UNMIK/PR/1767
Today, Acting SRSG Farid Zarif, Deputy SRSG Robert E.Sorenson and an UNMIK delegation visited Gate 1.
Mr. Zarif met with the KFOR and EULEX Police commanders at the Gate, with the protestors assembled at the Gate and with Kosovo Serb community leaders in Leposaviq/Leposavic. Mr. Zarif told the protestors that "the UN opposes unilateral actions and violence and supports dialogue as a means of resolving the current situation at Gates 1 and 31 or anywhere else in northern Kosovo." He urged calm and restraint and noted that the members of the Security Council were unanimous in regretting the violence which had occurred earlier this week and on calling for dialogue.
"UNMIK is deeply concerned about the situation on the ground and we are urging all parties, international and local, to talk to each other" Mr. Zarif said. Mr. Zarif urged the protestors not to impeded KFOR's freedom of movement. Acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, Mr. Zarif told the protestors that "KFOR's freedom of movement should not be impeded."
Referring to recent media reports regarding reintroducing local judges to the courthouse in northern Mitrovicë/Mitrovica, he strongly cautioned against any unilateral action which could further exacerbate the already highly tense situation.
" We are calling for calm, restraint, and dialogue", he concluded.
