UNMIK Chief Stresses to Dacic, Petkovic Importance of Returning to Constructive Dialogue

The crisis in northern Kosovo (BetaPhoto/Sasa Djordjevic)

Caroline Ziadeh, head of the U.N. Mission in Kosovo, stressed on April 12 to Serbian officials the importance of returning to constructive dialogue with Pristina, under European Union mediation.

Ziadeh, special representative of U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres, told Ivica Dacic, first deputy prime minister of the outgoing cabinet and the foreign minister of Serbia, in Belgrade that compromise and cooperation for the good of all were needed, UNMIK reported.

In a meeting with Kosovo and Metohija Office Director Petar Petkovic, Ziadeh said it was essential to overcome the problems faced by the population on the ground. Ziadeh also discussed several current issues with Dacic and Petkovic, including an April 22 session of the U.N. Security Council that will consider Guterres's new six-month report on the work of UNMIK, the statement read.

The meetings also touched on efforts being taken to resolve the issue of the use of the dinar currency in Serb-majority areas in Kosovo, the chances of new local elections in northern Kosovo municipalities, and the steps necessary for establishing the Community of Serb Municipalities.