Kosovo premier expects provocations from Serbia ahead of status resolution

Text of report in English by independent internet news agency KosovaLive

Prishtina [Pristina], 28 September: After reviewing the security situation in Kosova [Kosovo], Prime Minister Agim Ceku said on Wednesday [27 September] that there are indications that, during the definition of the political status process, Kosova might be destabilized by Serbia and by its "accomplices" that work in Kosova.

Prime Minister Ceku made these comments following a joint meeting with the head of UNMIK [UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo], Joachim Ruecker, and Kfor [Kosovo Force] Commander Ronald Kather.

They all agreed that the current security situation in Kosova is stable, but with possible risk of destabilization in the following period.

"Final period of the status goes along with possible risks, therefore we might be provoked, firstly by Serbia, then by opponents of the independence of Kosova and by the opponents of the success in Kosova," said Ceku.

According to Ceku, what is more important is the fact that citizens must not be victims of these provocations. He called on the citizens to remain calm during this period, which is very important for the future of Kosova, and to rely on their political leaders and peacekeeping forces.

Ceku furthermore said that those who want to destabilize Kosova are interested to make Kosova look in front of the international community as it is still not ready to become an independent and sovereign state.

Ceku also assured Kosova's citizens that Kfor, UNMIK police, and the Kosova Police Service [ShPK] are doing their job in the best possible way and they are investigating the latest incidents in order to find and sentence the perpetrators of these acts.

On the other hand, COMKFOR Kather said that Kfor with all its contingents is ready to act if there are elements of violence, adding that Kfor is in Kosova to provide peace to all its citizens.

Kather also said that people must be persuaded that violence is not what is needed, and that it is counterproductive to think that violence helps towards a prosperous future.

Meanwhile, the head of UNMIK, Ruecker agreed with the previous speakers that there is a stable and sustainable environment, adding that further plans should be taken as regards the possible risks.

Ruecker also went on to say that Kosova is on a good path and that all its leaders are focused in what is necessary in order to go through the status process.

In the end all participants of this meeting agreed that this meeting should take place every month, in order to look at the security situation and to undertake measures, if necessary.

Source: KosovaLive website, Pristina, in English 28 Sep 06