Last Updated: Wednesday, 31 May 2023, 15:44 GMT

UN envoy calls for end to political infighting over Kosovo

Publisher Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Publication Date 16 May 2016
Cite as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, UN envoy calls for end to political infighting over Kosovo, 16 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57690113c.html [accessed 5 June 2023]
Comments All reference to Kosovo should be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.
DisclaimerThis is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

May 16, 2016

The UN's sepcial envoy to Kosovo, Zahir Tanin (file photo)The UN's sepcial envoy to Kosovo, Zahir Tanin (file photo)

The United Nations' envoy for Kosovo said on May 16 that the election of a new Kosovo president and the return to power of Serbia's government provided "an excellent opportunity" to end political infighting and to, instead, focus on challenges that face the Balkans – like unemployment and inequality.

Special Representative Zahir Tanin also told the UN Security Council on May 16 that he appreciated "the conciliatory messages and vision" presented by Kosovo's President Hashim Thaci and Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic after their recent election victories.

Kosovo came under UN and NATO administration after the United States and its NATO allies carried out a bombing campaign in 1999 to end a crackdown by Serbs against the region's majority ethnic Albanian population.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Belgrade still considers the region to be part of its territory.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters

Link to original story on RFE/RL website

Copyright notice: Copyright (c) 2007-2009. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036

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