Guterres welcomes normalisation deal, voices concern over regression

NEW YORK - In a new semi-annual report on Kosovo-Metohija, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed an EU-facilitated agreement on a road map to normalisation of Belgrade-Pristina relations and its implementation annex.

In the report on UNMIK activities and developments in the period between September 16 and March 18, Guterres said the new dialogue framework had the potential to advance the process towards reaching long-term solutions.

He said continued constructive engagement on comprehensive implementation of the agreement would be necessary for building common foundations, maintaining stability and averting any re-emergence of tensions and conflicts.

He noted that developments in the reporting period had escalated tensions to a crisis level and that this had resulted in the most concerning regression since the start of the dialogue process in 2011.