Zannier: UNMIK’s reconfiguration will be a “radical” operation
The new UNMIK Chief Lamberto Zannier said on Wednesday that the process of UNMIK's reconfiguration will most likely be a “radical operation” which will alter the structure of that mission and adapt it to the reality in the field.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Thursday, June 26, 2008
Addressing a press conference in Pristina, Zannier said he still had not received instructions from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on concrete measures for the reconfiguration of UNMIK. He said these will depend on an evaluation of the situation in all areas of responsibility of the international administration.
Asked what he thought about the demand of Kosovo institutions that UNMIK should leave Kosovo within 120 days following the adoption of the Kosovo Constitution, Zannier said it was up to the UN Security Council to decide whether UNMIK should go or not, but also about the format in which that mission would remain in Kosovo.
Zannier said he was waiting for the Serbian government to be formed in Belgrade, so that he could launch the talks between Pristina and Belgrade about so-called technical issues.
He will ask to meet with the new government as soon as it begins work, the UNMIK chief said, underscoring that he did not see himself in the role of mediator, but of a person who will facilitate these talks.
Zannier said he would attempt to bring the two sides to the same negotiating table, if there is readiness and a moving closer of their stands, and, if not, then he would resort to shuttle diplomacy.
