Guterres calls on Belgrade, Pristina to refrain from unilateral actions

NEW YORK - In his latest semi-annual report on the work of UNMIK, the UN mission in Kosovo-Metohija, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Belgrade and Pristina to "exercise restraint and refrain from taking unilateral actions that could lead to heightened tensions and further escalation."

In the report, covering the period between March 19 and September 18, Guterres said it was "worrying that the parties have not made significant progress on the implementation of the Agreement on the path to normalisation between Kosovo and Serbia and that they have yet to reach accord on the sequencing of the provisions of its annex."

"The past six months have been marked by continued discord between Belgrade and Pristina, in particular on the legitimacy of the newly elected Kosovo Albanian mayors in the four northern Kosovo Serb-majority municipalities. The security situation on the ground continued to deteriorate as a result of provocations and heightened rhetoric by the parties, leading to violent clashes in which members of the Kosovo Force, as well as civilians and journalists, were injured. The following contributed to the tense environment: protests in northern Kosovo; arrests of Kosovo Serbs; the detainment by Serbian authorities of three Kosovo police officers; new deployments of Kosovo police special operations units in northern Kosovo; land expropriations; and multiple security incidents," Guterres said.

"Lack of progress in the dialogue bears the risk of further tensions and possible escalation on the ground. I call upon the parties to reaffirm their genuine commitment to the European Union-facilitated dialogue and to fully implement all agreements reached thus far," he noted.

"It is essential to find a solution to promptly hold early and inclusive local elections in northern Kosovo, with the participation of Kosovo Serbs, to defuse tensions and move forward."

Condemning "attacks against international presences on the ground, and the use of violence in general", Guterres said the "escalation of tensions and security incidents in May and June have adversely impacted the dialogue process."

"It is imperative that the actions of political leaders are driven by a commitment to address the concerns of all people of Kosovo. Dialogue remains the only pathway to resolving all open issues."

In the report, which provides a detailed account of all developments in Kosovo-Metohija, Guterres welcomed the Declaration on Missing Persons endorsed by Belgrade and Pristina on May 2 in the EU-facilitated dialogue and urged the parties to "undertake all necessary measures to implement its provisions in good faith."

"I encourage all parties to implement measures that safeguard and promote respect for human rights. Enforcement of the rule of law, including during arrests, charging, detentions and actions related to property rights, should be exercised in strict conformity with the legal framework of Kosovo and international human rights standards," he added.

"Increased tensions have continued to impact the already fragile trust among communities and between institutions and communities, making renewed trust-building efforts and inter-community engagements a resolute Mission priority," Guterres said.

"I reiterate my call on the Kosovo government to implement the 2016 ruling of the Constitutional Court of Kosovo regarding the property of the Visoki Decani monastery. This would signal a significant commitment by the Kosovo government to uphold the rule of law and constitutional order and would enhance public trust in its institutions."

"The priorities of the Mission remain to promote security, stability and respect for human rights in Kosovo and in the region. In pursuit of its goals, UNMIK continues its constructive engagement with Pristina and Belgrade, all communities in Kosovo and regional and international actors," Guterres also said.

The report will be presented in the UN Security Council on Monday, October 23.