UNMIK/PR/1612
PRISTINA – Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Kosovo (SRSG) Joachim Rücker urged the people of Kosovo to support the status process led by Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari and to prepare for the challenges Kosovo will face after status. Accompanied by the President of Kosovo Fatmir Sejdiu and PDK leader Hashim Thaci, the SRSG was addressing the people of Gllogoc/Glogovac municipality today in a town hall meeting hosted by Municipal Assembly President Sherif Krasniqi.
The SRSG invited the citizens to share their concerns and views “so that we can work together to move this municipality and Kosovo forward”. Asked by a member of the audience why it is necessary for Kosovo to continue to participate in the status process led by Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari, the SRSG said, “There is no alternative other than to continue working with the international community. Kosovo is well advised to stick with Mr. Ahtisaari because he wants to bring you to the finish line.” In this regard, the SRSG stressed the importance of keeping up the current momentum in the implementation of standards.
The SRSG addressed public concerns regarding the implications of elements expected to be part of the status package related to decentralisation, preservation of cultural heritage and protection of minority rights. He emphasised that the reforms of local government foreseen by decentralisation are intended to lead to better integration of minority communities in Kosovo, not division. “The successful implementation of status will require hard work and flexibility on the part of all communities here in Kosovo.”