Without increased commitment to the mechanism of renewed negotiations, failures of confidence could worsen within Kosovo, with direct consequences for regional stability, she cautioned. Despite such challenges, leaders from the region have expressed their support for the process now being undertaken by both sides to advance on the path to normalization, she said, underscoring the role of UNMIK in this regard.
Additionally, UNMIK is assisting families of missing persons via the Missing Persons Resource Centre, as well as helping to ensure equal access to justice through improved courtroom infrastructure, free legal aid and legal interpretation services. The dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is at a decisive moment, he said, noting that there is still an atmosphere of fear and pressure towards Serbs and other non-Albanian communities.
The harsh truth is that Kosovo and Metohija has, in the past 20 years, turned from a multi-ethnic environment into an almost ethnically pure territory. He stressed the need to urgently form the Association of Serbian Municipalities β the only possible mechanism for protecting the rights and security of the Serbian community in Kosovo and Metohija.
However, she continued, Kosova will never again be a defenceless victim of aggression and genocide. Meanwhile, Serbia is no longer even recognized as a democratic country β looking to the east and the relics of past Powers.
However, numerous delegates voiced concern over the persistence of tensions between the communities, particularly in north Kosovo, reflected in the boycott of local elections on 23 April. Some also stressed the need for a substantial revision of UNMIK activity, noting that the Mission has long fulfilled its mandate. He further expressed regret about the lack of Serbian participation in the recent elections organized by Kosova, noting that boycott is a right in democracy, but not a good choice in this case.
