UNMIK/PR/691
PRISTINA—SRSG Michael Steiner today met local leaders for the first time today in individual meetings held in UNMIK headquarters. Mr. Steiner met with Rexhat Daci, President of the Kosovo Assembly; PDK leader Hashim Thaci; LDK leader Ibrahim Rugova; and Coalition Povratak leader Rada Trajkovic. After the meetings, during which the current political situation in Kosovo was discussed, SRSG Steiner issued the following statement:
“Today’s talks have started the first round of my meetings with local political leaders.
“I say started because I have still to see the leaders of the smaller parties.
“What is clear is that this political stalemate cannot continue.
“All of those I have spoken to have agreed that the longer the process is stalled the more Kosovo’s reputation will suffer.
“I can say that my talks have been open and substantive.
“The task is difficult. However, I believe we are making progress. But this is not yet the time to talk publicly about details.
“Everyone I have spoken to agreed that we are at a delicate stage and that we should not jeopardize success by talking about the possibilities prematurely.
“Everyone agreed that in the interests of the people of Kosovo, a political settlement should be reached as quickly as possible.”
