Ban Ki-moon advocates continuation of dialogue between Pristina and Belgrad

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in Pristina on Tuesday advocated the continuation of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and improvement and normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia.

I expect normalisation of relations with Belgrade, including equal amount of seriousness and dedication to dialogue. I asked the same of the Serbian leadership, Ban Ki-moon said.

In his brief address to the press at the Pristina airport after talking to Kosovo officials, the UN secretary general expressed concern with a rise of violence in northern Kodovo over the last year, advocating the resolving of this issue through peaceful dialogue. He stressed steps needed to be taken so to ensure mutual respect in the region, adding that all sides must intensify efforts in shedding light on the fate of missing persons. The UN secretary general also advocated the protection of minority rights and the preservation of cultural heritage.

He held talks at the Pristina airport with Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga and Prime Minister Hashim Thaci. Later today he is scheduled to visit the monastery in Decani and Prizren. After Kosovo, Ban Ki-moon will travel to Macedonia as part of his tour if Southeast Europe. (Hina)