The U.S. representative at the United Nations stated that it is time to close UNMIK in Kosovo. Jeff Bartos emphasized that UNMIK meetings are no longer useful and that the U.S. does not want resources spent on such operations.
“There is no security crisis in Kosovo, and UNMIK no longer has a role in governing Kosovo. The time has come for the mission to withdraw. We appreciate Mr. Shin’s efforts for dialogue, but UNMIK is a peacekeeping mission without peacekeepers,” he said.
“It is time to begin transferring UNMIK functions to more suitable agencies. The U.S. calls on member states to close its operations. This transition is overdue. Meetings about UNMIK are redundant and these discussions should stop, as they undermine local institutions,” Bartos added.
He also urged Kosovo and Serbia to avoid escalatory actions and work toward final recognition.
“The U.S. urges Kosovo and Serbia to avoid escalation and to build peace with the ultimate goal of final recognition. These are admirable objectives, and the U.S. fully supports them,” he concluded.
