Ministry Statements & Speeches:
I welcome First Deputy Prime Minister Dačić and Ambassador Çitaku to the Council today, and thank Special Representative Tanin for his briefing.
Mr President
The political leadership in both Serbia and Kosovo has reiterated a commitment to continue normalising relations. We encourage their ongoing determination to ensure this important agenda continues to move forward.
To do so it will be necessary for both sides to implement agreements that have been reached so far, including in relation to Serb majority municipalities in Kosovo.
We hope that the EU-facilitated dialogue can continue to advance the process of normalising relations, and that both sides can bring to the table the necessary political will and requisite flexibility to make progress possible. Ongoing technical discussions in Brussels can support the process by building shared understandings and common interests.
With respect to the political situation in Kosovo, we are disturbed by recent violent and disruptive episodes in the Assembly of Kosovo. As noted in the report of the Secretary-General, acts of violence in any form remain an unacceptable means to express political views.
When elected representatives engage in such acts it sets a poor example for others to emulate, and risks seriously undermining democratic institutions.
Such incidents also undermine reconciliation efforts. We welcome efforts underway to promote a more peaceful and tolerant society in Kosovo, such as the Kosovo Government’s recent conference on interfaith dialogue and heritage protection as tools of reconciliation and combating religious extremism. It is important that further progress towards reconciliation is not deterred or undermined by the efforts of a disruptive minority.
Another important aspect of reconciliation is confronting the past in order to allow a society to move forward together. We welcome further progress in the establishment of the special court to try allegations arising from the EU Special Investigative Task Force, including Kosovo’s ratification of a host agreement with the Netherlands.
We hope that remaining preparatory work can be concluded expeditiously so that the court can begin its work as soon as possible.
As others have mentioned, we also urge further progress on rule of law issues, including to ensure respect for an independent and accountable judiciary and the appointment of judges and prosecutors from the Serbian judiciary into the Kosovo legal system.
Finally, allow me to welcome the positive role played by UNMIK. At the same time we reiterate our view that the Council should adopt a more flexible approach in how it considers this agenda item, bearing in mind the number of other pressing issues that the Council is grappling with.
Thank you.