The office is led by the Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Andrew Gilmour, who is charged with facilitating communication channels and dialogue with the Government of Serbia and the Diplomatic Community in Belgrade on matters relating to the implementation of Resolution 1244 (1999), and more broadly on matters of interest to the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Political Affairs.

 

The United Nations Office in Belgrade reports to the Secretary-General and his Secretariat on political developments in Serbia, as well as in the Western Balkans more generally that are of relevance to the United Nations. The Office also facilitates the contacts of UNMIK, and those of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo and Head of UNMIK, Mr. Farid Zarif, in Belgrade and provides assistance, when requested, to the international presences in Kosovo.

 

During the past two years, the Office has extended its scope of activities to facilitate the process of reconfiguring UNMIK, including its devolution of competencies in the areas of police, justice and customs to the European Union, and has continued with efforts to uphold the UN role in ensuring peace and stability in Kosovo.