UNITED NATIONS: Voicing support for the recent steps taken by Kosovo and Serbia to normalize relations, Pakistan has called for maintaining the momentum of the dialogue process to reach "mutually acceptable solutions".
"Reconciliation would require sincere efforts of the leadership on both sides," Ambassador Raza Bashir Tarar, the acting Pakistan permanent representative to the UN, said in a speech to the Security Council.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in February 2008, but Serbia does not recognize the declaration.
Belgrade and Pristina have been engaged in high-level talks on a range of practical matters, facilitated by the European Union, with the most recent round held earlier this week in Brussels.
Pakistan formally recognized Kosovo in December last year.
Pakistani Ambassador to Turkey Haroon Shaukat recently presented his credentials to President Atifete Jahjaga of Kosovo, where he has concurrent accreditation.
On Friday, speaking in the 15-member Council, Ambassador Tarar said Pakistan was encouraged by the commitment of Prestina and Belgrade to dialogue, which was the best route to normalizing relations and arriving at mutually agreed conclusions. He hoped that the upcoming round of talks would lead to a comprehensive solution.
Welcoming recent calm in the security sphere, the envoy said Pakistan was nevertheless concerned by sporadic violence in the north, as well as attacks on religious and cultural sights.
He urged Kosovo authorities to actively address such matters, as well as to take up the cause of building confidence among all communities. Indeed, the leadership on both sides was urged to begin the process of preparing their respective constituents for the 'difficult' decisions and actions that would need to be taken after the outcome of the high-level negotiations.
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