UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The top UN envoy in Kosovo on Wednesday called for social engagement for the success of negotiations on a possible new comprehensive agreement between Pristina and Belgrade.
After meetings between Serbian and Kosovo leaders in the past few months, there is momentum for political dialogue between the two parties, Zahir Tanin, the UN secretary-general's special representative and head of the UN mission in Kosovo, told the Security Council.
At a European forum in Austria in August, both sides advocated a new framework for a comprehensive agreement, including the possibility of territorial exchange, said Tanin.
But he stressed the need for social engagement from both societies for such an agreement to succeed.
"Any process of political negotiation, if it is to succeed, requires the full engagement and buy-in from societies, as well as from leaders and political representatives," he said.
"Top-level commitments that may be reached via political negotiations, no matter the strength of international and regional support, are unlikely to stand unless backed up by full understanding and confidence among communities and individuals across society."
Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia 10 years ago. Enditem
