The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and UNMIK Chief Zahir Tanin has reacted to the situation in northern Kosovo due to Kosovo’s decision on license plates.

He has now called on Kosovo and Serbia to reduce tensions and demonstrate responsible leaders.

Tanin has said that unilateral actions carry the risk of escalation and should be avoided in the interest of peace, security and safety of the populations.

“The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Chief of UNMIK, Zahir Tanin, notes the continuing stalemate over the implementation of the measures on license plates and joins international partners in urging all parties to address issues through established dialogue mechanisms, in support for the free movement of persons and goods and in the interest of the population. SRSG Tanin reminds the parties that unilateral actions carry the risk of escalation and should be avoided in the interest of peace, security and safety of the populations. I urge all parties to demonstrate responsible leadership and to take immediate steps to avoid tensions through the process of political dialogue,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, for 4 days, Kosovo has imposed the reciprocity measure for license plates of vehicles coming from Serbia. Meanwhile, the two border crossings Jarinje and Brnjak have been blocked for three days by local Serbs.

/Klara Ruci/