UNMIK/PR/1676
PRISTINA – In remarks made today in Zagreb at the 10th Meeting of Heads of State and Government of the South-East European Co-operation Process (SEECP), Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Kosovo (SRSG) Joachim Rücker said that the SEECP and the region “have come a long way towards integrating Kosovo,” adding that this could be evidenced by Kosovo’s inclusion in the Central European Free Trade Agreement, the Energy Community South East Europe Treaty and other important initiatives.
Mr. Rücker urged members of the SEECP to remain committed to Kosovo’s “further integration into regional structures and international organizations” as it awaits resolution of the status issue.
“There must be no black holes left once this process concludes,” he said, adding that it was essential to maintain momentum in the status process.
Mr. Rücker said that UNMIK has achieved what is achievable under 1244 implementation and with the Standards. Further progress depends on status, since at this stage of the process the obstacles are largely status related. He said further that UNMIK will continue to work with the Kosovo authorities and the planning teams of the International Civilian Office and the European Union to prepare for the 120-day transition that will immediately follow the adoption of a new resolution on Kosovo.
