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 pas 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.
The addition of this new dimension generated new impetus, as well as apprehension among political actors and the populations on both sides as well as within the region and international community, he said, adding that the discussion has opened space for debate and consideration regardless of the underlying challenges and concerns.
Last week in Brussels, Serbia President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo President Hashim Thaci met and confirmed their intention to continue the dialogue and to work toward a settlement, within the EU-facilitated process, Tanin noted.
He stressed the need for social engagement from both societies for such an agreement to succeed, particularly given the fact that the political talks in Brussels took place against a situation still dominated by frequent adversarial actions on the ground.
"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, Tanin said.
With this in mind, his mission, known as UNMIK, continues to prioritize trust-building in Kosovo particularly at the grassroots level in close cooperation with all international partners on the ground, said Tanin.
Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia 10 years ago. Enditem
