Statement by the delegation of Ukraine at the UN Security Council briefing on Kosovo

Mr. President,

I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo Mr. Zahir Tanin for his briefing. It clearly outlines political challenges in Kosovo after the early legislative elections as well as a number of issues relevant to the stability and well-being of the Kosovo residents.

I am also grateful to His Excellency Mr. Ivica Dacic, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, and Ms. Vlora Çitaku for their statements.

Mr. President,

Ukraine regrets that the political situation in Kosovo remains the matter of concern due to inability of political groups to reach an agreement on distribution of posts, which is a necessary precondition of an effective administration.

This stalemate creates unnecessary tensions and could undermine efforts aimed at preserving peace and stability in the region.

We commend the attention of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States to this issue as it’s seen from their joint statement of 13 August.

We call on the leaders of Kosovo to show unity and to prove the readiness to meet the immediate and long-term challenges, including economic development, energy situation, strengthening the rule of law, relations with Serbia etc.

Ukraine also hopes that new authorities will prioritize the implementation of the agreements concluded in the framework of the EU-led dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, including on the establishment of the association of Serb-majority municipalities, on judicial integration, on protection of fundamental rights and freedoms etc.

We encourage the leadership in Belgrade and in Pristina to show responsibility and to re-engage in a constructive dialogue to achieve progress in the normalisation of their bilateral relations, which is essential for both, but first and foremost, for the Kosovo residents. No nationalistic and divisive discourse will do any good to the region.

Mr. President,

Ukraine welcomes the resumption of the high-level EU-facilitated dialogue and the meeting of President of Serbia Mr. Vućić with Mr. Thaçi hosted in July by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

We hope that the agreement reached to start a new phase of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina for normalisation of relations and reconciliation would be implemented in a short term.

Ukraine took note of the initiative of President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić on launching an internal dialogue on Kosovo. We hope it will soon translate into tangible steps.

Mr. President,

We share the concern of the SRSG about the incidents of violence and desecration in various parts of Kosovo. These crimes point to the importance of intensified efforts to improve the rule of law and execution of justice.

We appreciate the valuable work carried out by the UNMIK and other international partners in Kosovo in consolidating security and stability in the province,

in supporting efforts towards democratization, ensuring human rights protection and strengthening the rule of law.

We also commend the UNMIK for engaging with local authorites, civil society, the youth and other stakeholders in Kosovo in promoting inter-community cooperation, building trust and fostering societal reconciliation.

The Mission’s support in addressing the issues of protection of human rights, vulnerable groups and cultural heritage, as well as the problems related to the missing persons and violent extremism is both needed and appreciated.

Ukraine is convinced that these and other important tasks should remain among top priorities of the reconfigered UNMIK. In this regard we fully share the calls to start focused discussion on its reduction as well as to reconsider the regularity of the Council’s briefings on Kosovo.

I thank you.