The Secretary-General met yesterday with Prime Minister Ivica Dačić of Serbia and today with Mr. Hashim Thaçi, representative of the Kosovo authorities. The Secretary-General, in line with his statement issued on 18 March, expressed his strong support for the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. The Secretary-General acknowledged the significant challenges both sides faced. He commended both on their leadership and encouraged them to remain committed to the dialogue in order to achieve forward-looking outcomes.

The Secretary-General also stressed the importance of further progress by the Kosovo institutions in ensuring the rule of law, human rights, the protection of minorities and of cultural and religious heritage in Kosovo.

New York, 22 March 2013