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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Stronger presence of UNMIK of special importance for Serbia

Belgrade/New York, 16 May 2016

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic said today in New York that the status-neutral role of UNMIK is sacrosanct for coordinating the operation of the international presence and the stabilization of the situation in Kosovo-Metohija.

Author: Fonet

Speaking at a session of the United Nations Security Council, dedicated to the work of UNMIK in Kosovo-Metohija, Dacic emphasized that strengthening the presence and role of UNMIK is of particular importance for the Republic of Serbia, and especially for Serbs and other non-Albanian communities living in Kosovo-Metohija, especially having in mind the trust that this mission enjoys.

The Republic of Serbia expects, he added, that the UNMIK continues with the implementation of its mandate in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244.

What speaks in favour of Serbia’s argument that the financial and human resources of the UNMIK should not be reduced is the fact that over 200,000 internally displaced persons from Kosovo-Metohija are still in Serbia, and only 1.9% achieved sustainable return, Dacic said.

He warned that security incidents that have a negative impact on inter-ethnic trust remain continuously present and represent a serious challenge, adding that an adequate response of law enforcement agencies is lacking, and that the number of final convictions of the perpetrators is still very small.

Author: Tanjug

He pointed to the reports of international organizations, where it is stated that these incidents ranged from theft, verbal abuse, and serious damage to the illegal occupation of property, including cultural heritage sites and cemeteries to incitement to hatred and aggressive nationalism, physical attacks and intimidation.

Dacic also referred to the fact that Pristina has still not taken the necessary steps to fully implement the agreements achieved in the Brussels dialogue.

The Minister said that the already fragile security situation in Kosovo is further eroded by the troubling trend of increased radicalism and extremism and stated the fact that about 300 Kosovo Albanians and 36 ethnic Albanian women have joined the Islamic State fighters in Syria.