PRISTINA, Dec 25 (Hina) - The UN's Civil Administrator in Kosovo, Michael Steiner, said on Wednesday it was still too early to discuss the province's final status.
PRISTINA, Dec 25 (Hina) - The UN's Civil Administrator in Kosovo,
Michael Steiner, said on Wednesday it was still too early to discuss
the province's final status. #L#
Freedom of movement, refugee return and efficiency of institutions
have to be ensured first, Steiner told the Pristina-based radio
station Blue Sky.
The majority must protect the minorities, while the minorities,
particularly the Serbs, must accept the new reality in Kosovo,
which is different than in 1999, Steiner said.
Steiner stressed the importance of establishing dialogue between
Pristina and Belgrade, adding that Kosovo's status could not be
solved with any unilateral moves by any of the sides.
The final decision on Kosovo's status will be made by the UN
Security Council, he said, adding that it was too early for that
decision and that the situation in the province had to change
first.
Steiner believes that despite the current difficult situation
refugees are returning to Kosovo. So far, around 6,000 people have
returned and the number of returnees could increase significantly
next year, he said.
There has been a change of attitude among Kosovo Albanians, Steiner
said, adding that despite many incidents and radicalism, there
could be no alternative to coexistence.
(hina) rml