Security Council Hears Briefing on Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo

Excerpt:  “Caroline Ziadeh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), recalled a common observation from consultations she held with political actors in Pristina and Belgrade — dissatisfaction with progress achieved through political dialogue.  Tensions have simmered in recent months due to an inability to address long-standing issues through dialogue — both between Pristina and Belgrade and between the Kosovo Serb communities and the Pristina central authority.  In December 2023, Kosovo Serbs in Leposavić, North Mitrovica, Zubin Potok and Zvečan collected enough signatures to begin recalling the mayors elected in those towns in April 2023 by less than 4 per cent of total registered voters, a low turnout due to Kosovo Serbs’ decision not to participate.  This process aimed to reduce tensions resulting from these elections, which included violent protests around several municipal premises in northern Kosovo in May 2023, she noted.”