United Nations Radio

The situation in Kosovo remains substantially stable despite the potential for volatility.

Kosovo map

That's the assessment of the UN special envoy for Kosovo, Lamberto Zannier.
He told the UN Security Council Monday that while the UN Mission in Kosovo-UNMIK- has continued efforts to mediate between the communities, local leaders need to make greater efforts to defuse tensions and promote coexistence and reconciliation.

"Ethnic tensions persist at several traditional flashpoints, particularly in and around northern Mitrovica, and the past few weeks have seen an alarming escalation of incidents involving the use of firearms and explosive devices. Fortunately, these incidents have so far only resulted in property damage, but there is reason for serious concern."

Special envoy Zannier says while both Pristina and Belgrade have made attempts to maintain peace in the face of potentially destabilizing situations, both have stopped short of where the situation needs to be in order to feel confident to launch Kosovo on the path to lasting peace and prosperity.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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