Pristina, capital of Kosovo. UN Special Representative for Kosovo calls on Belgrade and Pristina for reforms and dialogue Peace and Security
Special Representative of the Secretary-General Peter Douhet told the Security Council today that Kosovo can move forward “after the political impasse of 2025.”
He noted that the parliamentary elections were held in December last year in a peaceful and inclusive manner, but the process of electing the president remains incomplete. The Special Representative expressed hope that new elections could be avoided and that state institutions would remain stable.
Douai stressed the importance of returning Serbian mayors to municipalities in northern Kosovo, while pointing out problems with the transfer of powers and language barriers. He also welcomed the police’s efforts to restore trust through improved community engagement.
The Special Representative commended progress in EU-mediated public dialogue, including the resumption of the Joint Commission on Missing Persons and a resolution on the Aliens Act to ensure access to education and health care. He also stressed the need to implement previous agreements, including the creation of the Association of Serbian Municipalities.
In his speech, Douhet expressed concern about the persecution of journalists and called for an investigation into attacks against them. He also noted complaints from minorities of discrimination, problems with access to services and issues of ownership.
The UN mission in Kosovo, which Douhet heads, has already cut almost 30 percent of staffing levels due to the financial crisis in the Organization and is currently optimizing resources. Despite this, it will continue to fulfill its mission of building trust between communities by supporting joint educational and cultural initiatives.