Ban praises progress in dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo, urges flexibility
At a meeting with Hashim Thaci, a representative of the Kosovo authorities, in New York yesterday, Mr. Ban underlined the importance of taking a flexible and constructive approach to resolving differences between Serbia and Kosovo to maintain calm, especially during the sensitive period of elections, according to information released by Secretary-General’s spokesperson after the meeting.
Mr. Ban also encouraged deeper engagement with the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), which, he said, stands ready to assist in ensuring a peaceful resolution of the issues.
A dispute between Kosovo and Serbia over the control of two border crossings in northern Kosovo resulted in several violent clashes between local Serb residents and the NATO-led Kosovo Force last year. Tensions eased after dialogue resumed.