UNMIK/PR/1607
PRISTINA – Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Kosovo (SRSG) Joachim Rücker emphasized the need for a swift settlement of Kosovo’s status, during meetings today in Ljubljana with Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, Defence Minister Karl Erjavec and the State Secretary in the Interior Ministry Zvonko Zinrajh. SRSG Rücker was in Ljubljana at the invitation of the Slovenian government.
“I am grateful for Slovenia’s engagement in Kosovo,” the SRSG said, noting Slovenia’s participation in UNMIK Police and its substantial and growing contribution to KFOR.
The SRSG discussed with his interlocutors the European future for Kosovo and the importance of EU cohesion in the context of Kosovo’s status. “Kosovo is not only a regional issue but a European one. Slovenia, being an EU member and a Former Yugoslav Republic, is in a unique position to explain both the background and the need for a timely solution,” said Mr. Rücker.
The SRSG noted the importance of continued Standards implementation and for Kosovo Serbs to participate fully in the initiatives and institutions in Kosovo.
“Kosovo is the last piece of the Balkans puzzle that has to come in place as soon as possible,” the SRSG said.
Mr. Rücker underlined Slovenia’s considerable economic engagement in Kosovo. “This already existing relationship and the interest in furthering economic ties shown by both governments in their recent high level meetings, is a solid basis for continued cooperation between Slovenia and Kosovo also in the long term,” the SRSG said.