In meeting with Serbian official, Ban welcomes easing of tensions in northern Kosovo

The situation in northern Kosovo and the ongoing process of European Union-facilitated dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade topped the agenda during talks today between Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Serbia’s Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic.

In the meeting, held a day after a Security Council debate on the work of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Mr. Ban voiced satisfaction with the recent reduction of tensions and the progress made in restoring freedom of movement in northern Kosovo, his spokesperson said.

Mr. Ban commended the positive contribution of Belgrade to the lowering of tensions and encouraged its continued constructive engagement.

The Secretary-General also asked Mr. Jeremic for Belgrade’s close cooperation with UNMIK and others to ensure that tensions would not escalate as a result of the upcoming referendum being organized by the Kosovo Serbs in the north.

In the Council yesterday, Edmond Mulet, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, told the meeting that a resumption of dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo had eased tensions on the ground, but other significant political challenges persisted.