YouSaid · the spoken record

Hoxhaj

lines on the record: 190
first: 2011-05-12
most recent: 2014-08-29
sittings or episodes: 8
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Here I would also like to reiterate the concern of the Republic of Kosovo about the Russian-Serbian air- force drills that have been announced for 2015, and other military activities organized between those two countries, as a dangerous development for security and stability in south-eastern Europe.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“We are also against the participation of citizens of Serbia in support of the pro-Russian separatist groups in eastern Ukraine. I do not think that the Russian Federation is in any position today to preach about the situation in Kosovo or to express concerns about our region. Russia is crossing every red line of international order, law and practice. We condemned Russia's occupation of Crimea as we now condemn the current aggression in eastern Ukraine. Because of this, Russia has lost most of the international credibility and legitimacy that would allow it to preach about international peace, justice and stability. Russia is currently becoming the main threat to international peace and stability.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“Mr. Hoxhaj: I am aware that this has been a fairly long meeting, so I will be fairly brief. I would like to make a couple of points in response to the statement made today by the representative of the Russian delegation. Kosovo is seriously concerned about the escalation of the conflicts in Iraq and Syria and about Russia's increasing aggression against Ukraine. Like the rest of the international community, Kosovo is shocked by the brutal acts of violence being committed in those countries and has condemned them. Regarding Syria, a small number of citizens from our region have participated in the ongoing conflict there. Kosovo has condemned them for taking part in a foreign conflict and has taken preventive and legal measures against them. Some of them have been arrested.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“In the meantime, the United Nations should reduce the budget and number of staff of UNMIK, since the Mission has no role in the implementation of the agreements reached as part of the EU-facilitated dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. The guarantor of the implementation of those agreements remains the European Union. The financial costs of UNMIK could be distributed to other agencies in Kosovo and around the world and used for different projects that would improve the lives of the citizens in Kosovo and in other parts of the world.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“As the European Union has taken a greater role in the region, it is of critical importance that the Council should consider ending the presence in Kosovo of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), as this would be timely, cost-effective and in line with the United Nations commitment to empowering local ownership and drafting successful exit strategies. We recommend that the Council reconfigure the UNMIK presence from its current mission to a United Nations political office in Kosovo, which could take on a new role in supporting Kosovo institutions in strengthening domestic capacities for more responsible engagement in the international community.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“Let me conclude by expressing the gratitude of the people and Government of Kosovo to the United Nations for supporting Kosovo over the years in consolidating peace and building State institutions. Since the declaration of independence in 2008, the role of the United Nations in Kosovo has gradually been reduced and its presence downsized. This has been in accordance with the evolving circumstances and local needs. Today, Kosovo has democratic, functioning, multi-ethnic institutions and has successfully implemented the Ahtisaari plan under international supervision.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“During the Kosovo war, there was a significant number of women who experienced sexual violence at the hands of the Serbian State and security apparatus, and those acts have to date remained unaddressed by international or domestic transitional justice mechanisms. Besides taking certain legal measures, very soon a petition will be addressed to the Secretary- General to urge the United Nations to undertake all necessary measures to bring justice to those women who have silently endured pain and suffering since the time of the war. Addressing past sexual violence done to women during the Kosovo war is a matter ofjustice and reconciliation, and we are committed to dealing with it.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“Serbia should also show more willingness to cooperate with Kosovar and international authorities in identifying the bodies of over 1,700 other missing persons. Any delay in resolving the fate of missing persons prolongs the pain of their families. It is an inhumane practice and does not contribute to inter-ethnic reconciliation between Kosovo and Serbia. I would to bring to the Council's attention that approximately 15,000 Albanian civilians were killed for ethnic reasons alone, and that all of those crimes against humanity have been proved and documented in the proceedings of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. Recently, we joined the international campaign led by the United Kingdom on ending sexual violence in conflict.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“As I address the Council here, a mass grave has been discovered in the town of Raska in Serbia that holds the bodies of approximately 350 Kosovo Albanian civilians killed during the war in Kosovo. Those innocent civilians were killed in Kosovo, transported by the Serbian security apparatus to Serbia to hide the traces and buried in a mass grave, above which buildings have been constructed. It is not the only mass grave of civilians killed during the Kosovo war that has been discovered in Serbia. While we acknowledge Serbia's efforts towards cooperation on this matter, we appeal to Serbia to undertake more proactive measures to move ahead with the excavation and identification of the bodies in the mass grave in Raska.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“The Government of Kosovo has closely cooperated with the Task Force throughout the entire process, and we will continue to cooperate until the entire investigation is over. Our commitment is also demonstrated by the actions taken in the Kosovo Assembly to create a special chamber as part of Kosovo's legal system to address those allegations. That is the best proof that Kosovo is a State governed by the law, and it demonstrates our willingness to undertake all necessary steps to fully cooperate with our international partners in that process. The Government of Kosovo appreciates the work of Ambassador Williamson, which is an important step for resolving all the allegations and other accusations.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“In speaking about relations with Serbia, I would like to point out that, two days ago, an isolated incident took place on the north-eastern border with Serbia, where a private citizen of Kosovo had a confrontation with Serb security forces across the border. We wish to reassure Serbian authorities that it was an isolated incident, and we regret that it happened. Nether side should exaggerate it, and we should continue working together to build confidence and resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue. The Special Investigative Task Force for alleged war crimes in Kosovo, initiated by former Special Rapporteur of the Council of Europe Dick Marty, issued a statement (S/2014/558, annex II) at the end of July.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“Despite those developments, we have expressed our will to make progress on discussing new topics as part of the dialogue with Serbia until we achieve full normalization of inter-State and inter-society relations. However, the dialogue cannot continue endlessly and must come to a successful conclusion with the signing of a peace treaty, which should represent an agreement for mutual recognition and the establishment of permanent friendship and neighbourly relations between Kosovo and Serbia. That would be in the interest of advancing a common peace, regional stability and our joint European future.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“The Government of Kosovo highly condemns all possible pressure on EULEX personnel when it comes to arresting alleged criminals operating in the northern municipalities. Beyond that, we share our serious concern that the Serbian authorities have not upheld the implementation of other agreements reached as part of the dialogue. This year, the Constitutional Court of Serbia nullified the agreements on cadastral surveys and records and the mutual recognition of university diplomas. While Kosovo has undertaken all necessary legal changes to accommodate the technical and political agreements, the same is not the case with Serbia. We urge our Serbian counterparts to respect the agreements reached and undertake the necessary constitutional and legal changes in order to ensure their normal implementation.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“In recent months, there have been some incidents in the Serb-populated northern part of Kosovo that have impeded the implementation of technical and political agreements and have not contributed to the normalization and improvement of the everyday lives of people. Here I am referring to the placement of barricades on the bridge over the river in Mitrovica and the recent aggressive rhetoric of local Serb leaders in the north against the work of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, which seeks to strengthen the rule of law in Kosovo. I take this opportunity to call upon on the authorities in Belgrade to respect the agreements that we have reached together and not to promote the destabilization of the situation in those municipalities.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“That would be in the best interest of our citizens and would provide an opportunity to contribute to regional and international peace and stability and to take on international responsibility. Kosovo has been and remains highly committed to the EU-facilitated dialogue with Serbia. We are dedicated to improving the relations between our two independent and sovereign States. Thus far, substantial success has been achieved in the implementation of the First Agreement of Principles Governing the Normalization of Relations, reached between Kosovo and Serbia in April 2013. However, more needs to be done.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“Kosovo has become a full member of the Venice Commission, which is part of the Council of Europe, and has joined two important regional organizations, the South-East European Cooperation Process and the Migration, Asylum, Refugees Regional Initiative. Kosovo's membership in those regional bodies has strengthened Kosovo's regional role in the service of constructive regional cooperation. In the near future, we intend to apply for full membership in the Council of Europe, an important regional body for strengthening human rights and democracy. Kosovo deserves a place in the Council of Europe because of our geographic position, democratic performance and commitment to human rights protection and the rule of law. Kosovo will continue to press forward on achieving its goal of gaining full membership in the international community.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“In the past two months, the Togolese Republic and Solomon Islands have recognized the independence and sovereignty of Kosovo. We are committed to strengthening our bilateral relations with all 108 countries that have recognized Kosovo's independence and statehood. The unprecedented and overwhelming international support for Kosovo's statehood shows that the declaration of independence was a legitimate and legal act, with wide international acceptance, which has contributed to regional peace and stability. Kosovo is therefore gradually claiming its rightful place in the family of free, democratic and peace-loving nations. Moreover, Kosovo has shown progress in increasing its membership in international and regional organizations.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“Beyond the political benefits, the Agreement will open the EU market to our small and medium enterprises, which will generate newjobs and economic growth in Kosovo. On its path to joining the EU, Kosovo will continue to exhibit high levels of political and institutional responsibility. We will undertake all necessary reforms in the areas of the rule of law and the alignment of our legislation with that of the EU. On the EU integration path, Kosovo has shown progress in fulfilling the remaining criteria for visa-free travel in the EU Schengen zone. The visible progress on the EU integration path shows that Kosovo's European future is secure. Parallel to the consolidation ofdomestic institutions, Kosovo has shown progress in strengthening its international position.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“On 25 July, Kosovo initialled a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union (EU). It is the first contractual Agreement between Kosovo and the European Union, and it will provide a clear framework for reforms and political engagement with the EU in the integration process. The next step will be the Agreement's adoption by the Council of the European Union and its formal signing. This crucial step on our path to European integration signals Kosovo's comprehensive progress in democratic governance, the protection of human rights, economic reform, ethnic relations, and strengthened statehood. The deal seals our country's strategic orientation and launches us on the path to our desire, which is to become a full-fledged and equal member of the European Union.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“Those elections also marked an important milestone, because for the first time Kosovo Serbs living in the four northern municipalities participated in electing representatives to the Kosovo Assembly. We are currently at the stage of consolidating the new Assembly. The Constitutional Court has been crucial to that process by ensuring the establishment of a democratic and constitutional basis for Kosovo's new legislative and executive institutions. Kosovo's new Government will therefore soon be in place - a Government whose composition will be inclusive, multi-ethnic, and committed to continuing comprehensive reforms. In that regard, it is important to emphasize that, while our institutions are in the process of being formed, Kosovo has continued to maintain high levels of security and stability.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“Today, 15 years since the end of the war and despite many challenges, Kosovo represents a successful story of State- and peacebuilding, which would not have been possible without the international community's active support. Over the past three months, Kosovo has continued to maintain political and economic stability and to further strengthen its democratic governance. One of the main developments of recent months has been the successful holding of parliamentary elections. The international democratic community, including a European election observation mission, applauded the elections of 8 June for their credibility, organization and transparency, and for being in line with the highest European standards.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“Before addressing those issues, I would first like to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and the current States members of the Security Council for their support for peace and progress in Kosovo. For the citizens of Kosovo, the United Nations remains a symbol of hope, peace and international justice. Two decades ago, the Council had repeated discussions and acted on those discussions, as the main United Nations body addressing the human-rights violations and crimes against humanity committed by the Milosevic regime. It witnessed the apartheid period in Kosovo and drew attention to the State-sponsored crimes and ethnic cleansing perpetrated by the Milosevic regime.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“Mr. Hoxhaj: It is a great honour for me to address the Security Council today and to present the latest developments and progress in the Republic of Kosovo. During the past three months there have been many important developments contributing to peace and stability as well as to strengthening a multi-ethnic and democratic Kosovo. I am pleased to be able to report to you today on the subjects of Kosovo's strengthening of statehood internally, its further integration into the international community, its successful negotiation of a draft Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union and the continuation of our inter-State dialogue with Serbia. I will also take this opportunity to raise a number of concerns on behalf of the Government of Kosovo.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“However, the full normalization of inter-State relations will be achieved only when Serbia recognizes Kosovo's independence. Similarly, the international community's contribution will come to fruition when Kosovo becomes a full and equal Member ofthe United Nations. We remain deeply grateful to the Council, our European and NATO partners and the wider international community for helping Kosovo to become a multi-ethnic, democratic and cohesive State.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“We understand that, in order to achieve that, what is needed is political will and unity on the part of Council members. We call on the Security Council to take concrete, speedy and definitive action in order to enable Kosovo to take its rightful place in the family of free and democratic nations. Let me conclude by reiterating the strong commitment of our Government and people to continuing to make Kosovo a successful and prosperous country, while leaving the legacies of the past behind and advancing our integration into the international democratic community. We remain strongly committed to fully implementing the normalization agreement with Serbia, and we take seriously all the obligations necessary for ensuring the northern municipalities' peaceful integration into Kosovo institutions.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“The moment has come to adopt a new resolution recognizing the progress that has been made on the ground and that we have been reporting on a regular basis for many years now. While there is no doubt that the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) played an active role in stabilizing Kosovo between 1999 and 2007, it is now important to acknowledge that it no longer has a role to play in Kosovo. It is time for the Council to consider transforming UNMIK into a United Nations political office for coordinating all United Nations agencies, funds and programmes. In that regard, the most important function for the United Nations in Kosovo would be to support us in our preparation for admission to the United Nations.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“We have already raised this issue several times at our meetings in Brussels. We need to do our utmost to uncover the truth about the fate of those missing. In that regard, I think the United Nations can and should play a more important role. Kosovo is grateful to the United Nations for its role in building State institutions and consolidating peace. We are all aware that State- and peacebuilding can result in long-term success only when they promote and enable democratic national ownership and include timely exit strategies. Fourteen years after the establishment of an international civilian and military presence, in June 1999, it is now time for the Council to consider removing Kosovo from its agenda.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“Our institutions have continued to promote the protection of human rights and to strengthen institutional mechanisms for human rights. With the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner's visit to Kosovo in June, we gave further confirmation of our commitment to protecting and observing international human-rights standards. We will continue to invest in protecting and promoting the political, economic and socio-cultural rights of all communities living in Kosovo. The fate of missing persons is an issue that continues to haunt our society; it requires continued genuine commitment and cooperation from Belgrade and the support of the international community. The sooner it is resolved, the greater will be the chances for inter-ethnic and inter-State reconciliation between Kosovo and Serbia.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“On 9 July, the North Atlantic Council announced that the Kosovo Security Force had reached operational capability in line with NATO standards and principles. As a multi-ethnic force and a source of stability, the Kosovo Security Force has now strengthened its capacity to deal with disaster management and humanitarian assistance. The announcement marks an important moment in the expansion of relations between Kosovo and NATO and confirms that Kosovo is an example of a country with democratic, civilian oversight of the security sector. As ever, we express our gratitude to KFOR for its assistance to us in maintaining security and peace in Kosovo. Kosovo hopes to join NATO's Partnership for Peace programme in the near future and to become an equal member of NATO alongside other countries of the region.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“The Kosovo police, in cooperation with the European Union Rule of Law Mission and the Kosovo Force (KFOR), has continued to display effective leadership in maintaining security throughout the country. However, in the past three months Serb security structures have caused a number of incidents, preventing displaced Albanians from returning and damaging citizens' private and public property. The Government has continued its institutional, financial and political support for the return and reintegration of Kosovo communities. Since March, 258 persons have returned to communities around the country. We have launched various activities aimed at fostering the reintegration of community returnees. We have constructed 26 new houses and implemented infrastructure and community-based projects.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“Inter-ethnic relations have also been very good and without any significant incidents except in the north of the country. Similarly, interfaith relations have been a positive example of peaceful coexistence for the entire region. A special multi-ethnic task force for the protection of cultural and religious heritage has been established within the Kosovo police. It consists of 202 officers who provide security for 23 monuments and sites of Serb heritage in Kosovo. The task force will also soon take responsibility for the security of the Patriarchate of Peje. The security situation throughout Kosovo has improved, mainly as a result of the normalization agreement with Serbia. Such improvement is essential to promoting economic development and job creation.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“In June we welcomed the recognition of our independence by important countries such as Egypt, the United Republic of Tanzania, Yemen, Guyana and El Salvador. More than 100 Member States have recognized Kosovo thus far, and we have established diplomatic relations with nearly 60 States. After achieving membership in the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, we recently became a member of the Council of Europe Development Bank. In this reporting period, the political, economic and security situation continued to be stable. Kosovo has the most stable political landscape in the region. Despite the global financial crisis, we have managed to maintain macro-economic stability and to have an annual growth of 5 per cent.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“Based on the commitment of the European Union, we expect to finalize the agreement during spring 2014. Let me reiterate that Kosovo's European agenda remains a national priority for all political forces in the country. Regarding visa liberalization, we have approved a package of laws that regulate a number of critical security-related issues, such as the status of foreigners, asylum, citizenship, the prevention of trafficking and integrated border management. That package of laws has now also been passed by the Kosovo Assembly. We expect new dynamics that will enable our citizens to travel visa-free to Europe, as most of the benchmarks are already met. Over the past three months, Kosovo has strengthened its international position and increased its interaction with multilateral organizations.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“By signing a stabilization and association agreement, Kosovo will undergo the same processes as all States in the region before joining the European Union. We continue to trust that the stabilization and association agreement will contain all the essential elements to enable Kosovo to achieve the conditions necessary to be able to submit an application for membership. That will offer a strategic framework for social, economic and political modernization and transformation. It represents a legal framework that offers stability and security for foreign direct investments, economic growth and job creation. We have already formed a negotiating team and begun preparations for negotiating the provisions of the stabilization and association agreement.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“However, we welcome the opening of the Kosovo Liaison Office in Belgrade and are rotating our Ambassador from Zagreb to Belgrade to start the mission. In the past three months, Kosovo marked a milestone on its path to European Union membership. On 28 June, the Council of the European Union took a decision to authorize the European Commission to negotiate a stabilization and association agreement between the European Union and Kosovo. That decision represents an acknowledgement of our progress regarding democratic governance and the normalization of relations with Serbia. It opens, for the first time, a clear perspective for establishing contractual relations between the Republic of Kosovo and the European Union.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“On integrated border management, some progress has been noted in finalizing the construction of five permanent joint border points, which also sets the inter-State border line between Kosovo and Serbia. However, there are obstacles from Belgrade, which is not allowing Kosovo's citizens to travel through Serbia with Kosovo documents. That is a violation of the agreement on the freedom of movement. Serbia is also undermining the agreement on customs by collecting custom tariffs from Kosovo citizens who cross Serbia's territory to enter Kosovo as their final destination. In addition, Belgrade's failure this week to accept the agreement on energy and telecommunication, which has been pending for the past two years, is the best testimony of the lack of political will to resolve outstanding inter-State issues.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“At the same time, there is evidence that members of Serb security structures continue to operate from private settings, remaining on standby to destabilize that part of Kosovo. In the area of justice, there is no progress yet on the implementation of provisions, and that is due to a lack of political will in Belgrade. On the issue of the integration of justice personnel, there is no progress at all. We have offered the most advanced options to integrate those structures into Kosovo's constitutional system, but Belgrade has consistently tried to change the substance of the normalization agreement. The agreement foresees a unique system of police, justice and local governance throughout Kosovo, and Belgrade should stick to the deal.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“The participation of different parties is essential to ensure political competition and respect for the freedom of political association. To that end, Kosovo institutions are working to create a comprehensive list of voters in the northern municipalities, including those who are currently living outside Kosovo. However, Belgrade has a critical role to play by encouraging the participation of local Serb populations. During the reporting period, we observed some progress on the implementation of the agreements reached thus far. But, at the same time, there are some clear tendencies in Belgrade to deviate from the original obligations deriving from the normalization agreement. On positive moves, we also welcome the closure of the Serb police offices in the northern municipalities.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“In the northern municipalities, local elections will be organized under the leadership of Kosovo's Central Election Commission and with the support of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The local elections in the northern municipalities will be organized in line with Kosovo law, and the role ofthe OSCE is to facilitate that in a number of technical aspects. These will be the first municipal elections that will establish democratic institutions in the three northern municipalities. Therefore, we invite the local population to participate in this crucial electoral process. The elections represent an opportunity to build a joint commitment and new civic obligations towards a multi-ethnic Kosovo.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“Another area of progress is the integration of the former Serb police into Kosovo's law enforcement institutions. Some concrete steps have taken place already in this area. The Kosovo police has established a regional police department for the northern municipalities. It has also appointed a provisional regional director ofpolice, who is working in accordance with Kosovo law. There is a clear legal framework and a timetable. The upcoming months will be critical for the integration of former Serb police into the Kosovo police system. This will be important in order to restore the rule of law and public order in that part of Kosovo. The next local elections will be held on 3 November throughout Kosovo.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“The amnesty law has led to a political reaction from an opposition faction in Kosovo. Therefore, the law is currently under review by our Constitutional Court. As a democratic country, we fully respect the independence of the justice system. However, we remain hopeful that the Court will confirm that the amnesty law is in accordance with our Constitution. In accordance with the normalization agreement and the implementation plan, we have had a breakthrough regarding the establishment of the association of Serb municipalities. A preparation team has been established, consisting of representatives from the four northern municipalities. The team will prepare a statute for the future association of the Serb municipalities, based on the statute of the existing Association of Kosovo Municipalities and in accordance with Kosovo law.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“After that, our Government submitted a number of amendments to the Assembly regarding the law on local self-governance, the rights of communities and the budget. Those legislative changes will facilitate the implementation of the agreement and will enable Kosovo's institutions to extend their democratic and legal authority into the northern municipalities. On 11 July, after a long society-wide debate, the Assembly of Kosovo approved a law on amnesty. The law aims to facilitate the integration of former employees from Serb parallel structures into Kosovo's institutional system. The generous list of exemptions from criminal prosecution and punishment for criminal offences is a huge compromise for our side. It is a political act taken for the sake of the normalization of inter-State relations and in support of peace and reconciliation.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“In line with the provisions of the implementation plan, the main issues discussed in those meetings were: dismantling illegal and parallel Serb security and judicial structures; the formation of a Serb municipality association; the organization of local elections; and discussions on energy and telecommunication. I can confirm here today that there has been some progress in the integration of a police force, establishing an association and finalizing preparations for local elections. At the same time, there has been no significant progress on the integration of justice structures and in the areas of energy and telecommunication. On 26 June, the Assembly of Kosovo ratified an inter-State agreement between Kosovo and Serbia by a more than two-third majority, namely, 84 votes, which included support by the opposition.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“In the past three months, Kosovo has engaged proactively in implementing the obligations arising from the first agreement governing the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. There is a new political dynamic in Kosovo, where we have achieved substantial results. However, serious challenges remain, which can be overcome only with political commitment, flexibility and visionary dedication. In my View, reaching inter-State agreement is a good basis for the normalization of relations and mutual acceptance by both countries, but that should also serve as a basis for reconciliation and recognition. Since 19 April, 15 joint meetings between Prime Ministers Ivica Daeie and Hashim Thaci have been held in Brussels, thanks to the excellent mediation of Baroness Ashton on behalf of the European Union.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“Mr. Hoxhaj: It is a great pleasure to address the Council again today and to inform it about key political developments that have taken place in Kosovo over the past three months. Today, I would like to brief the Council on the following issues: the state of the implementation of the normalization agreement between the Republics of Kosovo and Serbia, the landmark progress made towards European Union integration, and stability and achievements on a number of domestic issues. Let me start by expressing our sincere gratitude to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his support of peace and stability in Kosovo and the region. We welcome his efforts to understand the situation on the ground and to present a more realistic overview of the progress in Kosovo.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“Any violation of that basic expectation would harm mutual trust and would be against the spirit of dialogue. Kosovo is dedicated to building a future in peace and harmony with our neighbour, and we will remain a partner in that historic process. Therefore, we firmly believe that future normalization of relations with Serbia is our destiny and that it contributes to our mutual and regional best interests. We strongly believe that the normalization of relations at the political level should serve as a foundation for the future reconciliation of our two societies.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“In both meetings, other issues were also discussed, such as the fate of missing persons, Kosovo's membership of various international organizations and the proposal to establish a joint technical working group to prepare a feasibility study for the Pristina- Nis motorway, which would be a significant bilateral project between both countries. Let me conclude by saying that any success in Kosovo and in Serbia will not be found in handshakes and headlines. It will be found in the committed implementation of all agreements that can lead to tangible results on the ground. We expect Serbia to refrain from any kind of rhetoric or action regarding the international campaign against the recognition of Kosovo or its membership of different international organizations.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“That process is closely related to the full dismantling of illegal and parallel structures in the northern municipalities of Kosovo. The fourth issue concerns measures to protect Serb religious and cultural heritage in Kosovo. In that respect, we are fully aware of the great joint success seen in the past five years. The Kosovo Force has already transferred the protection of most sites to the Kosovo Police, and we expect the same for other monuments. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo has proposed a special unit within the Kosovo Police, which would handle only the protection of religious and cultural heritage.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“For the first time, that European model of border management will significantly foster inter-State cooperation, starting with four crossing points in full symmetry with each other. The second important topic is the establishment of respective liaison offices in Belgrade and Pristina. Those institutions will provide consular services to their citizens and promote investment and economic cooperation. At the same time, they establish an intergovernmental communication channel, which has always been lacking. The opening of such offices will serve as a bridge to build mutual trust and enhance bilateral cooperation. The third issue is related to the need for transparent funding by Serbia to the Serb community in Kosovo. Due to the fact that Serbia has not been transparent in its funding, we demand that Serbia change its approach.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“Both meetings were chaired by the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Ashton. Both countries have decided to start the implementation of all agreements reached in Brussels in the technical dialogue. The first and the most important issue discussed in both meetings was the implementation of the agreement on integrated border management. We welcome the fact that the Serbian Prime Minister has signed the respective protocol on integrated border management, and we remain confident that the implementation process from the Serbian side will not be followed by further delays. That agreement will establish a joint presence of Kosovar and Serbian authorities at border crossings.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source