UNMIK/PR/1617
PRISTINA – Principal Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Kosovo (PDSRSG) Steven Schook gave his assessment that the current status of Kosovo is not sustainable, speaking at a town hall meeting in Malishevë/Mališevo. The PDSRSG was accompanied by PDK Leader Hashim Thaci.
“My assessment is based not on fear of public unrest, but on what is best for the people here and the stability of the region,” he said, “The current status has become an inhibitor to progress.”
“The execution of [UNSCR] 1244 is no longer improving in certain areas: we can no longer make great improvements on economic issues; we can no longer make great improvements on security of minorities; and we can certainly no longer make great improvements on meeting expectations of all of Kosovo,” Mr. Schook said.
The PDSRSG expressed confidence in the work of Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari and the Contact Group that has “yielded great results”. “The Unity Team has preformed remarkably well and you should be very proud of this team,” he said, “As we get close to the finish line, they need your support more than ever.”
“The Contact Group Guiding Principles are steering Kosovo towards a bright future for you, your children and your grandchildren: a Kosovo with economic development, stable borders, in a stable region, protecting the rights of minorities; a Kosovo that is going to be a true European partner,” Mr. Schook said, “Who would want to throw that away?”
“I am confident that you will get status very quickly. The only activity that would derail the process would be unilateral action or threats to the security of any one right now. We are very close to the finish line,” he said.