UN mission has to adjust to ‘profoundly new reality' in Kosovo, says Ban

17 July 2008 – In light of developments since Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in February, the United Nations mission there is unable to perform its usual functions and must adjust to the new reality on the ground, says Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The ability of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) to carry out its tasks has been “fundamentally challenged owing to actions taken by both the authorities in Pristina and the Kosovo Serbs,” Mr. Ban writes in his latest report to the Security Council. “In Pristina, Kosovo’s authorities have instituted measures that have sought to effectively assume the Mission’s powers. Most significantly, Kosovo adopted a Constitution on 15 June that does not envisage a real role for UNMIK, although Kosovo’s leaders have welcomed the continued presence of the... [read full story]