Debate: Kosovo

Thank you Madam President.

I too would like to thank Special Representative Zarif for his report and welcome Deputy Prime Ministers Dačić and Thaçi to this debate. New Zealand strongly encourages dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, as well as the European Union’s support for this process. We commend the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo for their willingness to engage and hope that this will continue in a constructive atmosphere aimed at delivering concrete results. Leadership and political determination will continue to be necessary to deliver on all agreements reached thus far to normalise relations.

Long term reconciliation requires due attention to the past to prevent it from blocking progress in the future. We acknowledge steps taken by Kosovo towards the establishment of a specialised court to try cases arising from the EU Special Investigative Task Force. We urge the Kosovo Assembly to take the remaining steps required to complete this process. We also urge ongoing attention to resolving the particular political and socio-economic issues affecting the people of northern Kosovo.

In similar vein, we encourage continued attention on the matter of missing persons and greater efforts in addressing property issues and other matters which affect the return of displaced persons.

Madam President.

The problem of nationals travelling abroad to join foreign conflicts is of increasing international concern, with Kosovo being no exception. The adoption of a law by the Kosovo Assembly aimed at prohibiting the recruitment of individuals into foreign fights is an important step in combatting this problem.

However the issue will continue to require more than legislation. As shown by the way Kosovo has stemmed the outward flow of irregular migrants, influencing the movement of people requires a comprehensive strategy. Ongoing cooperation with partners in the region, engagement of community leaders, and economic reforms to improve conditions for all residents of Kosovo, will be important in countering the issue of foreign fighters.

Madam President.

New Zealand is a strong believer in ensuring that this Council hears the views of peoples who are affected by its decisions. Equally, we must organise the work of the Council so its time and energy is optimised to advance the cause of international peace and security. Given the breadth of the Council’s agenda, achieving the correct balance is not easy.

With respect to the consideration of UNMIK, we are not convinced that it is calibrated appropriately. We think the Council should be more flexible in how it organises itself to monitor the situation in Kosovo, with more scope to ensure that the Council can adjust its activity to reflect developments on the ground as well as adequately addressing the other issues on our agenda.