The Situation in Kosovo - UN Special Representative Briefs Security Council

Briefing by Mr. Zahir Tanin, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission, on the situation in Kosovo.
UN Special Representative for Kosovo Zahir Tanin said the situation there remained “dominated by frequent adversarial actions on the ground” adding that actions which attempt to “pre-empt” an agreement between Belgrade and Pristina “are not conducive to achieving political compromise.”
Addressing the Security Council today (14 Nov), Tanin said the political talks between Presidents Aleksander Vucic and Hashim Thaci in Brussels confirmed their mutual intention to continue the dialogue but took place against “adversarial actions” many of which carry “real consequences for the populations.” He added, “Whether on larger or smaller issues, one-sided actions carry the constant potential to influence the situation on the ground.”
Tanin said Kosovo’s announcement of a ten percent tax on imports of Serbian and Bosnian good increased tensions between the two side and created instability for businesses and people. He noted that the recent approval by the Assembly of Kosovo of three draft laws on the Kosovo Security Force that aim to significantly enhance the strength and responsibilities of the Force, has also caused renewed tensions. He stressed that this issue must be handled with utmost care, to ensure that steps taken are the result of a fully inclusive, fully representative political process respecting relevant legal frameworks.