth.

Ziadeh said that UNMIK remains focused on the rights and well-being of all citizens of Kosovo and called on everyone in the UN to remain determined in supporting peace, stability, and principled cooperation in Kosovo.
Serbia is represented at the session in New York by Foreign Minister Marko Djuric, and Kosovo is represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Donika Gervalla.