Press Release- Security Council Briefing
09 April 2026
SRSG Peter Due Calls for Continued Dialogue and Trust-Building During His First Briefing to the UN Security Council on Kosovo
09 April 2026 – Today, during his first briefing to the UN Security Council briefing on Kosovo since assuming his duties three months ago, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), Peter Due, provided an update on the latest developments.
The SRSG welcomed the peaceful and inclusive legislative elections held in December, which, together with the swift constitution of the Assembly and formation of a government, pointed to a trajectory of stability and progress. However, the process of electing a new President of Kosovo has not yet been completed. “Let us hope that differences can be bridged, a new President can be elected and that new legislative elections can be avoided. This would help ensure that the institutions remain focused on the broader public interest and people’s needs,” he said.
SRSG Due also commended the active participation of all communities in the municipal elections held in October and November and the timely establishment of local government administrations across Kosovo. “In northern Kosovo, the return of Kosovo Serb mayors marked an important step toward re-engagement in local institutions. At the same time, this process has not been without challenges,” he said. “In my recent meetings with some of these mayors, I heard concerns about incomplete handovers, administrative gaps and language barriers.” He welcomed recent efforts to strengthen cooperation between central institutions and municipal leaders in the north.
The SRSG welcomed recent progress in the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, including efforts on the implementation of the Law on Foreigners. “It is important that Belgrade and Pristina build on this momentum, also by advancing the implementation of existing agreements, including the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb-majority municipalities. I hope that a high-level meeting between President Vučić and Prime Minister Kurti can take place in the near future,” he stated.
He reiterated the call for full cooperation by authorities in Belgrade and Pristina to ensure those responsible for the 2023 Banjska/Banjskë and 2024 Ibër-Lepenc/Ibar-Lepenac attacks are held accountable.
The SRSG further urged to protect Kosovo’s dynamic civic space by safeguarding the independence of journalists, free from political or other forms of pressure, and for any attacks against them to be promptly investigated and prosecuted.
Noting ongoing concerns among non-majority communities over equality, access to justice and services, freedom of expression, and property rights issues, the SRSG also stressed that appointing a Language Commissioner will be key to promoting inclusion and ensuring all communities can fully exercise their rights.
In conclusion, SRSG Due underscored that building trust remains a priority of UNMIK, even in the face of financial constraints. “Throughout its engagements, the Mission aims to advance the meaningful participation of women and young people in political processes as part of a broader commitment to foster a culture of peace where participation is inclusive, where voices are heard, and where every community sees itself reflected in the path forward,” he concluded.
ENDS
