“Civil society interlocutors, political and community leaders alike pointed to a continued trust deficit,” said UN envoy Caroline Ziadeh, urging dialogue to ease tensions in Kosovo.
Briefing the Security Council on the situation in Kosovo, Ziadeh noted progress on some fronts, including the February parliamentary elections, which, despite technical issues and party appeals, were held without major incident. “It was especially encouraging to note the gains in women’s representation,” she added.
The UN envoy welcomed the recent appointment of Peter Sørensen as EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, describing his “early engagement” as “an opportunity to support both sides in making headway.” Referring to an earlier agreement between the parties, she said, “The progress made in December, when Belgrade and Pristina agreed on the terms of reference for the Joint Commission on Missing Persons, should inspire both sides to move forward in other areas of the Dialogue.”
Ziadeh also voiced concern over the deteriorating situation in northern Kosovo. “When I visited northern Kosovo on 25 March, civil society interlocutors, political and community leaders alike pointed to a continued trust deficit particularly vis-à-vis the institutions,” she said. “They lamented the unilateral actions taken by the Pristina authorities, including the recent closures of Serbia-run Centres of Social Welfare and the adverse socio-economic impact this has had.”
She condemned the attack on the Ibar-Lepenac/Ibër-Lepenc water canal on 29 November and reiterated a call “for a comprehensive and transparent investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible.” She said, “I urge all leaders to act responsibly, avoid escalation, and to cooperate in bringing the perpetrators to justice.”
Liberal Leader Mark Carney holds a campaign event in Delta, B.C., where he discusses his party’s previously-announced housing plan, highlighting a pledge to build more homes using Canadian resources such as softwood lumber.
Carney is joined by Liberal candidates Jill Mcknight (Delta) and Gregor Robertson (Vancouver Fraserview–South Burnaby).
The Liberal leader faces questions from reporters on the use of overseas tax havens. Carney is also asked about his defence of Bill C-69 and the feasibility of building oil pipelines across Canada.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre holds a campaign event in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., where he promises to crack down on repeat offenders by bringing in a “Three-Strikes-and-You’re-Out Law,” which would ensure that those convicted of three serious crimes would be jailed for a minimum of 10 years without parole.
He is joined by Hugh Stevenson, Conservative candidate for Sault Ste. Marie–Algoma.
Poilievre faces questions from reporters on how a Conservative government would act to protect the region’s steel industry from the impacts of U.S. tariffs. He is also asked about a Global news report that alleges that a group linked to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi donated money to Poilievre’s leadership campaign
Secretary General will meet the Minister of Defence, Mr Gen Nakatani. He will also visit the Yokosuka Naval Base and the Mitsubishi Electric Kamakura Works.
Mr Rutte will meet the Prime Minister, Mr Shigeru Ishiba, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mr Yoji Muto, members of the Diet, and representatives of Japanese industry.
The Secretary General will also give a speech followed by a moderated conversation on the topic “NATO and Japan – Strong Partnerships in an Interconnected World”, at the Keio University, in Tokyo.
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