SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES AGREEMENT ON NEW KOSOVO INITIATIVE

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s statement on the new period of engagement on Kosovo:

The Contact Group has briefed me on its agreement on the modalities for further negotiations between Pristina and Belgrade.  This effort will be led by a troika comprising representatives of the European Union, the Russian Federation and the United States.

I welcome this initiative by the Contact Group.  I hope that the new period of engagement will lead to agreement on Kosovo’s future status, which remains a priority for the United Nations.

The international community must find a solution that is timely, addresses the key concerns of all communities living in Kosovo and provides clarity for Kosovo’s status.  The status quo is not sustainable.

The United Nations Office of the Special Envoy for Kosovo (UNOSEK) will be associated with the process by standing ready to provide information and clarification on request.

The United Nations will continue to play a constructive role in the new period of engagement and continue its major role on the ground in Kosovo.

The Contact Group will report back to me by 10 December.

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For information media • not an official record