The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Vuk Jeremic, Foreign Minister of Serbia.

This meeting followed the regular Security Council session on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) held yesterday.

The focus of their discussion was the situation in northern Kosovo and the European Union-facilitated dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade.

The Secretary-General expressed satisfaction with the recent reduction of tensions and the progress made in the restoration of freedom of movement in northern Kosovo. He commended Belgrade's positive contribution to the lowering of tensions and encouraged its continued constructive engagement.

On the referendum organised by the Kosovo Serbs in the north, the Secretary-General asked for Belgrade's close cooperation with UNMIK and other stakeholders to ensure that tensions would not escalate