Speaking at a meeting with political leaders in the province, Petersen said that the establishment of such an informal body would contribute to overcoming the current tension between the government and the opposition and suggested that he chair the forum. The forum, he said, would not replace Kosovo institutions.
The UN official called on Kosovo officials and party leaders to amend his proposal with their own ideas.
Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova thanked Petersen for his proposal, but did not say whether he supported it. Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi underlined the need for a consensus between the authorities and the opposition on the most important issues. He announced the setting up of a team of experts to make political decisions and prepare a strategy for the future development of Kosovo.
Kol Berisha, vice-president of the biggest party in the Kosovo parliament, the Democratic Alliance of Kosovo, said that today's meeting with Petersen showed that political parties in Kosovo were not in a conflict.
Hashim Thaqi, head of the leading opposition party, the Democratic Party of Kosovo, told reporters after the meeting he supported Petersen's proposal.