Kosovo Assembly Speaker Kadri Veseli met today the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, Miroslav Jenca and discussed political developments in Kosovo, Kosovo’s progress and aspirations for the future, a press release issued by the Assembly of Kosovo states.
Veseli said that with its policy of good neighbourhood, Kosovo contributes to stability, peace, dialogue and regional cooperation. He said that through the dialogue for normalisation of relations with Serbia, Kosovo aims to reach a legally binding agreement which would result in Kosovo being recognised as an independent and sovereign country by Serbia and to become a full-fledged member of the UN in the near future.
He also informed ASG Jenca about his initiative for establishing a tribunal that would try Serbia’s crimes committed in Kosovo and asked for his support to ensure the UN takes into consideration the petition signed by over 100,000 people in 2014 seeking justice for survivors of sexual violence during conflict in Kosovo. Veseli also noted it is unfair not to include sexual violence during conflict in Kosovo in UN annual reports underlining that without truth and justice, it is difficult to have peace and reconciliation.
ASG Jenca on his part spoke about the purpose of his visit which was to present the work of the United Nations in Kosovo.
The two officials also discussed strengthening of cooperation between the Western Balkans region.
UNMIK at the same time said that ASG Jenca and Speaker Veseli discussed the current political situation as well as the continuing work of UNMIK. ASG Jenca encouraged Kosovo leaders to help create conditions conducive to a productive dialogue and the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina. He also underscored the importance of ensuring women’s participation and integrating a gender perspective in political dialogue processes.
