UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said in his latest report to the Security Council that a thorough, unbiased and independent investigation is needed regarding allegations of human organ trafficking in Kosovo and he also welcomed the start of the talks between Belgrade and Pristina.

The investigation should have a strong witness protection programme and full cooperation of all sides, he noted. The UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo is willing to cooperate fully with any potential inquiry, according to the report, which Tanjug had access to.

The document will be presented to the Security Council May 12. It refers to the period between January 16 and April 15.

During that period, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution regarding special rapporteur Dick Marty's report on organ trafficking and inhumane treatment of people in Kosovo, the secretary general states.

Among other things, the resolution calls on the EU countries to specify the authority of the EU Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and other international bodies with a mandate that allows them to conduct investigations and to provide them with the necessary resources.

EULEX is also asked to conduct an impartial probe into the allegations, while Serbia and Albania are called upon to provide their full cooperation.

The secretary general expects the talks between Belgrade and Pristina to become a suitable forum that would serve to settle long-standing issues concerning northern Kosovo. He also called on the local communities to begin their own dialogue and refrain from any one-sided actions that could worsen the situation on the ground.