Annan calls for continuing progress in Kosovo for future political settlement

XINHUA (CHINA), 2005-05-27 04:51:12

UNITED NATIONS, May 26 (Xinhuanet) -- UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan stressed on Thursday that continuing progress in Kosovo must be made in all priority areas for any future political settlement to proceed.

In his latest report delivered to the Security Council, Annan noted the assessment of progress measured against the eight agreed-upon standards.

"All standards are important and the focus on areas of particular importance to Kosovo minorities does not diminish the relevance of any of the eight standards," Annan said.

He recommended that a comprehensive review of progress against the standards should be initiated this summer, saying that he intends to appoint a Special Envoy to conduct that review in the near future.

Annan added that the review, on the basis of which final statustalks could be launched, should consist of consultations with the parties and the international community in order to assess the current situation and conditions for possible next steps in the process.

He also stressed that the review's outcome is not a foregone conclusion, saying "during and beyond the comprehensive review, Kosovo's political leaders will be expected to pursue and strengthen their efforts to implement the standards, and will continue to be assessed on this basis."

While noting improvements in outreach to minority communities and the smooth transition of government that took place recently, he expressed concern over the slow pace of local government reform,inter-party rancor and violent incidents that may have been related to such problems.

"It is crucial that any threats of violence or intimidation notdetract us from our goal," he said. "It is the responsibility of all people in Kosovo to ensure that the work of extremists is not allowed to dictate the future course of Kosovo." Enditem