Thursday, August 13th 2015
Such delays, says the report, undermine the image of Kosovo and represent lost opportunities to set an example of justice and accountability.
In his latest report on Kosovo, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, has expressed concern about the delay in the Specialist Court establishment.
‘Such delays are regrettable and undermine Kosovo’s image and, as importantly, represent lost opportunities to set a good example of commitment to justice and accountability. As an important contribution to reconciliation, I urge all actors to redouble their efforts and rise to the responsibility of serving the fundamental and long-term interests of all residents of Kosovo,’ says UN Secretary General report.
The report covers developments in Kosovo during the period of 16 April through 15 July in Kosovo and it was sent for adoption by Security Council members just before the Kosovo Assembly voted in favor of the amendments on the Specialist Court establishment.
Furthermore, secretary Ban says he welcomes the continuation of the technical and high-level negotiations between Belgrade and Prishtina in the framework of the European Union-facilitated dialogue, in particular the meetings held in June addressing outstanding issues of implementation, including the establishment of the association/community of Serb-majority municipalities, as well as issues related to energy and telecommunications. ‘While the reporting period witnessed a comparatively slower pace of implementation on some of the issues, I am hopeful that the positive difference the dialogue process has already made on the ground will encourage both parties to remain steadfast in their commitments, and to tackle other challenging issues in the coming months.’
Ban also welcomed the adoption by the European Commission of the proposal for a Stabilization and Association Agreement with Kosovo, as well as continued progress towards visa liberalization, which he called ‘important signs of institutional reforms that Prishtina continues to implement towards its European course.’/RTK/