Statement during a United Nations Security Council debate: UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)

Dec 27,2012

I will now make a statement in my national capacity.

Let me at the outset thank SRSG Farid Zarif for his briefing on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). I would also like to thank H.E. Mr. Ivan Mrkic, Foreign Minister of Serbia, and Mr. Enver Hoxhaj for their statements.

There have been several positive developments during the reporting period. Technical discussions on the implementation of agreement reached so far in the EU-facilitated dialogue resulted in Serbia’s endorsement of the technical protocol on the implementation of the agreement on the joint management of crossings.

Serbia also engaged with the EU to help clarify the ambiguity concerning Kosovo’s participation in regional fora. We welcome these developments, and hope that the sides will soon resume substantive engagement within the framework of the EU-facilitated dialogue to resolve the contentious issues.

Despite the relative calm that prevailed during the reporting period, there has not been substantial change in the situation with regard to minority communities. Recurring security incidents affecting them need to be urgently addressed in order to promote inter-community harmony and facilitate their return.

UNMIK should continue, together with the other international presences, to encourage the Kosovo authorities to address the problems adversely affecting minority communities and their cultural and religious sites. In this connection, UNMIK’s continued support for UNESCO remains critical.

The issue of missing persons is an important humanitarian issue and we hope that with direct support and encouragement by UNMIK to the ICRC it will be possible to make further progress on this issue.

We have taken note of UNMIK’s continued monitoring of the ongoing ‘Medicus’ human organ trafficking trial before the District Court of Pristina. The trial should take place in a free, fair and transparent manner, and the international presences in Kosovo led by UNMIK should render full assistance to the process.

In conclusion, I would like to express appreciation that UNMIK has continued to implement its mandate in an impartial and status neutral manner and facilitated cooperation between Pristina and Belgrade, the communities in Kosovo, KFOR, EULEX and the OSCE. We commend and support SRSG Zarif and UNMIK for their contribution towards the improvement in the situation in northern Kosovo and for the services the Mission is rendering in areas that betters the daily lives of all Kosovars.

The Mission should continue to implement its mandate in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1244 and other relevant decisions. Other agencies in Kosovo – OSCE, KFOR, EULEX, etc. – should also continue to cooperate and coordinate with UNMIK in accordance with their respective mandates.

I thank you.