Zannier favors "direct dialogue"

Zannier said in a statement after the meeting with Serbian President Boris Tadic and government officials that the UN was ready to support such talks, but that the EU should have the leading role in organizing the dialogue bearing in mind the EU perspective of the whole region.

The UNMIK chief also pointed out to the concern of the UN secretary-general regarding the situation in northern Kosovo, and said direct dialogue and consultations would have great significance in solving the vital issues in that region.

UNMIK said in the statement that it would continue to perform its functions specified in UNSC Resolution 1244.

Zannier also met with Serbian Minister for Kosovo Goran Bogdanovic in Belgrade yesterday, who said said a dialog should be initiated as soon as possible, as the only way to solve all unresolved issues and have UNMIK play a key role, the ministry announced.

Bogdanovic insisted that UNMIK should provide safety and complete freedom to all citizens of Serbia's southern province, and ensure the return of usurped property and the right of displaced persons to return.

"In the interest of permanent peace in the region, stability and prosperity for all inhabitants of the province, international missions in Kosovo should deny support to destabilizing moves by the interim authorities in Pristina," read a written statement from Bogdanovic.

He voiced concern over the KFOR decision to turn over the protection of Serbian Orthodox monasteries in Kosovo to the Kosovo police, KPS.