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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Strengthening UNMIK's role in areas with Serb population

Belgrade, 25 August 2010

Minister for Kosovo-Metohija Goran Bogdanovic and UNMIK Chief Lambert Zannier agreed at a meeting held today that it is necessary to strengthen UNMIK’s role in the northern part of the province and in Serb majority areas.

Bogdanovic and Zannier concurred that it is also necessary to start dialogue, which is the only way to resolve problems and that UNMIK has a key role to play in this regard.

UNMIK, in keeping with its mandate, should provide security and complete freedom for all inhabitants of the southern province, restore usurped property to its rightful owners and guarantee the return of displaced population, stressed Bogdanovic.

In the interest of lasting peace in the region and stability and prosperity for all residents of the province, UNMIK should not support attempts at destabilisation by the interim authorities in Pristina, he underlined.

The Minister reiterated that the Serbian government is determined to find a peaceful and just solution for all issues related to Kosovo-Metohija. The government believes that the implementation of the six point plan proposed by the UN Secretary General is the only way to establish stability in the province.

Minister Bogdanovic and the UNMIK Chief agreed that it is necessary to overcome existing obstacles in the implementation of the South-eastern European free trade agreement and to ensure unhindered flow of goods and the prevention of smuggling, as this is in the interest of the people.

Serbia is ready for a compromise. It will be acceptable for Serbia that customs documents are attested with the EULEX –Kosovo–customs stamp, Bogdanovic highlighted.

He expressed concern over the KFOR decision to entrust the Kosovo police service with the task of providing security to Serbian monasteries in the province, emphasising that this decision has seriously disturbed Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija.

The Minister recounted negative experiences from the past and the destruction of holy sites and Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo-Metohija.

It was suggested at the meeting that UNMIK submit a report on the situation in the province to the UN Secretary General every two months in order to increase the efficiency of measures taken to establish stability.