UNMIK/PR/1226
SKOPJE – SRSG Søren Jessen-Petersen called for closer ties between Kosovo and the Macedonian authorities, emphasizing the European perspective for the region.
Mr. Jessen-Petersen was received by Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski, Prime Minister Hari Kostov and Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva to discuss regional cooperation and issues of mutual interest to Pristina and Skopje. The SRSG also met with ethnic Albanian political leaders Ali Ahmeti, head of the Democratic Union for Integration, and Arben Xhaferi, chairman of the Democratic Party of Albanians.
Speaking to the press together with President Crvenkovski, the SRSG said, “I’m pleased to hear that our goal is the same: a peaceful, multiethnic Kosovo where everyone has a future and where everyone feels secure.” Mr. Jessen-Petersen also highlighted the positive impact that developments in Kosovo can have on its neighbours, who all share the common goal of European integration. “Stability in Kosovo, clarity of status in Kosovo, is also in the interests of all the states in the region,” he said.
The SRSG called for regular and intensified dialog between Kosovo and its neighbours so that the views of all sides can be taken into account. “It goes without saying that in the region, Belgrade has a legitimate interest and concern in Kosovo, and that will also be factored in,” he stressed.
President Crvenkovski also addressed the media, saying: “I took this opportunity to reaffirm Macedonia's well-known interest in a peaceful, stable and democratic Kosovo, establishment of the rule of law and respect of human and minority rights. We will welcome and support all UNMIK and international community efforts that go in this direction.”
In the SRSG’s meetings with the prime minister and foreign minister, he expressed a desire to improve trade relations, as well as continue the inter-governmental cooperation between Pristina and Skopje that has resulted in constructive ties in education among other areas.
Mr. Jessen-Petersen also addressed the issue of border demarcation, which he said is a priority for UNMIK as well as the Macedonian government. “I had the opportunity to reassure the president that the important issue of border demarcation will not be left unresolved as we move toward final status for Kosovo.”
After his meetings with Mr. Ahmeti and Mr. Xhaferi, the SRSG expressed appreciation for their work on implementing the Ohrid Agreement, which he noted has had a positive influence on the region. Mr. Jessen-Petersen also asked for their support to the democratic process in Kosovo and to UNMIK’s efforts at encouraging regional dialogue.