Deborah Lyons, UN Special Representative and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (), said that despite an improvement in the security situation, Afghans feel abandoned by the international community and anxious about their new leadership. “Ultimately, the Taliban must decide on whether to govern according to the needs and rights of the diverse Afghan population, or whether to rule on the basis of a narrow ideology and even narrower ethnic base”, she stated.

Disengagement a ‘historic mistake’

Emphasizing that the Taliban are genuinely trying to present themselves as a Government, the Special Representative said that they are constrained by a lack of resources and a political ideology that clashes with contemporary international norms of governance. Moreover, the Taliban has neither earned the trust of most Afghans nor convinced the nationals of their capacity to govern. Against that tenuous backdrop, Ms. Lyons stressed that the international community must remain engaged with Taliban leaders in order to shape a more positive future trajectory. “To abandon the Afghan people now would be a historic mistake – a mistake that has been made before with tragic consequences”, she warned.

Trust deficits

Outlining her team’s early interactions with the de facto Taliban administration, the Special Representative said engagements have been generally useful and constructive.  The de facto authorities have indicated that they want a UN presence and value its assistance.   They continue to seek international recognition as well as ways to overcome the trust deficit that they recognize exists between them and the international community. The Taliban continue to provide security to UN staff and allow broad humanitarian access, including for women humanitarian workers, allowing access to parts of the country that had not been visited for 15 years. “Be assured that we have not shied away from raising difficult issues with the Taliban, particularly on women’s rights, girls’ education and on reports … of harassment and extra-judicial killings”, underscored the UN official.

Women and girls

Ms. Lyons said that in general, the Taliban have recognized the international community’s concerns – often acknowledging mistakes and trying to address them. However, they also make clear that for now there are limits to the concessions they are willing to make on certain issues, including those relating to the rights and freedoms of women. While the de facto authorities had initially assured the global community that they would protect women’s rights within Islamic law – including the right to education – there has nevertheless been a general curtailment of their fundamental rights and freedoms. From a woman’s right to work, to their absence from major decision-making fora and senior echelons of the civil service, their limitations have become obvious. And the Taliban authorities have indicated that they are working on a nation-wide policy to govern girls’ right to education.

The best way to promote stability and future international support is for the Taliban to avoid the isolation that characterized their previous experience in power – Special Representative

Building constructive relations

Ms. Lyons told Council members that Afghans generally feel apprehensive over Taliban intentions. Among their top concerns are the country’s paralyzed economy, the inability to withdraw money and fears of not being able to feed themselves during the winter. The UN has also received credible reports of house searches and extra-judicial killings of former Government security personnel and officials.  Meanwhile to date, the Taliban has proven its inability to stem the expansion of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant - Khorasan Province (ISIL-KP), where terrorist attacks have increased from 60 in 2020 to 334 so far this year. In that context, Ms. Lyons called for the gradual establishment of constructive relations between Afghanistan and the world at large. “The best way to promote stability and future international support is for the Taliban to avoid the isolation that characterized their previous experience in power”, stressed the Special Representative.

Deborah Lyons, UN Special Representative and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (), said that despite an improvement in the security situation, Afghans feel abandoned by the international community and anxious about their new leadership. “Ultimately, the Taliban must decide on whether to govern according to the needs and rights of the diverse Afghan population, or whether to rule on the basis of a narrow ideology and even narrower ethnic base”, she stated.

Disengagement a ‘historic mistake’

Emphasizing that the Taliban are genuinely trying to present themselves as a Government, the Special Representative said that they are constrained by a lack of resources and a political ideology that clashes with contemporary international norms of governance. Moreover, the Taliban has neither earned the trust of most Afghans nor convinced the nationals of their capacity to govern. Against that tenuous backdrop, Ms. Lyons stressed that the international community must remain engaged with Taliban leaders in order to shape a more positive future trajectory. “To abandon the Afghan people now would be a historic mistake – a mistake that has been made before with tragic consequences”, she warned.

Trust deficits

Outlining her team’s early interactions with the de facto Taliban administration, the Special Representative said engagements have been generally useful and constructive.  The de facto authorities have indicated that they want a UN presence and value its assistance.   They continue to seek international recognition as well as ways to overcome the trust deficit that they recognize exists between them and the international community. The Taliban continue to provide security to UN staff and allow broad humanitarian access, including for women humanitarian workers, allowing access to parts of the country that had not been visited for 15 years. “Be assured that we have not shied away from raising difficult issues with the Taliban, particularly on women’s rights, girls’ education and on reports … of harassment and extra-judicial killings”, underscored the UN official.

Women and girls

Ms. Lyons said that in general, the Taliban have recognized the international community’s concerns – often acknowledging mistakes and trying to address them. However, they also make clear that for now there are limits to the concessions they are willing to make on certain issues, including those relating to the rights and freedoms of women. While the de facto authorities had initially assured the global community that they would protect women’s rights within Islamic law – including the right to education – there has nevertheless been a general curtailment of their fundamental rights and freedoms. From a woman’s right to work, to their absence from major decision-making fora and senior echelons of the civil service, their limitations have become obvious. And the Taliban authorities have indicated that they are working on a nation-wide policy to govern girls’ right to education.

The best way to promote stability and future international support is for the Taliban to avoid the isolation that characterized their previous experience in power – Special Representative

Building constructive relations

Ms. Lyons told Council members that Afghans generally feel apprehensive over Taliban intentions. Among their top concerns are the country’s paralyzed economy, the inability to withdraw money and fears of not being able to feed themselves during the winter. The UN has also received credible reports of house searches and extra-judicial killings of former Government security personnel and officials.  Meanwhile to date, the Taliban has proven its inability to stem the expansion of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant - Khorasan Province (ISIL-KP), where terrorist attacks have increased from 60 in 2020 to 334 so far this year. In that context, Ms. Lyons called for the gradual establishment of constructive relations between Afghanistan and the world at large. “The best way to promote stability and future international support is for the Taliban to avoid the isolation that characterized their previous experience in power”, stressed the Special Representative.

Deborah Lyons, UN Special Representative and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (), said that despite an improvement in the security situation, Afghans feel abandoned by the international community and anxious about their new leadership. “Ultimately, the Taliban must decide on whether to govern according to the needs and rights of the diverse Afghan population, or whether to rule on the basis of a narrow ideology and even narrower ethnic base”, she stated.

Disengagement a ‘historic mistake’

Emphasizing that the Taliban are genuinely trying to present themselves as a Government, the Special Representative said that they are constrained by a lack of resources and a political ideology that clashes with contemporary international norms of governance. Moreover, the Taliban has neither earned the trust of most Afghans nor convinced the nationals of their capacity to govern. Against that tenuous backdrop, Ms. Lyons stressed that the international community must remain engaged with Taliban leaders in order to shape a more positive future trajectory. “To abandon the Afghan people now would be a historic mistake – a mistake that has been made before with tragic consequences”, she warned.

Trust deficits

Outlining her team’s early interactions with the de facto Taliban administration, the Special Representative said engagements have been generally useful and constructive.  The de facto authorities have indicated that they want a UN presence and value its assistance.   They continue to seek international recognition as well as ways to overcome the trust deficit that they recognize exists between them and the international community. The Taliban continue to provide security to UN staff and allow broad humanitarian access, including for women humanitarian workers, allowing access to parts of the country that had not been visited for 15 years. “Be assured that we have not shied away from raising difficult issues with the Taliban, particularly on women’s rights, girls’ education and on reports … of harassment and extra-judicial killings”, underscored the UN official.

Women and girls

Ms. Lyons said that in general, the Taliban have recognized the international community’s concerns – often acknowledging mistakes and trying to address them. However, they also make clear that for now there are limits to the concessions they are willing to make on certain issues, including those relating to the rights and freedoms of women. While the de facto authorities had initially assured the global community that they would protect women’s rights within Islamic law – including the right to education – there has nevertheless been a general curtailment of their fundamental rights and freedoms. From a woman’s right to work, to their absence from major decision-making fora and senior echelons of the civil service, their limitations have become obvious. And the Taliban authorities have indicated that they are working on a nation-wide policy to govern girls’ right to education.

The best way to promote stability and future international support is for the Taliban to avoid the isolation that characterized their previous experience in power – Special Representative

Building constructive relations

Ms. Lyons told Council members that Afghans generally feel apprehensive over Taliban intentions. Among their top concerns are the country’s paralyzed economy, the inability to withdraw money and fears of not being able to feed themselves during the winter. The UN has also received credible reports of house searches and extra-judicial killings of former Government security personnel and officials.  Meanwhile to date, the Taliban has proven its inability to stem the expansion of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant - Khorasan Province (ISIL-KP), where terrorist attacks have increased from 60 in 2020 to 334 so far this year. In that context, Ms. Lyons called for the gradual establishment of constructive relations between Afghanistan and the world at large. “The best way to promote stability and future international support is for the Taliban to avoid the isolation that characterized their previous experience in power”, stressed the Special Representative.

Deborah Lyons, UN Special Representative and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (), said that despite an improvement in the security situation, Afghans feel abandoned by the international community and anxious about their new leadership. “Ultimately, the Taliban must decide on whether to govern according to the needs and rights of the diverse Afghan population, or whether to rule on the basis of a narrow ideology and even narrower ethnic base”, she stated.

Disengagement a ‘historic mistake’

Emphasizing that the Taliban are genuinely trying to present themselves as a Government, the Special Representative said that they are constrained by a lack of resources and a political ideology that clashes with contemporary international norms of governance. Moreover, the Taliban has neither earned the trust of most Afghans nor convinced the nationals of their capacity to govern. Against that tenuous backdrop, Ms. Lyons stressed that the international community must remain engaged with Taliban leaders in order to shape a more positive future trajectory. “To abandon the Afghan people now would be a historic mistake – a mistake that has been made before with tragic consequences”, she warned.

Trust deficits

Outlining her team’s early interactions with the de facto Taliban administration, the Special Representative said engagements have been generally useful and constructive.  The de facto authorities have indicated that they want a UN presence and value its assistance.   They continue to seek international recognition as well as ways to overcome the trust deficit that they recognize exists between them and the international community. The Taliban continue to provide security to UN staff and allow broad humanitarian access, including for women humanitarian workers, allowing access to parts of the country that had not been visited for 15 years. “Be assured that we have not shied away from raising difficult issues with the Taliban, particularly on women’s rights, girls’ education and on reports … of harassment and extra-judicial killings”, underscored the UN official.

Women and girls

Ms. Lyons said that in general, the Taliban have recognized the international community’s concerns – often acknowledging mistakes and trying to address them. However, they also make clear that for now there are limits to the concessions they are willing to make on certain issues, including those relating to the rights and freedoms of women. While the de facto authorities had initially assured the global community that they would protect women’s rights within Islamic law – including the right to education – there has nevertheless been a general curtailment of their fundamental rights and freedoms. From a woman’s right to work, to their absence from major decision-making fora and senior echelons of the civil service, their limitations have become obvious. And the Taliban authorities have indicated that they are working on a nation-wide policy to govern girls’ right to education.

The best way to promote stability and future international support is for the Taliban to avoid the isolation that characterized their previous experience in power – Special Representative

Building constructive relations

Ms. Lyons told Council members that Afghans generally feel apprehensive over Taliban intentions. Among their top concerns are the country’s paralyzed economy, the inability to withdraw money and fears of not being able to feed themselves during the winter. The UN has also received credible reports of house searches and extra-judicial killings of former Government security personnel and officials.  Meanwhile to date, the Taliban has proven its inability to stem the expansion of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant - Khorasan Province (ISIL-KP), where terrorist attacks have increased from 60 in 2020 to 334 so far this year. In that context, Ms. Lyons called for the gradual establishment of constructive relations between Afghanistan and the world at large. “The best way to promote stability and future international support is for the Taliban to avoid the isolation that characterized their previous experience in power”, stressed the Special Representative.

Deborah Lyons, UN Special Representative and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (), said that despite an improvement in the security situation, Afghans feel abandoned by the international community and anxious about their new leadership. “Ultimately, the Taliban must decide on whether to govern according to the needs and rights of the diverse Afghan population, or whether to rule on the basis of a narrow ideology and even narrower ethnic base”, she stated.

Disengagement a ‘historic mistake’

Emphasizing that the Taliban are genuinely trying to present themselves as a Government, the Special Representative said that they are constrained by a lack of resources and a political ideology that clashes with contemporary international norms of governance. Moreover, the Taliban has neither earned the trust of most Afghans nor convinced the nationals of their capacity to govern. Against that tenuous backdrop, Ms. Lyons stressed that the international community must remain engaged with Taliban leaders in order to shape a more positive future trajectory. “To abandon the Afghan people now would be a historic mistake – a mistake that has been made before with tragic consequences”, she warned.

Trust deficits

Outlining her team’s early interactions with the de facto Taliban administration, the Special Representative said engagements have been generally useful and constructive.  The de facto authorities have indicated that they want a UN presence and value its assistance.   They continue to seek international recognition as well as ways to overcome the trust deficit that they recognize exists between them and the international community. The Taliban continue to provide security to UN staff and allow broad humanitarian access, including for women humanitarian workers, allowing access to parts of the country that had not been visited for 15 years. “Be assured that we have not shied away from raising difficult issues with the Taliban, particularly on women’s rights, girls’ education and on reports … of harassment and extra-judicial killings”, underscored the UN official.

Women and girls

Ms. Lyons said that in general, the Taliban have recognized the international community’s concerns – often acknowledging mistakes and trying to address them. However, they also make clear that for now there are limits to the concessions they are willing to make on certain issues, including those relating to the rights and freedoms of women. While the de facto authorities had initially assured the global community that they would protect women’s rights within Islamic law – including the right to education – there has nevertheless been a general curtailment of their fundamental rights and freedoms. From a woman’s right to work, to their absence from major decision-making fora and senior echelons of the civil service, their limitations have become obvious. And the Taliban authorities have indicated that they are working on a nation-wide policy to govern girls’ right to education.

The best way to promote stability and future international support is for the Taliban to avoid the isolation that characterized their previous experience in power – Special Representative

Building constructive relations

Ms. Lyons told Council members that Afghans generally feel apprehensive over Taliban intentions. Among their top concerns are the country’s paralyzed economy, the inability to withdraw money and fears of not being able to feed themselves during the winter. The UN has also received credible reports of house searches and extra-judicial killings of former Government security personnel and officials.  Meanwhile to date, the Taliban has proven its inability to stem the expansion of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant - Khorasan Province (ISIL-KP), where terrorist attacks have increased from 60 in 2020 to 334 so far this year. In that context, Ms. Lyons called for the gradual establishment of constructive relations between Afghanistan and the world at large. “The best way to promote stability and future international support is for the Taliban to avoid the isolation that characterized their previous experience in power”, stressed the Special Representative.

Deborah Lyons, UN Special Representative and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (), said that despite an improvement in the security situation, Afghans feel abandoned by the international community and anxious about their new leadership. “Ultimately, the Taliban must decide on whether to govern according to the needs and rights of the diverse Afghan population, or whether to rule on the basis of a narrow ideology and even narrower ethnic base”, she stated.

Disengagement a ‘historic mistake’

Emphasizing that the Taliban are genuinely trying to present themselves as a Government, the Special Representative said that they are constrained by a lack of resources and a political ideology that clashes with contemporary international norms of governance. Moreover, the Taliban has neither earned the trust of most Afghans nor convinced the nationals of their capacity to govern. Against that tenuous backdrop, Ms. Lyons stressed that the international community must remain engaged with Taliban leaders in order to shape a more positive future trajectory. “To abandon the Afghan people now would be a historic mistake – a mistake that has been made before with tragic consequences”, she warned.

Trust deficits

Outlining her team’s early interactions with the de facto Taliban administration, the Special Representative said engagements have been generally useful and constructive.  The de facto authorities have indicated that they want a UN presence and value its assistance.   They continue to seek international recognition as well as ways to overcome the trust deficit that they recognize exists between them and the international community. The Taliban continue to provide security to UN staff and allow broad humanitarian access, including for women humanitarian workers, allowing access to parts of the country that had not been visited for 15 years. “Be assured that we have not shied away from raising difficult issues with the Taliban, particularly on women’s rights, girls’ education and on reports … of harassment and extra-judicial killings”, underscored the UN official.

Women and girls

Ms. Lyons said that in general, the Taliban have recognized the international community’s concerns – often acknowledging mistakes and trying to address them. However, they also make clear that for now there are limits to the concessions they are willing to make on certain issues, including those relating to the rights and freedoms of women. While the de facto authorities had initially assured the global community that they would protect women’s rights within Islamic law – including the right to education – there has nevertheless been a general curtailment of their fundamental rights and freedoms. From a woman’s right to work, to their absence from major decision-making fora and senior echelons of the civil service, their limitations have become obvious. And the Taliban authorities have indicated that they are working on a nation-wide policy to govern girls’ right to education.

The best way to promote stability and future international support is for the Taliban to avoid the isolation that characterized their previous experience in power – Special Representative

Building constructive relations

Ms. Lyons told Council members that Afghans generally feel apprehensive over Taliban intentions. Among their top concerns are the country’s paralyzed economy, the inability to withdraw money and fears of not being able to feed themselves during the winter. The UN has also received credible reports of house searches and extra-judicial killings of former Government security personnel and officials.  Meanwhile to date, the Taliban has proven its inability to stem the expansion of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant - Khorasan Province (ISIL-KP), where terrorist attacks have increased from 60 in 2020 to 334 so far this year. In that context, Ms. Lyons called for the gradual establishment of constructive relations between Afghanistan and the world at large. “The best way to promote stability and future international support is for the Taliban to avoid the isolation that characterized their previous experience in power”, stressed the Special Representative.

“However, all is not lost”, El-Ghassim Wane cautioned.   He highlighted the Council’s visit to the country last week and the tribute paid to the 243 fallen peacekeepers who’ve been killed serving the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (), saying it was “a stark reminder of the sacrifices made over the last eight years in the search for peace.”  “It further enhanced our resolve to ensure that every one of those lives lost, was not in vain”, he added.  

A challenging situation  

According to the Special Representative, the situation in Mali, remains extremely challenging, with insecurity growing in the north, centre, and now also the south.   Attacks targeting both Malian and international forces, including  ‘blue helmets’, have continued. Just this Thursday, the camp in Aguelhok came under indirect mortar and rocket fire.   The humanitarian situation is also worrying, with 4.7 million people in need of assistance and some 400,000 internally displaced persons.  For Mr. Wane, it is “needless to reiterate that, in this context, MINUSMA remains crucial in Mali.” 

Increasing needs   

The Special Representative, who also acts as head of MINUSMA, informed that the mission is doing its best to support national authorities.   Between May and October, the Mission responded to “a myriad of requests” from the Government and the Defence and Security Forces, in terms of rations, fuel, ground and air transport and engineering services.   Mr. Wane warned, however, that the Mission is currently “overstretched.”   “All of these activities are being undertaken within existing resources.  It is in this context that the Secretary-General recommended an augmentation to our operation”, he informed.  

Peace negotiations  

The Special Representative believes that the answer to all these challenges “cannot be purely military”, requiring a political response.   Regarding the 2015 peace agreement, he called the progress “frustratingly slow”, in key aspects such as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, institutional reforms and development.  He also pointed to some “encouraging evolutions” in the last few weeks. According to him, the transition “has reached a critical stage.”  Following a military coup in August 2020, the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP) agreed to an 18-month political transition to civilian rule.  Now, according to Mr. Wane, the transitional authorities believe that improving the security situation and initiating some fundamental reforms “are key to the holding of credible elections and ensuring that the return to constitutional rule and stability is not short lived.”  

‘Barbaric’ attacks, condemned by UN rights experts 

Highlighting insecurity and impunity in Mali, a group of  on Friday a series of “barbaric” attacks against hundreds of people born into what they describe as nothing less than modern-day slavery.   “These unspeakable abhorrent acts have gone on far too long, committed by some Malian nationals who openly defend descent-based slavery”, the experts said in a statement.  “The whole world is watching and losing patience. We have condemned this heinous practice many times before. Now the Malian Government must take action, starting with ending impunity for attacks on ‘slaves’”, they added.  

Series of attacks 

The latest attacks happened at the end of September in the Kayes region, some 500 km northwest of the capital Bamako. The area has been the site of seven previous attacks since January, in which one person was killed, at least 77 injured and more than 3,000 “slaves” displaced.  “The fact that these attacks occur so often in this area shows that descent-based slavery is still socially accepted by some influential politicians, traditional leaders, law enforcement officials and judicial authorities in Mali,” the experts said.  Some people are born into slavery in Mali because their ancestors were captured into slavery and their families have “belonged” to the slave-owning families – so-called “nobles” - for generations. “Slaves” are compelled to work without pay, can be inherited, and are deprived of basic human rights. 

Slavery can no longer be tolerated. Those who continue to support it must understand they cannot attack with impunity people who claim their legitimate rights

Noting that Mali does not have a specific law against the ancient practice, the experts said outlawing it, is long overdue.   “Slavery can no longer be tolerated. Those who continue to support it must understand they cannot attack with impunity people who claim their legitimate rights”, they concluded.  All independent UN rights experts are appointed by the , and work on a voluntary basis. They serve in their individual capacity, and are neither UN staff, nor do they receive a salary from the Organisation.   

Fact-finding visit 

Also on Friday, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, , announced she will be paying a six-day visit to the country, starting 1 November.  She will meet with senior government officials, the Head of the African Union Mission to Mali and the Sahel (MISAHEL), senior officials from the G5-Sahel, members of the diplomatic community, as well as national human rights institution and other entities.  The Assistant Secretary-General will also hold discussions with the leadership of MINUSMA.   She will engage with various human rights and civil society organizations, community leaders and youth associations, as well as with religious and traditional authorities.   

The warning came from  and head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (), Zahir Tanin, in a briefing to the  on Friday.   “[These events] are of deep concern to me and should be a warning to all members of this Council”, Mr. Tanin said, referring to two episodes involving the Kosovo Police.  

Escalating events 

On the morning of 20 September, Pristina launched a police operation in northern Kosovo to enforce a new licence plate validity regime, causing a stand-off with protesters blockading traffic along the Administrative Boundary Line.  Special units of the Kosovo Police, armed with long weapons, were deployed in armoured vehicles. In one instance, they utilised tear gas and percussion grenades to disperse protesters.  Tensions were reportedly resolved over the border dispute, following international mediation and the deployment of troops from the NATO-led peacekeeping operation in Kosovo, KFOR.  

Anti-smuggling operation 

This past Wednesday, Kosovo Police Special Police Units were once again deployed in the north, as part of what has been described as an anti-smuggling operation, conducted in several locations in Kosovo.  Over the course of the day, the operation provoked protests and clashes that resulted in a significant number of injuries, among protestors, police and uninvolved civilians.   According to news reports, the clashes involved ethnic Serbs, which provoked a response from Serbia, calling on the international community to restore order and protect Serbs living inside Kosovo.  Mr. Tanin described these events as a reminder “that lack of political understanding and communication is a vector for the escalation of tensions, especially in fragile security environments characterised by mistrust.”   For him, this can be described as “a bruising episode, but it could far too easily have been turned into a real haemorrhage.”  “History in the region has tragically and repeatedly shown that ostensibly small incidents, misreading of intentions, and outright mistakes, can trigger an unstable security escalation that puts lives at risk and benefits no-one.” 

Dialogue 

The Special Representative informed that he has spoken about it both with Prime Minister Kurti, from Kosovo, and President Vučić, from Serbia, as well as other diplomatic actors involved, especially those representing the United States, the Russian Federation and China.  He also welcomed the recent encounter between the two leaders, on 6 October, during the EU-Western Balkans Summit, in the presence of French President Macron and German Chancellor Merkel.  “Still, it would be premature and overly optimistic to say that we can see a resumption of real commitment to the dialogue, which remains the only forum in which responsible and result-oriented discussions can continue”, he concluded. 

The warning came from  and head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (), Zahir Tanin, in a briefing to the  on Friday.   “[These events] are of deep concern to me and should be a warning to all members of this Council”, Mr. Tanin said, referring to two episodes involving the Kosovo Police.  

Escalating events 

On the morning of 20 September, Pristina launched a police operation in northern Kosovo to enforce a new licence plate validity regime, causing a stand-off with protesters blockading traffic along the Administrative Boundary Line.  Special units of the Kosovo Police, armed with long weapons, were deployed in armoured vehicles. In one instance, they utilised tear gas and percussion grenades to disperse protesters.  Tensions were reportedly resolved over the border dispute, following international mediation and the deployment of troops from the NATO-led peacekeeping operation in Kosovo, KFOR.  

Anti-smuggling operation 

This past Wednesday, Kosovo Police Special Police Units were once again deployed in the north, as part of what has been described as an anti-smuggling operation, conducted in several locations in Kosovo.  Over the course of the day, the operation provoked protests and clashes that resulted in a significant number of injuries, among protestors, police and uninvolved civilians.   According to news reports, the clashes involved ethnic Serbs, which provoked a response from Serbia, calling on the international community to restore order and protect Serbs living inside Kosovo.  Mr. Tanin described these events as a reminder “that lack of political understanding and communication is a vector for the escalation of tensions, especially in fragile security environments characterised by mistrust.”   For him, this can be described as “a bruising episode, but it could far too easily have been turned into a real haemorrhage.”  “History in the region has tragically and repeatedly shown that ostensibly small incidents, misreading of intentions, and outright mistakes, can trigger an unstable security escalation that puts lives at risk and benefits no-one.” 

Dialogue 

The Special Representative informed that he has spoken about it both with Prime Minister Kurti, from Kosovo, and President Vučić, from Serbia, as well as other diplomatic actors involved, especially those representing the United States, the Russian Federation and China.  He also welcomed the recent encounter between the two leaders, on 6 October, during the EU-Western Balkans Summit, in the presence of French President Macron and German Chancellor Merkel.  “Still, it would be premature and overly optimistic to say that we can see a resumption of real commitment to the dialogue, which remains the only forum in which responsible and result-oriented discussions can continue”, he concluded.