UNMIK/PR/1700
PRISTINA – In an address today at the Informal Meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) in Bulgaria, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Kosovo (SRSG) Joachim Rücker stressed the importance of Kosovo’s full integration into regional structures.
Mr. Rücker’s remarks were made on the same day as the signing ceremony to establish the SEECP’s Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Kosovo is now a full member of the RCC,” the SRSG said. “It is very important that Kosovo continues to be an integral part of regional organizations, such as the Central European Free Trade Agreement and the South East Europe Energy Community Treaty, in the interest of regional stability.”
Also in his remarks, the SRSG said that UNMIK has largely achieved what is achievable under UN Security Council resolution 1244 and the Standards programme. “Further progress depends on the resolution of the status issue,” the SRSG said.
“I remain hopeful that a solution will indeed be found under the Troika-led status negotiations process,” he said. “However, in the context of prudent planning, the international community should be prepared for other possible outcomes come 10 December.”
The SRSG also briefed the Foreign Ministers on preparations for the upcoming elections in Kosovo. “It is crucial for Kosovo Serbs to take part in the elections on 17 November so that they can fully participate in the legitimate institutions of Kosovo,” he said.
The SRSG’s call on the SEECP to urge Belgrade not to obstruct Kosovo Serbs’ participation in the upcoming poll was well received. “Democracy must be allowed to run its course – everywhere,” the SRSG said.
