The United Nations Security Council has begun a meeting on the situation in Kosovo, focusing on political developments, security, the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue and the future of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).
Kosovo is represented at the meeting by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Glauk Konjufca.
Peter Due, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of UNMIK, is presenting the latest report on Kosovo, covering the period from March 16 to September 15, 2026.
Due Addresses Specialist Chambers Verdict and Protests
In his remarks, Due referred to the law governing the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, the verdict issued in The Hague against former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi and three former Kosovo Liberation Army commanders, and the protests held in Kosovo in response to the ruling.
“Following the reporting period, the Specialist Chambers’ judgment convicted Thaçi and three former commanders of war crimes, but not crimes against humanity. Demonstrations took place in various locations following the judgment, most of which remained peaceful,” Due said.
He added that the Kosovo Police had generally acted peacefully during the 21 days of protests.
Due also expressed concern over what he described as inadequate coordination and information-sharing with the United Nations, while noting that cooperation with international countries had been better.
“I have raised these issues in Prishtina and with our international partners,” he said.
UNMIK Chief Warns Over Legislative Changes
Due also addressed amendments adopted by Kosovo’s Assembly that, according to his remarks, restrict the powers of the Specialist Chambers.
“We reiterate the European Union’s concerns,” he said, stressing that defendants have the right to appeal and that judicial proceedings must be respected.
“The integrity and independence of judicial proceedings must be respected, and any legislative action must be consistent with Kosovo’s legal and international obligations,” Due stated.
The UN Security Council meeting is taking place amid continued debate over the Specialist Chambers’ proceedings and their political and public repercussions in Kosovo.
