Belgrade – Minister for Kosovo and Metohija Mr. Goran Bogdanovic met today with the head of the United Nations civil mission in Kosovo and Metohija, Mr. Lamberto Zannier.

The head of UNMIK Mr. Zannier and Minister Bogdanovic agreed that it was necessary to start a dialogue, as soon as possible, which is the only way to resolve all the outstanding issues, where, UNMIK plays a key role.

Minister Bogdanovic and the head of the UN civil mission Mr. Zannier agreed that it was necessary to strengthen UNMIK’s role in the North of the province, as well as in other areas predominantly inhabited with Serbian population.

During amicable talks, Minister Bogdanovic insisted that the United Nations Mission in Kosovo and Metohija, in accordance with its mandate, should ensure safety and complete freedom for all inhabitants of the southern province, return of usurped property and the right to return of IDPs. In the interest of lasting peace in the region, stability and prosperity of all the citizens in the province, international missions in Kosovo and Metohija should withhold their support to destabilizing actions of provisional authorities in Prishtina, Minister Bogdanovic assessed. The Government of Serbia is committed to a peaceful and just solution of all issues in Kosovo and Metohija and in a belief that the implementation of a six-point plan proposed by UN Secretary-General is the only way to establish solid stability in Kosovo and Metohija.

Mr. Bogdanovic and Mr. Zannier agreed that existing problems considering the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement for Southeast Europe must be resolved and that undisturbed flow of goods, as well as, suppression of smuggling, must be ensured, since that is in the interest of all the citizens and the economy. Minister for Kosovo and Metohija Mr. Goran Bogdanovic emphasized Serbia’s readiness to a compromise solution and that the verification of documents with a “EULEX – Kosovo – Carina” seal is acceptable.

Minister Bogdanovic expressed his concern over the KFOR decision to entrust the Kosovo Police Service with securing Serbian monasteries in Kosovo and Metohija. Such decision seriously disturbed Serbs in the southern province, said Mr. Bogdanovic, while recalling all the bed experiences and the destruction of religious sites and monuments of Serbian culture in Kosovo and Metohija.

At the meeting, it was suggested that UNMIK, in order to establish effective stability measures, should submit its reports to the United Nations Secretary General every two months.

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