YouSaid · the spoken record

Jessen-Petersen

lines on the record: 151
first: 1997-05-21
most recent: 2006-06-20
sittings or episodes: 7
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

“Once again, this is my sixth and last report to the Security Council since assuming my post. I believe that, together, we have come a long way, but we also know that there is still a considerable way to travel before we get to the kind of society we all want to see in Kosovo. I am grateful for the role played by this Council in moving the process forward and for its decisions to launch the comprehensive review last May and the status process last October. And as I leave, I certainly count on the Security Council to see the process through to what I hope will be an early and 06-39548 successful conclusion. It will be successful only if the beneficiaries are the people of Kosovo and of the region. I count on all Council members to make sure that our focus is on the people of Kosovo and of the region.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“Let me just refer to the report of the Office of Internal Oversight Services, which is based on shortcomings up to and including 2003 - in other words, it is three years out of date. Since then, considerable measures have been taken. There has been overall management reform and criminal action against a few who were found to have been conducting their activities in a way that is not acceptable, and disciplinary action has also been taken. Let me just say that the airport is actually a success story for Kosovo. It has just won the Best Airport 2006 award in the category "Under 1 million passengers per year" from Airports Council International. I believe that is a very, very strong reflection of the solid management of the international airport of Kosovo.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“They will be taking over the operation that UNMIK has been running for the past seven years, so it will of course continue and both KFOR and UNMIK will be there in total support of those bus lines and also to make sure that there are no incidents. Talking about incidents, there was some reference to the repeated stoning of buses. Our police statistics will show that, over the first five months of this year, some 1,400 minority buses drove through Kosovo. There were stoning incidents in six of the 1,400 journeys, and five arrests have been made. I still regret the sixth. There should not be one single stoning incident, and I know that this is something that the Provisional Institutions take very seriously. We have to make sure that it does not happen. Finally, there was some reference to corruption at the airport.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“We have the Protocol on Returns; I welcome the very constructive engagement of Belgrade in that. That is now being developed into a plan of action in which we have the direct involvement of the internally displaced persons. We are doing this on behalf of the internally displaced persons. I do believe that the very fact that the plan of action is now being developed with the direct involvement of internally displaced persons could lead to larger returns. We will have to wait and see. It is certainly an area in which we have not seen the kind of results we must see. There were some concerns expressed that the ethnic bus lines will cease to operate. That is not correct. They will be taken over lock, stock and barrel by the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“We have 10 reserved seats in the Assembly; they are still waiting. We have several deputy ministerial posts; they are still waiting. But I agree that Kosovo Serb participation should be meaningful. Let us give them a chance and let them decide whether it is meaningful. There were several references to returns, and I for one certainly regret that we have seen so few returns. In fact, for me personally it is one of my most serious regrets over the past two years. I thought I had come to the job with a certain experience on return and humanitarian issues. I thought that I could make an impact. I have to accept that the numbers remain very, very low. However, I think we have to accept that the conditions have gradually been put in place for returns.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“A third incident involving a Serb Orthodox priest who was driving in his car and was attacked with his family. Two days ago, the police arrested a Kosovo Serb policeman as the suspect in that case. Once again, I just want to underline that we should not jump to conclusions. We have to address these incidents, we have to prevent them and we have to investigate them. But facts do not bear out what we had heard on that point. I do welcome the statement by Mrs. Raskovic- Ivic that she considers it to be of utmost importance that the Kosovo Serbs should participate. She also rightly says that their participation must be meaningful. I would suggest that we let them participate and let them decide whether their participation is meaningful. For two years, we have reserved two ministerial positions for Kosovo Serbs; they are still vacant.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“Forty-two of the cases were never reported to the police nor to the judicial authorities. Thirty-five are categorized as having an unknown motive; investigations are still continuing. Ten cases were seen as crimes for personal gain, and in five cases, anger was seen, in a not-very-legal impression, as the motive. Then there were references to recent incidents in the north. Let me first say that we regret each and every security incident, because each incident adds to the fears of the Kosovo Serbs. I will cite an example: of the four most recent incidents, one was an attack on a petrol station. It is clear that it was robbery and, by all indications, Serb-on-Serb. There was a regrettable killing of a young man in Zvecan. The police immediately interviewed two suspects, neither one of which was Albanian.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“Furthermore, a couple of months ago we did establish the Kosovo Property Agency. That new agency will be focusing on the very important work related to agricultural and commercial lands, which is of particular importance to the many Kosovo Serbs, including the returnees. In that connection, it would be extremely helpful if Belgrade could help us with returning the cadastral records. It would be difficult to make progress without them. We heard a reference to a report on the so-called 187 incidents. Our UNMIK Directorate of Crime Analysis has, of course, analysed these reports, because we take all such reports seriously. Our preliminary finding is that some of the 187 cases were wrongly reported statistically. The number of cases in the document is actually 101, and not 187. Nine of those 101 can indeed be categorized as inter-ethnic.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“I certainly agree with Mrs. Raskovic-Ivic, and I just said it, that the situation remains very difficult for many of the minorities, Kosovo Serbs in particular. I do agree, and said in my opening remarks, that we need to focus on more progress in the living conditions of the Kosovo Serbs. Many of the statements here have once against urged Belgrade to allow the Kosovo Serbs to participate in the process. Let me just mention four or five examples of statements with which I do not quite agree. We have heard that there has been little progress on property issues, when in fact 98 per cent - 98 per cent - of all private property cases, have been resolved. However - and this is where our focus will be - 10 per cent of those 98 per cent resolved cases are still pending in terms of enforcement, which is where action should be focused.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“We welcome the words of support, but we also clearly agree - and I am sure that the Prime Minister does as well - that there is need for further action. Further action and results will be pursued. The Prime Minister has taken very seriously the 13 points conveyed by the Contact Group a couple of weeks ago. Action is already under way, and we expect to see the results in the course of this month, most of it before the end of next month. That does not detract from the importance of focusing on all the priority standards, and that work will also continue. I listened with particular attention and interest to the statement by the representative of Serbia, Mrs. Raskovic-Ivic. I must confess that, having lived in Kosovo for two years - with my eyes and ears open most of the time, I believe - I did not recognize everything I heard.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“Mr. Jessen-Petersen: First of all, allow me to thank the Council for the many very generous comments on the work that we have conducted and are conducting in Kosovo. Although these words are addressed to me, I see them also as very much addressed to my staff and to our local and international partners in Kosovo. I am grateful to the Council. I also want to reiterate my thanks to the Council for the constant support that I have been receiving over the last two years. Allow me also today to thank the Secretary-General for his trust and his support. We have listened carefully to the many useful observations made today. I have taken notes, and I am sure that Prime Minister Seku has also taken careful notes.”
2006-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5470 (2006) · source
“We have now entered the critical and most decisive phase of the mission of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, and I count on the continued support and the engagement of the international community in general and the Security Council in particular, and, once again, I want to thank the Security Council for its support.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“I am also glad that Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi has been here today. He has heard the many calls about the importance that this Council attaches to further and faster progress and standards, notably on minority issues, as well as the importance that the Council attaches to decentralization. I certainly count on Prime Minister Kosumi to go back, to lead the Government in working even harder to see further and more significant progress on standards, and I count on the delegation of the Provisional Institutions of Self- Government to go to Vienna with a constructive and forthcoming approach to decentralization. I know that that is exactly what they will do.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“In the past, President Tadic has recommended the participation of Kosovo Serbs in the processes and the Institutions in Kosovo, so that they can be part of shaping the future of Kosovo - their own future. I am sure that President Tadic today has heard the many statements in the Council urging Belgrade to engage constructively with Kosovo and also to allow the Kosovo Serbs to engage and be part of shaping the future. I count on President Tadic to follow the advice expressed by the Council today. We need the involvement of Belgrade. We need the direct engagement of the Kosovo Serbs to see further progress on all the issues affecting the minorities. Without them, it will be very difficult to achieve the necessary progress, in particular in the areas of returns and freedom of movement.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“Mr. Jessen-Petersen: First of all, let me thank the Council for its expression of support for our Mission and for the Provisional Institutions of Self- Government and the people of Kosovo, and also for the many helpful observations that Council members have made today. On behalf of the Institutions in Kosovo and the people of Kosovo, I also want to thank Council members for the many expressions of condolence on the passing of President Rugova and the many generous and, may I say, deserved words on his life and his legacy. And I wish to thank members for the congratulations extended to the newly elected President of Kosovo, Mr. Fatmir Sejdiu. I also listened with interest to the statement by President Tadic.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“Our goal must now be to make good the political wrongs of the past, with a focus on the rights of all people - of individuals and families - for the future. The majority in Kosovo, who suffered so much as a minority themselves in the past, have a right to expect that their aspirations will be met when Kosovo's status is decided. The minorities, who have in turn suffered revenge and isolation, have a right to expect that their concerns will be just as seriously heard and addressed. My hope as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo over the past 18 months is that, with a settlement of the status issue, the people of Kosovo can finally leave the past behind and set out as one on the journey towards the Euro-Atlantic family of nations.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“The next months offer an opportunity for Kosovo's leaders to redouble their efforts, to reach out to Kosovo's Serbs and to the other minorities and to register solid and substantive progress. But it is, equally, a period when the Kosovo Serbs must seize the opportunity provided by the status talks and take an active part in the central and municipal institutions in Kosovo if they wish to shape the future of a truly multi-ethnic Kosovo. Finally, it is a period in which Belgrade must encourage and support such Kosovo Serb participation in the institutions. In the western Balkans, the appalling politics of the 1990s had human suffering, ethnic cleansing and forcible displacement as their goal, and not merely as their consequence.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“The refusal of such support is rooted in politics, but its effects are damaging to the welfare of individual Serbs in Kosovo, and it is they who have to cope with the consequences. With the beginning of the status process, the United Nations mission in Kosovo has entered its most critical phase. Now, as in the past, our focus must remain on building in Kosovo a society that is democratic, multi-ethnic, inclusive and tolerant; a society which is internally at ease with its own diversity; a society which is outward-looking and committed to a future of peace and cooperation alongside all of its neighbours, in an integrated Europe. I am convinced, after long service with UNMIK, that Kosovo - its people and its institutions - is committed to moving in that direction. Much has been achieved; much more must and will be done.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“The Contact Group has made plain that the eventual status settlement must include significant provisions for minority rights. If Kosovo's representatives in the status process are themselves proactive in arguing for such verifiable provisions, they will be doing Kosovo a favour, for justifiable dispensations willingly offered are clearly a better foundation for the future than intransigent positions grudgingly abandoned. In the meantime, though, there is ample scope for cooperation between Kosovo's Serbs and the majority community on a wide range of practical issues, electricity supply being an example high on everyone's mind at the moment. Such cooperation would be easier and more productive if it came with the acceptance and support of Belgrade.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“For Kosovo Albanians, the status process inspires hope, but for many Kosovo Serbs it inspires fear. Every possible effort must be made by every political actor to reconcile the hopes of the majority and the fears of the Kosovo Serb minority. The best way of ensuring that the Kosovo Serbs have a voice and that it is heard would be for them to engage directly with, and ideally in, Kosovo's institutions. Belgrade's continuing refusal to countenance that does nothing to improve conditions for Serbs in Kosovo and it does everything to worsen their already acute political isolation. How can we - how can any of us - reassure the Kosovo Serbs today about their future in Kosovo if they are discouraged from participating directly in the design of that future?”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“Meanwhile, decentralization remains a key issue and one with both a current and a future importance, not least in terms of minority rights. As such, it is a touchstone of the seriousness of the Kosovo Albanians' political leadership in demonstrating what kind of society they wish Kosovo to be. The Vienna meeting on decentralization convened by the Status Envoy will present an opportunity to demonstrate that the concerns expressed by minorities are being met on the Kosovo Albanian side with understanding on substance and generosity in spirit. The indications that I have received make me hopeful that it is an opportunity that will be seized. Decentralization is only one of many areas in which it is vital that we - Kosovo's institutions and the international community - reach out as much as possible to the Kosovo Serbs.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“As of mid-December, we have noticed fresh initiatives to push standards implementation forward through short-term, results-oriented governmental action plans, the next of which is expected to be adopted at next week's Government session and to cover the coming three months. The pace and commitment demonstrated in the latest action plan must be maintained, and efforts redoubled, in the months ahead. Standards, as a political priority, cannot be subsumed by status. Symbolic gestures, genuinely important though they are, are not sufficient. Actions must be substantive and serious. They must also be sustained. The incorporation of standards into the latest European Partnership document has ensured that the policies that have helped to guide Kosovo into the status process will continue to guide Kosovo's future even after a status settlement.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“The Secretary-General's recent report and my own technical assessment of 6 January, covering the period up to 15 December, have both made it clear that there was, in the latter part of last year, a noticeable slow-down in the pace of implementation of standards in Kosovo. The most worrying of the slow-downs noted in my technical assessment was in the field of minority rights. That is an area in which, with the status process under way and with the stance of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government on its outcome being well-known, Kosovo's leaders cannot afford to show anything less than complete commitment, sincerity and action. The critical observations made in those reports - and directly by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and myself to the Kosovo authorities - have had an effect.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“As the Security Council has acknowledged in the past, the status quo in Kosovo is not sustainable. It follows that the status process should not become a continuation of the status quo. The acceleration of the status process is the best contribution that can be made now to ensuring political stability in Kosovo and in the wider region. But, as has been made clear by the Status Envoy, Mr. Ahtisaari, and as was reiterated by the foreign ministers of the Contact Group in London a fortnight ago, the pace of progress in the status process is largely up to the institutions and people of Kosovo themselves, through a greater commitment to the implementation of standards - notably those that are essential to the building of a truly multi-ethnic society.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“Just after the mourning period, the Assembly of Kosovo rapidly scheduled a session to elect a new president - Mr. Fatmir Sejdiu- which was secured last Friday with votes from a very large proportion of the members of the Assembly of Kosovo. The very next day, last Saturday, President Fatmir Sejdiu convened his colleagues on Kosovo's negotiating team - Assembly President Nexhat Daci, Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi, Democratic Party of Kosovo leader Hashim Thaci and ORA leader Veton Surroi - in order to take forward President Rugova's positive vision through the status process. At that meeting, the team approved a negotiating platform on decentralization in advance of a meeting between Pristina and Belgrade, to take place in Vienna under the auspices of the Status Envoy, Mr. Martti Ahtisaari, on 20 February.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“The KPS was solely responsible for front-line security and crowd management on the day of President Rugova's funeral. The 3,500 officers on duty that day showed professionalism and sensitivity in coping with masses of mourners numbering into the hundreds of thousands, as well as a large number of important visitors from abroad. Those officers came from all communities in Kosovo. More than 10 per cent of the KPS strength is made up of Kosovo Serbs, out of a total minority representation of 16.2 per cent. At senior levels, the proportion of minorities rises to approximately 20 per cent - considerably higher than most estimates of the proportion of minorities in Kosovo's population as a whole. Kosovo's political response to the loss of Ibrahim Rugova has been as mature and dignified as was the management of his funeral.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“I would like to express my appreciation for the response of the international community in sending impressive delegations to the memorial ceremony in Pristina. Not only was it a gesture of respect for the late President, but it also demonstrated the international community's continued engagement in and strong support for Kosovo as it moves towards resolution of its status. The arrangements for that sombre event were in the hands of the local authorities, and they deserve enormous credit. Theirs was an achievement of which any society could be justly proud. Today, let me thank the Kosovo Force and its commander for their support during the event, as well as over the past month. Though I am reluctant to single out any one institution when so many contributed, I do feel bound to salute the performance of the Kosovo Police Service (KPS).”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“Last Friday, the Assembly of Kosovo met and, by a large majority, elected Mr. Fatmir Sejdiu as President of Kosovo. President Sejdiu has already sent a letter to you, Mr. President, and I understand that it has been distributed to members of the Council. The election of President Sejdiu followed the tragic death of President Ibrahim Rugova. Throughout his life, President Rugova maintained a vision of a free, tolerant and democratic Kosovo, and it is around that vision that others can unify in order to achieve its realization. The loss of such a pivotal figure is hard for any society, and it was hard for Kosovo, but Kosovo's people and institutions responded with dignity, resolve and maturity - a maturity that was remarked on by many, locals and internationals alike, who attended the memorial service and funeral on 26 January.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“Mr. Jessen-Petersen: May I begin by thanking you, Mr. President, and the Council as a whole, for allowing time for this meeting and for agreeing that I be accompanied today by the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Mr. Bajram Kosumi. Since my last report to the Council, on 24 October last year (see S/PV.5289), there have been three major issues defining politics in Kosovo. The first, and most recent, is the tragic loss of President Ibrahim Rugova and the orderly and dignified transition to the election of a new President. The second is the opening of the status process. The third is the continuing - indeed, revitalized - push for progress on standards implementation, on decentralization and on the full inclusion of all minority communities in the creation of Kosovo's future.”
2006-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5373 (2006) · source
“And I know that I can count on the continued support and active engagement of members of this Council now and in the next and decisive phase of the implementation of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).”
2005-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5289 (2005) · source
“Kosovo's Turks, Bosniacs, Gorani, Roma, Croats, Ashkali and Egyptians have as much claim to our consideration and to the future of Kosovo as its Serbs and Albanians. Kosovo's diversity is, in fact, its treasure. We all know that the positions of Belgrade and Pristina on the issue of Kosovo status are far apart. But it will remain so until and unless it is resolved by an international managed process. The sooner it is done, the better it will be for the citizens of Kosovo and the region. After more than six years of United Nations involvement and investment in Kosovo, we now have the chance and the challenge to support the citizens as they leave the painful past behind and build a peaceful and prosperous future. The Security Council has of course played a key role in getting us this far.”
2005-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5289 (2005) · source
“The coming months will provide a singular opportunity for them to define their role and position in Kosovo's future. It is vital that they be able to seize this chance and ensure that their voice is heard in both the status talks themselves and in the institutions for Kosovo while those talks proceed. I hope that Belgrade will see this opportunity to make it possible for the Kosovo Serb community to take their seats in the Assembly and in Kosovo's Provisional Institutions at all levels, so that they can play an active part in designing Kosovo's future. Let me emphasize a point that should not go unstated and that was also mentioned by Ambassador Eide. The status process is one in which the voices of civil society and all the people of Kosovo must be heard and respected.”
2005-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5289 (2005) · source
“The Commander of KFOR - to whom and to whose troops I want to pay tribute - and I are confident that we are well equipped to respond to any threat that may aim at stopping Kosovo's way forward. Indeed, the forthcoming status process presents risks and confronts political leaders with difficult choices, but it represents a huge opportunity for Kosovo. It is an opportunity for the Kosovo Albanian leadership to show true commitment and action and take more decisive steps to build the kind of multi-ethnic, democratic and tolerant society that will undoubtedly bring them closer to realizing their dreams and goals when status is decided. I believe the status process also presents a chance for Belgrade and, importantly, for Kosovo Serbs to engage.”
2005-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5289 (2005) · source
“Finally, for close cooperation among the Kosovo Force (KFOR), UNMIK and the Kosovo Police Service and, increasingly, with the central and local authorities in Kosovo, we will continue our efforts to ensure the maintenance of a safe and secure environment for everyone in Kosovo. The security environment in Kosovo is stable at the moment, but isolated recent incidents remind us that, with the difficult status process about to begin, there is no cause for complacency. That process, and possible provocations from all sides, will undoubtedly test our ability to maintain the security environment that has, by and large, prevailed in Kosovo during the last 18 months.”
2005-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5289 (2005) · source
“That will allow for coordinated and strategic planning on the part of the Government, including all its line ministries, and also on the part of donors who can support the identified needs. Fifthly, we will continue to restructure UNMIK throughout the coming period with a View to having an optimal set-up throughout the status process. At the same time, we are cooperating with our international partners, such as the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and NATO, to develop a phased and well-managed transition to eventual future arrangements, following, but without prejudice to, the outcome of status talks. We have begun a process of informal dialogue with key partners to identify those areas where there may be need for continued international presence and support to the authorities and citizens of Kosovo.”
2005-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5289 (2005) · source
“Fourthly, the Provisional Institutions, UNMIK and donors must and will strengthen our efforts in the field of capacity-building in order to ensure that, regardless of the outcome of status talks, Kosovo's institutions will be fully capable of taking on the responsibilities that will flow to them. A lot of progress has been made over the last 12 months with the ongoing transfer of competences from UNMIK to central and local Provisional authorities. The Provisional Institutions have committed themselves to establishing an action plan in the very near future, which will contain an overview of capacity needs and how to address them, targeted towards managing post- status Kosovo.”
2005-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5289 (2005) · source
“We have made it clear that transfers in these areas would be gradual, phased and dependent on transparency and non-politicization at each stage. We will also be looking beyond the immediate requirements of these two Ministries to the wider field of security by pushing forward a comprehensive internal security sector review. This process, which includes all communities in Kosovo, is intended to help formulate a sense of the challenge that faces Kosovo in the field of security and, thereby, to assist in the design of its future internal security architecture, to be implemented when status has been resolved.”
2005-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5289 (2005) · source
“Comprehensive reform to benefit all communities in Kosovo is now on the agenda, and, following the successful implementation of three out of the five pilot projects, I believe it is achievable in parallel with status talks. As regards the third priority, we will continue to pursue a comprehensive security agenda, including the transfer of competences from UNMIK to two new Provisional Ministries - Public Order and Justice - by the end of the year. The rule of law, with effective delivery of justice, and the continued combat against organized crime are key requirements for any viable society. We still have a way to go, but I believe that transfers in the areas of justice and police are crucial in order to prepare for status. As we do this, we are very conscious of the sensitivity of these sectors, as Ambassador Eide also pointed out.”
2005-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5289 (2005) · source
“In order to ensure that Belgrade is able to inject its thoughts into the debate on comprehensive reform, I informed President Tadic and Prime Minister Kostunica during my recent visit to Belgrade that the Provisional Institutions are ready to build on the recent meeting in Vienna, brokered by Ambassador Eide, between the Serbian Minister responsible for local government and his Kosovo counterpart. Such direct dialogue might initially focus on competences of local self-government, an issue of crucial importance in assuring the minorities that their future should be anchored in meaningful local government and authority within a centrally managed Kosovo process.”
2005-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5289 (2005) · source
“As we speak, the International Monetary Fund is in Pristina, working with the Provisional Institutions and UNMIK to reinforce Kosovo's fiscal management programmes and create the basis for a major donor support conference in December that can ease the tight budget constraints and allow for more development, in turn spurring growth. However, without clarity on status, progress will be limited, as foreign direct investments and access to loans will remain hugely problematic. In this context, I would like to add that economic opportunities for all can act as a key source of reconciliation, whereas continued stagnation and lack of economic prospects will continue to be a key source of instability. The second priority is to support the Provisional Institutions in pursuing a comprehensive reform of local government.”
2005-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5289 (2005) · source
“As the standards implementation plan is reinforced, we are working with the Provisional Institutions and the European Union (EU) to integrate the standards plan and Kosovo's European Partnership Action Plan, so that progress and standards may be linked to incentives whose energy would work on moving Kosovo towards the European future it shares with all the States in the western Balkans. One of the key standards relates to the economy. Privatization, modernization of the management of publicly owned enterprises and development of a market-oriented legal regime, all lay the groundwork for the eventual growth of Kosovo's economy and prospects for a better future for all its people.”
2005-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5289 (2005) · source
“The Provisional Institutions of Self-Government and UNMIK have reviewed the Kosovo standards implementation plan with a view to reinforcing progress on those actions that would do the most to improve the living conditions of minorities in Kosovo and to promote a multi-ethnic future. Freedom of movement and returns are two key areas. On returns, we must continue working hard to reassure Kosovo Serbs who live in Kosovo and improve their living conditions while at the same time promoting the conditions for sustainable returns of those still displaced. I do not expect major returns before status is clarified, but to reassure Kosovo Serbs of their future in Kosovo, and to promote returns, we need the constructive engagement of Belgrade and the direct involvement of the Kosovo Serbs.”
2005-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5289 (2005) · source
“There is a huge amount of work to be done even as talks proceed, and, as Ambassador Eide just noted, with a lot of leverage in the hands of the international community. With that in mind, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) has identified six priority areas on which we intend to concentrate over the coming months. In establishing those priorities, we have, of course, been guided by Ambassador Eide's report. You will note a strong commitment by the Prime Minister in his letter to continue working hard to deliver results in the pursuit of those priorities. The first priority is to continue apace with the implementation of standards.”
2005-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5289 (2005) · source
“While the way ahead will no doubt be difficult, it must nonetheless be clear to all of us that continuing with the status quo is not a viable option. I know that the Prime Minister of Kosovo has transmitted to you this morning a letter for circulation in the Council. In the letter, the Government commits itself to moving forward, addressing with determination those obstacles still in the way of Kosovo's journey towards fulfilling its aspirations and towards a future in Europe. Prime Minister Kostunica notes in his letter that forward movement is needed outside the status process as much as it is within it. In other words, political life in Kosovo cannot be consumed entirely by status talks, vital as they would be.”
2005-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5289 (2005) · source
“Mr. Jessen-Petersen: For the past 12 months, this Council has been noting positive developments in Kosovo, including improvements in security and in the fields of standards implementation. But the Council has also underlined the need for further progress. A fortnight ago, upon Ambassador Eide's report, the Secretary-General recommended to the Council that the process of settling Kosovo's future status should begin very soon. I also want to thank Ambassador Eide for a very honest, objective and balanced report. The start of the status process will be a galvanizing moment in Kosovo. And though its ultimate outcome cannot be known, I am confident that the resolution of Kosovo's status can have only a positive effect on the wider region, including on Serbia, in terms of political stabilization, reconciliation and economic growth.”
2005-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5289 (2005) · source
“That comprehensive review can, inter alia, draw on existing structures and working groups in Pristina to support its work on reviewing the standards, and all interested parties will no doubt have a chance to make their voices heard. I am confident that progress will continue in the interest of all communities in Kosovo, based on a forward-looking, constructive and honest approach by all concerned. The role of the Security Council in moving Kosovo from a holding operation to a sustainable and lasting solution is crucial, and I thank its members for their support.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“Leaving it pending will delay regional integration and adversely affect the interests of all, including Belgrade, Podgorica, Skopje and Tirana. In my meetings with regional partners, the interest in seeing status resolution is strong. We are all working towards the same ultimate goal: stabilizing the region and the pursuit of the European perspective. European integration is vital for Kosovo and for the region. It will serve, as it has elsewhere, to break down borders and ensure greater prosperity for everybody. As Council members will have seen in his report, the Secretary-General believes that a comprehensive review of standards should be initiated this summer.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“Secondly, the degree of Kosovo Serb participation will influence the extent to which their interests are reflected in the ongoing standards implementation. Here, as we have urged repeatedly, Belgrade must give a clear, positive signal. Thirdly, status resolution and the ensuing certainty will mean that we can make faster and more substantial progress on a range of issues. I want to be very frank: with a resolution of the status issue, and therefore an end to the uncertainty, I am confident that we will see much more significant results on issues such as returns, freedom of movement and the economy. Status resolution will also have clear regional benefits, including for regional dialogue and trade. There are clearly limits to the results on regional integration that can be achieved without having certainty on status.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“In conclusion, let me stress again that, according to realistic and fact-based criteria, Kosovo has seen steady further improvement during the reporting period. At the same time, the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government know that much still needs to be done in key standards areas, and we are pursuing the shortcomings on a daily basis. We must, however, recognize that the pace of further progress on standards implementation is reliant on several factors. First, it depends on the willingness of the majority community to continue to make efforts to create a multi-ethnic and democratic Kosovo. That willingness does exist, despite the recent painful conflict, and we must and will continue to support those who display that willingness.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source
“UNMIK is prepared to take action if and when appropriate, but counts on the Provisional Institutions to assume their responsibilities directly. There have been some significant developments on economic issues that have helped, to some extent, to improve the investment climate, including in the areas of privatization, access to loans from the European Investment Bank, and long-term lease possibilities for investors. However, I must stress that the extremely problematic economic conditions could at any moment lead to social instability, as they would in any society with high unemployment and continued stagnation. In spite of our efforts to make the investment climate more attractive and to stimulate the economy, it is clear that there will be no real progress until the status issue is resolved.”
2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source