YouSaid · the spoken record

Haekkerup

lines on the record
79
first
2001-03-16
most recent
2001-10-05
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2
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un-security-council

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  1. “This means that closing the border crossings really does not hit any terrorists or extremist action, I think, but has a very great impact on ordinary citizens and people in Kosovo and their economic possibilities. Therefore I would certainly appeal to the Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to open the two border crossings again. I would also like to say a few words about crime and law enforcement. The United States of America underlined, as did other countries, including Colombia, the need to address organized crime. It is very high on our list of priorities. A special unit has been created to gather the necessary intelligence on organized crime. I do not think organized crime is particular to Kosovo, actually. It is international and knows no borders.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  2. “It is also important for UNMIK to bring pressure to bear on the Kosovo Albanian political leaders to condemn the extremist actions in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. But I think it is very important that, throughout Kosovo society, condemnation of the extremists be widespread and strong. But for us it is also a question of avoiding any sort of spillover of a situation, also in the form of refugees, as was mentioned as well. We are certainly prepared to try to solve that part of the job. But first and foremost we must avoid creating streams of refugees into Kosovo, and we will certainly try to contribute to that. I should like also to mention the border crossings, because I think that it is very important to seal off the border. For Kosovo, the border crossings at Blace and the road to Tetevo are the lifeline for the economy.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  3. “We also look forward, as Ireland mentioned, to cooperation with European Union monitors in finding a solution to this question. I think that first and foremost it has to be a political solution, but it should be backed up by power. I think that is important for resolving this question, and I can assure the Council that KFOR, as it has assured me, will do its utmost to contribute to this process. Concerning the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, it is the same as with Presevo. UNMIK and KFOR are committed to trying to contribute to a solution. We think that first and foremost it has to be a political solution, but at the same time KFOR will have the job of sealing off the border, to the extent possible. KFOR is doing that, and should do that, in close cooperation with the Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  4. “Here I think that both the Kosovo Serbs and the Kosovo Albanians have a very strong interest in finding out the truth, and that will not be possible unless there is very close cooperation between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and UNMIK. There were comments on Presevo and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. I have to say that since this is not in resolution 1244 (1999), it is not a direct UNMIK responsibility. But I would, of course, like to underline - as Colombia also said - that there is a risk of spillover in these situations into Kosovo, as there might be some links from Kosovo into Serbia proper and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Therefore I think that it is important that we address these questions, and I would like to underline that UNMIK and KFOR want to cooperate closely in dealing with these issues.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  5. “I am very much looking forward to cooperating closely with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on getting that process moving, because I think that it is a precondition for all of the things we want to achieve. On the amnesty law, several countries underlined that they welcomed the steps that have already been taken, but also emphasized that we have to move further, making sure that the political prisoners are returned to Kosovo. We are certainly ready to review the case according to international standards, if that could be part of a solution. But also, I think that the return of the detainees is a precondition for moving on a very important question that also has been underlined by many countries here, namely the question of missing persons.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  6. “We are appealing for the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to do everything in its power to make sure that we achieve this goal and to support participation, first, of course, in developing the legal framework, but afterwards to induce the Kosovo Serbs to register, participate in the elections and take their seats in the municipal assemblies and, of course, after the elections, in the Kosovo assembly. I see this as a process, and I think it is very important. Mitrovica was mentioned by Jamaica. It is just one aspect of the whole process, but I think it is very important that we get this process moving, because many of the things we wish to do are dependent on the small steps that we are taking now to start the process.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  7. “I have already underlined the fact that we want to open the channels. We stated up front that we wanted the UNMIK office in Belgrade, and we think that an arrangement has already been found to establish it. Concerning the status of the mission agreement for UNMIK and KFOR, I do not think that this is an actual question that we have to deal with. However, I would like once again to support what has already been said, especially by the United States, regarding the fact that Kosovo Serb participation is essential in the process that we are now starting.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  8. “On the other hand, I think that we have to say that even if some minorities do not participate, we should go forward with the elections anyway. But we will do our utmost to avoid that situation. We think that everyone should be on board, if possible. Lastly, there was a question about the security situation as a condition for the elections. Of course, the security situation cannot be such that elections cannot be held, but I do not think that will be the case. I really see elections the other way around - that that will be a precondition for a better security situation in future. I think that it is important, therefore, that we move on when we have the legal framework in place. I should also like to say a few words about the comments made on our cooperation with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  9. “I also believe that there is a certain paralysis in the political climate in Kosovo, waiting for the elections. I think that after the elections we might see more movement in the positions of the representatives of the Kosovo Albanians. So I think that there are good reasons for pressing for the elections as soon as possible, but first the legal framework must be in place, because, as has been underlined by many members of the Council, we have to have a precise definition of the bodies that we are going to elect and the powers that are associated with those bodies. I will do my utmost to ensure that all minorities and communities participate in the elections, and that participation is as wide as possible.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  10. “There was a question about the final text, when the Working Group finishes its work, and I would like to stress again, as the Secretary-General has stated in his report, that I will have to make the final decision if there is not total agreement in the Working Group on the legal framework. It has also been underlined that setting the date for the elections is important. The United States underlined that point, and I agree. As soon as the legal framework is in place, I think that I should make a decision on the date of the elections. Doing so will be important for the Kosovo Albanians. The idea of elections is that they should have elected representatives who can speak for them i of course, within resolution 1244 (1999). But I think that it is very important that we take that step.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  11. “I would also like to say, however, that whether or not that happens, it will not be decisive. We would consult with the Yugoslav authorities on these questions in any case. As has also been underlined, we have opened the necessary channels to do that through the UNMIK office in Belgrade. As members know, there is also a representative of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in Kosovo. This is the other channel, but certainly we would also use direct channels and meet with the representatives of the Yugoslav Government to make sure that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is part of this process.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  12. “We are engaging right now with the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in trying to find a way to organize registration and participation of the internally displaced persons in the elections. We think that this is a very important element and sends a strong signal that we see their ability to return to Kosovo as a future goal. I would especially thank the representative of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia for his words about our cooperation. I think it is very important that there be direct consultations between authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and UNMIK. I would also like to join the members here who have deplored the withdrawal of the Kosovo Serbs from participation in the Working Group in saying that we would like to see a resumption of their participation in the Group.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  13. “A study on returns has been made and, actually, just to return a few thousand would demand another 1,000 soldiers of the Kosovo Force (KFOR) to protect them. As the security situation is today, they can be protected only in enclaves under the protection of security forces, which means KFOR. So there are very strong limitations on the possibility of returns now. The real job is to establish the preconditions for returns on a large scale later. When it comes to the question of elections, it has been very important for us to underline that the cut-off day - that means, the date when people have left Kosovo - for the possibility of voting should be set at 1 January 1998. This means that a large number of internally displaced persons in Serbia will be able to participate in the elections.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  14. “The way we will do this is that those powers that are associated with the sovereignty question will be reserve powers of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General until a final political settlement has been found. I think I can confirm that this is not a step to independence. On the other hand, I think it is a very important step that might facilitate a final political settlement. The question about returns of the internally displaced persons - Kosovo Serbs now living in Serbia proper - is a very important question. As members know, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the United Nations are committed to the return of the displaced persons. On the other hand, this cannot be done on a larger scale until the security situation is right. Our job is to try to move towards that situation.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  15. “Mr. Haekkerup: I would first of all like to convey my thanks for the support expressed by the members of the Security Council for the mission that we are undertaking. I would like to address some of the questions raised. First, on the legal framework, a question was raised by the Ambassador of Singapore about its being step to independence. I think that we have been very careful, in dealing with the legal framework, to make it clear that it does not prejudice the final political settlement. It is important for us that we stay within Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). This means that questions that have to do with sovereignty and the final political settlement should not be addressed. They should simply be left out.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  16. “This involves, first, reinforcing law enforcement policies and procedures and the quality and efficiency of Kosovo's judiciary in order to better combat organized crime and those who aim to destabilize Kosovo; and, secondly, engaging the authorities in Belgrade in a constructive dialogue on practical considerations which concern both Kosovo and the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It is with these priorities in mind that, pursuant to security Council resolution 1244 (1999), UNMIK will continue its determined efforts to build peace, democratic self-governance and growing prosperity for Kosovo.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  17. “The terrorist attack on the regular convoy from Nis to central Kosovo demonstrates that extremists continue to attempt to undermine the process towards establishing coexistence between Kosovo Albanians and Kosovo Serbs. All efforts should be made to marginalize those bent on destabilizing the area while guaranteeing the fundamental rights and safety of the populations there. In conclusion, we have to move the process forward. A precondition for a better security environment is the creation of meaningful provisional self-government through the elaboration of a legal framework, followed in due course by Kosovo-wide elections - not the other way round.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  18. “UNMIK strongly supports the international community's intervention and its backing for a negotiated political solution that will make it possible to abolish the ground safety zone. The extremist actions in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia are also destabilizing the situation in the region. First and foremost, it is an internal problem, but it is important that KFOR and UNMIK support the Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in solving the immediate problems, including by sealing off the border. However, closing the border crossings at Blace and Globocica does not address the problem and is unacceptable.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  19. “What is needed to further the normalization process are two clear messages from Belgrade: one to the Kosovo Albanians, that there is a new, democratic Government in Belgrade that is prepared to take the necessary steps towards normalizing the relations between Belgrade and Pristina; and one to the Kosovo Serbs, that their future lies in Kosovo and that they should participate in the structures put in place to govern the area. Alongside the priorities I have set, out UNMIK is faced with security problems in the region outside Kosovo. Developments in the Presevo Valley, while not falling under my remit, do not have a direct impact on Kosovo's internal stability and on the political process there.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  20. “Belgrade ought to transfer all detainees to UNMIK, and their cases then should be reviewed according to international standards. In Mitrovica, parallel security structures must be abolished. UNMIK and the Kosovo Force (KFOR) are now working closely with political leaders on both sides to find a solution to the problems connected with the Kosovo Serb "bridge watchers". The democratic leadership in Belgrade is sending positive signals but has not yet taken sufficient concrete steps.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  21. “The international community must ensure its continued political support for engaging the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Government in constructive dialogue over Kosovo. Belgrade must not only say the right things; Belgrade must do the right things. Constructive and pragmatic dialogue requires the opening of an UNMIK liaison office in Belgrade, and I have initiated this process. Day-to-day contact and close cooperation are needed in a number of areas and will be of benefit to both the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Kosovo. The Parliament of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia has passed a law on amnesty. While this is a positive and long-needed step, only a minor part of Kosovo Albanian detainees are covered by this act, and close to 500 are still being kept in prisons in Serbia. This is perceived in Kosovo as too little too late.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  22. “Increased reliance on Kosovo's own productivity and resources for revenue, coupled with sound economic development, are important elements for functioning public institutions within substantial autonomy. Unemployment is extremely high, and the economic situation for a sizeable part of the population remains very bleak. It is imperative that the international community maintain its current level of financial commitment for the foreseeable future. An important element in UNMIK's strategy is the improvement of relations between Belgrade and Pristina. Advances in this area are of utmost importance, not simply for Kosovo, but also for the stability of the entire Balkan region. It is crucially important that Belgrade formulate a new policy towards Kosovo.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  23. “In the economic sphere, there have been positive steps in drawing Kosovo's emergency reconstruction phase to a close and shifting the economy towards sustainable long-term development. UNMIK has recently taken important steps in this area as well. The creation of a more market-friendly business environment has been at the forefront of our efforts. Regulations have been passed that establish a favourable legal and regulatory regime for the creation of new enterprises, while providing domestic and foreign investors alike with critically important legal guarantees. Kosovo's public finances are also moving in the right direction. Revenues generated domestically are scheduled to increase from 50 per cent to 68 per cent of the Kosovo consolidated budget in 2001.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  24. “Therefore, 12 international judges and 5 prosecutors have been appointed and are handling cases of a particularly sensitive nature or those in which there may be an ethnic bias on the part of local judges. There is, however, a clear need for additional international judges and prosecutors. UNMIK is still identifying the actual numbers required. In terms of law enforcement, the current level of support by UNMIK police needs to be maintained, and appropriate management, training and capacity- building for the Kosovo Police Service (KPS) should be provided, with the goal of increasing both the quantity and quality of KPS officers. The international community should ensure adequate resources to meet these needs.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  25. “The levels of violence in Kosovo continue to he unacceptably high. The general security situation has not improved in the last two months. In particular, ethnic violence is high in Kosovo, and the Kosovo Albanian population must actively support measures to stop this. There is a need for a strengthening of the law enforcement institutions. We are planning to bring the police and judicial institutions together forming a single new UNMIK pillar. This would ensure a better use of resources and tighter coordination, and it would enhance the Mission's capacity to combat crime. Kosovo's judiciary now numbers over 400 local judges, but the quality of the judges and their ethnic bias leave room for considerable improvement.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  26. “For the Kosovo Serbs, full participation in this process and in the coming elections will be decisive as to whether Kosovo Serbs will become fully reintegrated into Kosovo society. This would pave the way for an improved security situation, a precondition for the return of internally displaced persons on a larger scale. Nevertheless, the elaboration of the legal framework will proceed as planned, and I will continue consultations with representatives of the Kosovo Serbs and with the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. I will try to get as much agreement as possible through intensive consultations with the Kosovars and the international community, but at the end of the day there will probably not be complete consensus, and a decision will have to be made. That decision is my responsibility.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  27. “The Working Group is tasked with elaborating the structure of the future institutions of provisional self- government in Kosovo. It will also clearly indicate which powers and competencies will be transferred and which will remain under the control of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and will therefore not address questions of sovereignty. In accordance with Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), the legal framework will not address or in any way prejudge a final political settlement on Kosovo's status. Seeking the Kosovars' active and constructive engagement in the definition of the legal framework is the only way to guarantee that both the process and the outcome prove successful. For this very reason, I note with regret the withdrawal of the Kosovo Serb member of the Working Group.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  28. “An important element in this is to try to engage the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia authorities in substantial and constructive cooperation on issues of common concern. As the Security Council recognized a year ago, providing the Kosovars with a political road map towards interim self-government and putting in place the institutions of substantial autonomy following Kosovo-wide elections are the key elements in UNMIK's way forward. This is strictly in accordance with Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). Immediately upon my arrival, I therefore accelerated the process of defining a legal framework for provisional self-government, a key step in this direction. On 6 March, I established a Working Group composed of international and Kosovar legal experts, including representatives from the major ethnic groups.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source

  29. “Mr. Haekkerup: I will focus on the key areas of the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and on the challenges ahead in ensuring the implementation of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). When I took office, I outlined the road map for the work of the Mission. The first goal was to move forward in drawing up a legal framework for substantial autonomy defining the provisional self- government, which will lead to Kosovo-wide elections. The second was to strengthen Kosovo's law enforcement and criminal justice system. The third was to create the preconditions for self-sustained economic growth within overall fiscal and budgetary stability. These tracks are, of course, interrelated, and all three must be pursued simultaneously.”

    2001-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4296 (2001) · source