U.N.: Tensions still high in Kosovo

UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Northern Kosovo is still a flash point as tension remains between Serbian and Albanian communities there, a United Nations official says.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's special representative, Lamberto Zannier, told the Security Council Friday in New York animosity is still high despite a greater understanding between the communities over reconstruction of destroyed housing.

"Even this peace remains tenuous," Zannier said, noting Kosovan Serbs recently hurled rocks and set a truck on fire when they thought Kosovo Albanians were building beyond what had been agreed in talks facilitated by the U.N. Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo or UNMIK.

"It is clear that UNMIK must continue to shepherd the reconstruction process and monitor the situation closely to ensure that all communities respect existing arrangements to preserve stability and that effective communication is maintained at all times," Zannier told the Security Council.

The U.N. mission gave up its administrative role in 2008 when Kosovan Albanians declared independence, but Serbia rejects this and continues to expect the peacekeepers to play a major role.