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

“The Kosovo Police in the North has always operated in accordance with resolution 1244 (1999), the Ahtisaari Plan and the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo. As many UNMIK, EULEX and Kosovo Force (KFOR) observers have reported, on 25 July Kosovo Police were conducting an operation in a professional manner. Road blocks were put in place by the illegal parallel structures and members of the Serbian Government. Unfortunately, Serbian Government members entered Kosovo illegally several times to make very inflammatory remarks. What happened was, frankly, the biggest challenge we have seen to peace in the Balkans in many years. Serbian illegal structures used explosives, automatic weapons and snipers to shoot at Kosovo Police, EULEX police and KFOR.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“This forced us, with great regret, to take measures of reciprocity against Serbian goods. This happened after over three years of economic hardship caused by the Serbian blockade against our exports. This also forced us - with no regret at all - to take control over our northern border crossings. Let me be clear on this issue. We sent Kosovo Police forces to our northern borders neither to disturb citizens nor to attack them; we simply wanted to reinforce measures of reciprocity in trade when all attempts to negotiate the matter had failed. Our actions were a legitimate exercise of the authority of the Police. The authority for the Kosovo Police to operate in northern Kosovo was accepted by Serbia itself in 2002, under Special Representative of the Secretary- General Michael Steiner.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“This situation has lasted for three and a half years. At the beginning of this year, we warned the Republic of Serbia that it was discriminating against our industries and farmers in direct violation of CEFTA accords and UNMIK legal opinion. Serbia had accepted the principle that Kosovo was a single legal space when it agreed to resolution 1244 (1999) in July 1999. Unfortunately, the Government of Serbia instead began making orchestrated noises about the partition of Kosovo, with the Serb-majority northern municipalities going to Serbia. Both President Tadic' and other senior officials in Serbia have frequently proposed the ethnic division of Kosovo. I have to stress that such suggestions are very dangerous because they provide an opening for ethnic divisions within all units of the former Yugoslavia.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“The two Governments reached their first agreements by which, for the first time since 1999, the Serbian Government has accepted the identity cards, license plates and school diplomas issued by the Government of Kosovo. We were to meet one more time during the summer, but the Serbian delegation refused to take part in the meeting scheduled for the month of July. We had hoped to reach an agreement on the most important economic issue that has been troubling Kosovo - Serbia's refusal to accept Kosovo customs stamps. These stamps are considered status-neutral by both the United Nations and the European Union. Kosovo was expected to import goods worth â‚¬500 million from Serbia in 2011, while Serbia flatly bans any goods from Kosovo. More importantly, Kosovo goods are not allowed to even transit through Serbia to other European markets.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“This shows that Kosovo is indeed rapidly becoming a new and responsible member of the international community. Our dedication to regional cooperation prompted the Government of Kosovo to reach its first agreements with Serbia in the ongoing technical dialogue. As members may recall, the General Assembly has welcomed the European Union's facilitation of the technical dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. The aim of the dialogue is to improve the daily life of the people and regional cooperation, and to prepare both countries for a European future. The freedom of movement of people and of goods, and trade relations have been discussed in the five rounds of the dialogue.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“Since my last report to the Council, the rate of recognition of Kosovo's independence by other nations has increased. This is a result of the new strategy of the Government of Kosovo. We take this opportunity to thank the Governments of Andorra, the Central African Republic, Niger, Guinea Konakry, Benin and Saint Lucia for having recognized the Republic of Kosovo in recent weeks. We also thank the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for making an open call in Astana in July on all its member States to recognize the Republic of Kosovo. I would like to inform the Council that we have remained committed to increasing interaction and dialogue with the entire region. Kosovo has played an active part in the Regional Cooperation Council and the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA).”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“The visa liberalization process and obtaining a contractual relationship with the European Union remain the top priorities for Kosovo. The European Commission has noted significant progress on its two conditions for Kosovo for a visa liberalization dialogue: the readmission and reintegration processes. One of the principal conditions is integrated border management, so the Kosovo Government will continue to implement policies that will open European Union borders to visitors from Kosovo but close them to smugglers and criminals. The Republic of Kosovo reports significant successes in foreign policy as well. The President, the Prime Minister, the new Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Behxhet Pacolli, as well as other members of the Government and Parliament have had important visits and meetings in international forums.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“We have continued with substantive infrastructure investments this summer, with the new highway to the Adriatic coast that will also link Kosovo with Albania and Montenegro, as well as with Serbia. There has been noted progress on the rule of law. This progress has happened due to close cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Kosovo and EULEX. We are pleased that the United Nations Mission in Kosovo has pointed out in the latest report that: "Kosovo police demonstrated improved professionalism by conducting a number of successful operations against arms smuggling, trafficking of human beings, corruption and money-laundering" (5/2011/514, para. 30). The European perspective has begun to rapidly shape political discourse in the Republic of Kosovo.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“The Republic of Kosovo has invested â‚¬150 million in the last three years to implement the Ahtisaari Plan, including the creation of new municipalities and new mechanisms for protection of minorities. As a result, there has been a distinct drop of inter-ethnic incidents, while interaction between state and minority citizens has increased, in the last three months. The economy has also benefited from the political stability. In August, International Monetary Fund mission to Kosovo projected strong growth in the gross domestic product of six per cent for 2011, with foreign direct and public investments reaching "fervent" levels. Kosovo also remains the least indebted country in the region.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“The President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, the first woman President in the Balkans, has reinforced her role as a non-partisan head of State and has performed her duties with distinction. The Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, during this time, has focused on reforming the Constitution and the election law, which reflects the agreement between the governmental and opposition parties. This is another proof of the political maturity of Kosovo. The International Civilian Office led by Mr. Pieter Feith, which oversees the implementation of Ahtisaari Plan, has recently concluded that Kosovo has almost completely finished the entire process of building democratic, transparent and multi-ethnic institutions that serve all citizens.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“But at the same time, I must voice grave concern at the escalation of rhetoric and violent acts that are coming from Belgrade and its illegal structures in the north of the Republic of Kosovo. Belgrade finances, leads and controls these structures. These are the biggest challenges Kosovo faces at the present moment. On the positive side, I would like to inform the Council that Kosovo today is a functional, multi-ethnic State with a diverse society and with the most stable political landscape in the Balkans. The new Government created after the elections last year under the leadership of Prime Minister Hashim Thaci moved ahead with its programme and is committed to further improve the life of the people.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“This is the vision of most people from all ethnic communities in Kosovo, and this is the mission of our Government. Today's meeting of the Council is dedicated to the events of the reporting period in Kosovo. Important processes unfolded in the last three months that may finally bring an end to the last remaining major Balkan challenge. That challenge is the relationship between Kosovo and Serbia, two of the last States to emerge from the drama of former Yugoslav wars that were started by Slobodan Milosevic and his regime. This reporting period was one of highs and lows. Firstly, I am happy to report to you that there has been clear progress in the Republic of Kosovo in all fields of economic, social and political development.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“The situation has stabilized and the people of the region have become more concerned about the problems of economic transition and European integration than about scars of the old conflict. The United Nations and the Security Council have contributed to our progress as well. I would like to use this opportunity to thank the previous Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Lamberto Zannier, for years of dedication to the people of Kosovo. We also welcome Mr. Farid Zarif, the new Acting Special Representative, to Kosovo. His long experience in the United Nations will be important as Kosovo seeks a new relationship with the United Nations. Our strategic national interest is for Kosovo to become a member of the European Union and of the United Nations.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“Mr. Hoxhaj: Allow me to start by thanking you, Mr. President, and the Council on behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Kosovo for your continuing interest in Kosovo. For more than a decade, the Council has been meeting four times a year to follow developments in Kosovo. Before that, Kosovo was a subject of the Security Council's deliberations - at times, much more than four times a year - in the 19905 due to violence and war crimes committed by former Serbian Governments. There were some difficult sessions here, when there was little progress reported and no hope in sight for final peace in the Balkans. I am glad that in the last three years we made significant progress, and recently we have been able to report good news.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“Jeremie described the situation as he did in his feedback is because he has never visited the country, and he is describes a situation that does not exist and that never existed.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Secondly, I would like to inform the Council - and here I can speak from my own experience - that during the Vienna talks of 2005-2007, we were able to develop, in the Ahtisaari plan, the best provisions and mechanisms for the protection of cultural heritage. That cultural heritage has been protected for all time by the people living there - Albanians, Serbs, Turks, Bosniaks and other communities 4 and it will always be protected. At the same time, I would like to inform the Council that the Ahtisaari plan today has been more than 80 per cent implemented. Pursuant to the Ahtisaari plan, new municipalities have been created that are providing Kosovar Serbs with the best way to accommodate their own interests and priorities. Perhaps the reason that Mr.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Mr. Hoxhaj: Let me be brief with my remarks, without taking a lot of the Council's time. Let me be clear that the Government of the Republic of Kosovo is very much interested in cooperating fully with the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX). We think that EULEX has the professional capacity and enough people - more than 1,600 - with whom we can cooperate in order for all the allegations made by Mr. Marty to be investigated. At the same time, it is very important to us that those allegations be investigated as soon as possible, as our country needs to have clarity on this issue.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“It is clear that Kosovo will have a shrinking need for military support and a growing need for investment, cultural and academic exchanges and political and economic reforms. When I hear Mr. Jeremic' describe Kosovo, I cannot help but wonder at the reasons for his distorted version of the country today. He is out of touch with the facts on the ground. We have worked to accommodate the needs of minority communities and, over the past three years, have invested more than â‚¬200 million in implementing the Ahtisaari Plan. Today, Kosovo is a young, stable and vibrant State that provides possibilities for all of its citizens. I thank the United Nations and the international community for facilitating that transformation in Kosovo. Here and now, we renew the pledge that Kosovo is committed to peace and stability in the Balkans.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“We are proud that our citizens living abroad are now giving something back to their country, in the form of remittances and foreign direct investment. In conclusion, allow me to add some personal observations regarding the path that lies ahead of us. Since I was appointed to this position, I have travelled a great deal to assess the international position of Kosovo. It is clear that Kosovo is no longer the primary focus of international diplomacy. That is good news and means that there are fewer reasons for the United Nations, the European Union, NATO and other bodies to dedicate as many resources to the Balkans. NATO has now decreased its forces to fewer than 5,000 soldiers.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“In June, for the first time in three decades, the central Government will have accurate data on population, unemployment, education, age and gender, among other information. We have pleaded with Serbia to urge Serbs in Kosovo's northern municipalities to take part in the census that will be conducted by the United Nations Office for Project Services. We are extremely disappointed that Serbian Government representatives have called for a boycott of this internationally recognized census. The census has already confirmed what we have long suspected, namely, that more than one third of all Kosovars now live abroad, making Kosovo one of the most widespread populations on the European continent. Kosovars live and work in countries ranging from New Zealand to Germany and from Norway to South Africa.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“We are very sorry to see that Serbia continues to block our producers from moving goods through Serbia. Serbia's action represents an absence of reciprocity, as the Government of Kosovo has maintained an open- door policy to all EU countries and prospective candidates. In fact, Kosovo is a major trading partner for Serbia. We hope that our neighbours will soon refrain from blocking and sanctioning our producers. Allow me to address another positive development. I am happy to report that we managed to successfully complete the census in almost all of Kosovo. The 2011 census was organized with the help of the Statistical Office of the European Communities and donor agencies that monitored the complex procedure.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“That will provide a major push for the economy and enable the Government to pass the baton of development to private and free market-oriented players. All major European banks, insurance companies and airlines have established a base in Pristina. The capital city has one of the lowest crime rates of any capital in Europe. We are aware that some people still associate Kosovo with war, refugees and crisis, but, as any visitor to the new, independent Kosovo can report, the new country is dynamic, young, growing and open for business. If Kosovo is to enjoy the same benefits as other countries in the Balkans, we need Serbia to stop its obstruction of our participation in the Central European Free Trade Agreement accords. The EU and Kosovo have both proposed various compromises on the issue of the customs stamps used by Kosovo at border posts.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“According to the IMF 's economic outlook for the year 2011, Kosovo has the fastest growing economy in the Balkans and in Europe. We started from a very low base, but are rapidly catching up. Kosovo has the third highest growth in wireless Internet connections in Europe. The Kosovo ll-33372 Government has just started implementing a new plan that will further support economic growth. While the rest of the Balkan States have already privatized their public resources, we will start that process this year. The combined value of investments in telecommunications, energy, agriculture, ski tourism and infrastructure for the next three years is expected to further increase our gross domestic product growth.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“The Government of Kosovo recognizes EULEX as an independent arbiter of justice that can determine the legitimacy of Mr. Marty's allegations. We invite all sides to deliver any information and evidence that they may have regarding Mr. Marty's allegation to the EULEX prosecutors. There are a few more items to report from Kosovo. Kosovo has approved its new budget, which includes salary increases for all categories of public employees, from teachers to policemen, doctors and civil servants. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has voiced its concern over the increases. The Government is in close contact with our partners in order to prove the necessity, as well as the prudence, of such increases. Kosovo has managed to close the gap in tax collection, improving revenue collection by more than 30 per cent compared to the previous year.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Such active obstructions, which have delayed EULEX's core objective of establishing equal and unified rule of law in all of Kosovo, have given rise to the voicing of some discontent among our civil society, media and certain political leaders. Kosovo is very supportive of EULEX, and the Kosovo Government sees the Rule of Law Mission as its partner. We look to EULEX for support in showing radicals who reject peace and progress in Kosovo that they cannot beat back the tide of the rule of law. EULEX has the resources and the capacity to make a difference in Kosovo. It can promote the rule of law, strengthen the fight against corruption, and investigate former Swiss parliamentarian Dick Marty's allegations of war crimes that took place during the conflict.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“However, radicals who refuse democracy and claim to represent the Government of Serbia have prevented the organization of national elections. They have employed intimidation and violence to prevent the local communities and their residents from joining Kosovo's institutions. Those radicals have opposed the efforts of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and the Kosovo Force to establish the rule of law in northern Kosovo. They have prevented the reopening of the Mitrovica District Court and have obstructed attempts by Kosovo's political leaders to reach out to the population by making personal visits to the communities.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“I promise the Council that we will not allow extremist elements to distract us from our objectives. We call on the Government of Serbia to join us in opposing those radical organizations that have used nationalist language, as well as violence, against members of Kosovo's Serb community who have agreed to cooperate with Kosovo's institutions. Serbs across Kosovo participate in the country's democratic institutions. Their involvement in political life has ensured responsive local governance that represents their priorities. The situation is less positive in the north of Kosovo, where an atmosphere of fear persists. The Government of Kosovo has implemented the Ahtisaari proposal, and is in permanent contact with the international community on a partnership to extend the rule of law and the country's unified legal system.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“The Kosovo Government wants to prove beyond doubt its willingness to meet, discuss and agree with its neighbours as a fundamental condition of European integration. It is in Kosovo's and Europe's strategic interest to enable the free movement of people and goods within the framework of EU integration. For that purpose, the Government established a special Ministry of European Integration to ensure that we meet European Union standards. It will set the conditions for Kosovars to join the rest of the Balkan States in the visa-free zone within Europe. The eyes of the world are focused on Kosovo and Serbia during this dialogue. I assure members of the Council here today that Kosovo wants friendly relations with all of its neighbours. We recognize that as a precondition for a stable and peaceful Balkans.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“While Serbia might question the right of Kosovo to exist as a State, there is no question whatsoever that Serbia itself has no right to exercise any type of authority within the borders of Kosovo. Our second goal for the dialogue is linked to the first. The Government and the people of Kosovo are tired of conflict and propaganda. We want to look forward and to engage in a process of reconciliation with Serbia. There have been many instances in our common history in the Balkans when people of the region have cooperated with each other. As both countries move towards EU membership, now is the time to shake hands again and to look to each other as equal partners. We are ready to talk about solutions that promote the rule of law and preserve Kosovo as a unified legal space, in accordance with the Constitution of Kosovo.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“We want to extend freedom of movement for the people of Kosovo across the Balkans. Today, the people of Kosovo can travel to most neighbouring countries and most of the world with their Kosovo passports, including many countries that have yet to recognize us as an independent State. Serbia, on the other hand, still refuses to acknowledge documents issued in Kosovo, just as it refused to accept documents formerly issued by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. Such artificial and wholly political restriction on the freedom of movement in the region has not helped the dialogue or reconciliation between the two peoples and their countries.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“I assure the Council that Kosovo is ready for and committed to finding new and creative ways to improve the lives of all citizens and to assist Serbia in coming to terms with our independence. That should bring a package of solutions in areas of importance to the daily lives of the citizens of both countries. It should show the world that the Balkan people want peace and prosperity. We do not want to enhance ethnic divisions or to reopen old wounds. The Government of Kosovo expects two things from the dialogue. First, we want creative solutions that respect our constitutional order, set up by Special Envoy of the Secretary-General President Ahtisaari. We want to solve practical issues, such as the mutual recognition of documents, license plates, airspace, school and university diplomas, telephone communication and others.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Our focus is on a future that will see both the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Serbia enter the European Union as equals, as independent States. With the facilitation of Mr. Robert Cooper as EU representative, Deputy Prime Minister Tahiri has met three times with Serbia's representative to the dialogue, Mr. Borislav Stefanovie. We have opened several topics of discussion in the dialogue, and there are indeed many unresolved issues between the two sides. I would like to inform the Council that today that the first visit of Mr. Stefanovie happened in Pristina, the Republic of Kosovo, and very soon representatives of the Republic of Kosovo will visit Belgrade.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Edita Tahiri as a Deputy Prime Minister and the country's special representative to lead Kosovo's delegation in the dialogue with the Government of Serbia. Kosovo recognizes the importance of this dialogue with Serbia and is taking part in the discussions at the highest level. We accepted the invitation of the European Union (EU) to engage in dialogue with Serbia, which was welcomed by the General Assembly when it acknowledged the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. If I may remind members, the Court confirmed the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence. The Government of Kosovo has engaged fully in the EU-facilitated dialogue. It is a good opportunity for both Kosovo and Serbia to put the past behind us.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Their participation in Kosovo's institutions in the central and local Governments shows that Kosovo has unified around the promise of a representative democracy that gives a voice to all of its members. We are happy to report to the members of Security Council that more Serbs participated in Kosovo's elections than in the illegal elections organized by the Serbian Government in the past in some parts of Kosovo. It is important to note that the parallel Government of Serbia institutions that continue their corrupt activities in some parts of Kosovo are illegal, according to the Security Council's own decisions. President J ahjaga is not the only Kosovan woman receiving international attention nowadays. The Government of Kosovo has also named Ms.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“The governing coalition now leads in a stable political environment and enjoys the participation of ethnic minorities from Serb, Turkish, Bosniak, Roma and other communities, who have 25 seats in the l20-seat Parliament. For the first time in the history of Kosovo, the Government also includes a Deputy Prime Minister and three ministers from the Serb community. Kosovo Serbs are represented at all levels of the Government and civil service. This development reflects Kosovo's status as a functional multi-ethnic democracy that celebrates and draws strength from its diversity. Kosovo's communities have rejected the Republic of Serbia's politics of division.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Kosovo came through these challenges when the governing coalition and the largest opposition party showed that they were ready to elevate national interests for stable governance above narrow political interests. The Government and opposition reached a compromise that supported the election of Atifete Jahjaga as President of the Republic of Kosovo. President J ahjaga is the first woman to be elected as head of State in the Balkans. She brings to the office a lifetime of dedicated public service, having worked for years with the Kosovo Police trained by the United Nations. She is a non-partisan leader who represents all of Kosovo. This development is good for Kosovo, good for the region and good for the world.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Pacolli's election. Less than a month later, the Court ruled that the new President was elected in violation of constitutional quorum and candidate requirements. That unexpected decision provided a moment of political challenge that tested yet again the strength of the governing coalition. However, it is important to note that at no time did any party in Kosovo oppose or object to the Constitutional Court's role or its decision. The Government and the people of Kosovo respected our institutions, and they recognize the importance of the Court's independence as the arbiter of Kosovo's Constitution. This is a primary example of Kosovo's dedication to the rule of law.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“After certification of the results - to which no party objected - we formed a new Government under the leadership of our former and present Prime Minister, Hashim Thaci. The Democratic Party of Kosovo, the party that won the most votes, entered into coalition discussions with relevant political stakeholders. In the end, common ground was found with the New Kosovo Alliance, the Serb Independent Liberal Party and Turkish, Bosniak and other smaller parties. This coalition formed a dynamic and multi-ethnic Government that is prepared to lead Kosovo towards greater strength and integration in the community of democracies. After the final certification of election results, members of the parliament elected Mr. Behgjet Pacolli as the President. Opposition parties filed a complaint with the Constitutional Court objecting to the procedures of Mr.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“The United Nations presence in Kosovo has been one of the international community's largest nation- building efforts in the modern history, and these efforts have borne fruit. The independence of Kosovo in the last three years has produced peace, stability and security in the region, and Kosovo is today gaining its rightful place in the community of free nations. As the Council has heard from Mr. Zannier, over the past months Kosovo passed through a dynamic period. Our young Republic has consolidated its institutions in the pursuit of good governance and political stability. A constitutional crisis was initiated by the resignation of former President Fatmir Sejdiu, and we had national elections that passed through rigorous tests and challenges in both the courts and the Central Election Commission.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Mr. Hoxhaj: Let me start by expressing, on behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, our profound gratitude for the Council's attention to the latest developments in the Republic of Kosovo during the most recent reporting period. We have gathered here yet again to discuss the issues related to the post-independence situation in Kosovo. Some members may remember that there have been many times in the past when reports from Kosovo spoke more of challenges and problems than of solutions and positive developments. I am here today to provide the Council with a first-hand account of recent positive developments, but let me also thank the members of the Security Council, the Secretary- General and his Special Representative, Mr. Lamberto Zannier, for their strong role in our young country.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source