YouSaid · the spoken record

Nesho

lines on the record
178
first
1998-03-31
most recent
2005-05-27
sittings or episodes
27
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

  1. In that context, we reaffirm that respect for the democratically expressed free will of all people of Kosovo with respect to their future, together with guarantees for the respect and the protection of minority rights, including guarantees for the protection of their inherited cultural and religious values, remains crucial for a just and stable solution.

    2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source

  2. Given its current political status, Kosovo remains a long way from direct foreign investment and lacks eligibility for benefiting from International Monetary Fund and World Bank programmes and assistance, which would have a direct impact on the development of a stable and efficient economy. The Albanian Government thinks that the process of discussing and defining the status of Kosovo has to take into consideration some basic elements that will undoubtedly lead to a long-term solution with a positive impact on stability, security and the Euro- Atlantic integration of the region. We share the broadly held view that the basic principles that have already been identified and recognized can guide the settlement of this issue.

    2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source

  3. The Serb minority's self-exclusion and its non-participation in the Assembly and other institutions only impede progress on standards. The Serb minority is part of Kosovo society, and as such, it has both rights and obligations. It should offer constructive engagement and end its isolation. Good governance is a priority objective for the governing institutions of Kosovo. Establishment of the rule of law, the creation of an independent judiciary and a public administration and respect for private property are indispensable in that regard. Meeting those standards requires that more competences and responsibilities be transferred to the local authorities and that privatization be accelerated. That process would have a positive impact on economic development and on the climate for foreign investment in Kosovo.

    2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source

  4. Above all, decentralization should avoid cantonization, which would impede the normal functioning of a multi- ethnic society in Kosovo. The issue of minorities, which is a basic element of a multi-ethnic society, demands the engagement of all relevant actors in Kosovo: governmental institutions and civil society, as well as the Serb and other minorities. We commend the real progress and positive steps already achieved, but we encourage further attention and harder work in that area and further efforts to revitalize the return process, expand the inter-community dialogue and respect minority rights. Meeting those objectives requires the continuous commitment of the Kosovo leadership, as well as goodwill and participatory efforts on the part of the Serb and other ethnic communities.

    2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source

  5. For that purpose, the continued commitment of Kosovo institutions to decentralization, minority issues, good governance and the economy remains a priority. Decentralization is one of the key issues and is beneficial to all citizens of Kosovo. In particular, it will advance the rights of minorities, and it will also strengthen local initiatives and help the economic, social and cultural development of all communities. We hold the view that decentralization should occur in parallel with the shaping and the strengthening of the central Government structures, that the autonomy of local authorities should not escape or harm the vertical line of power, that local structures must remain accountable to Pristina and that parallel structures must be integrated into Kosovo's structure or dismantled.

    2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source

  6. We reaffirm our understanding that the implementation of the standards is a complex and ongoing process that will lead towards a democratic, stable and multi-ethnic society in Kosovo, with democratic institutions and effective guarantees for the protection of minorities and of the cultural and religious heritage. Implementation of standards is and will remain the central focus of the efforts of all the people of Kosovo to live in dignity and move forward towards Euro-Atlantic integration. I think it is worth recalling what Ambassador Kai Eide noted in his comprehensive report (S/2004/932, annex I, enclosure) of one year ago: we are moving to a "standards with status" approach, which in our opinion remains realistic and adequate. We strongly believe that a multi-ethnic and democratic society in Kosovo remains the ultimate goal.

    2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source

  7. We strongly believe that this process will help Kosovo's rapid progress, economy and prosperity, will generate security and stability and will promote the advancement of the whole region, in line with the European countries. The process of regular reviews of the progress on standards now indicates significant momentum. We fully share the Secretary-General's recommendation to initiate a comprehensive review this summer, bearing in mind, as he notes, the progress on the eight standards and the tireless efforts made thus far by Kosovo's Provisional Institutions. All this will naturally lead to a process of determining Kosovo's status.

    2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source

  8. Ramush Haradinaj to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), we agree that the momentum of transition to the new Government, led by Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi, is another clear sign of the growing maturity and effectiveness of the political class and institutions in Kosovo. These three months, as noted in the Secretary- General's report, have demonstrated the determination of the new Government of Mr. Kosumi and the leadership of President Rugova to maintain the momentum on standards implementation. The year 2005 is a crucial and significant one for Kosovo and the Balkans. As we all agree, the time has come for important and substantial progress in determining Kosovo's political status. The status quo is neither desirable nor useful.

    2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source

  9. Jessen-Petersen for his leadership and foresight at the head of UNMIK and for his active diplomacy in promoting a fruitful partnership of Kosovo's institutions with the various regional and international stakeholders. Once again, I would like to assure him of Albania's full support. We commend the Contact Group on Kosovo for its active role, strongly believing that it will continue and will have a noteworthy political and diplomatic impact on that issue. We share the opinion that the frequent contacts of this Group with the actors within Kosovo, as well as its cooperation with the Security Council, will significantly help the political process to determine Kosovo's final status. While praising the peaceful and voluntary surrender of Mr.

    2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source

  10. Madam President, at the outset, on behalf of my Government, allow me to welcome the Foreign Minister of Denmark, Mr. Per Stig Moller, who has been presiding over the Council at this very important meeting on the future of our region. Let me also express my delegation's appreciation for the realistic, comprehensive and substantive report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) (S/2005/335). We also welcome at this important meeting the presence of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Soren Jessen-Petersen, and we thank him for his comprehensive briefing on the latest developments in Kosovo. On behalf of my Government, I would like to commend and thank Mr.

    2005-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5188 (2005) · source

  11. Certain irreversible realities have to be accepted with courage and realism in any country in the region. Only in that way will we strengthen our cooperation and achieve our common future in the European family.

    2005-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5130 (2005) · source

  12. Among them, we would like to mention the following: respect for the democratically expressed free will of the people of Kosovo; guarantees with respect to protection of and respect for minority rights in Kosovo, including guarantees regarding the protection of the legacy of cultural and religious values; and ruling out the partition of the territory of Kosovo. Albania remains fully committed to cooperating with the Security Council and the international community in finding just and long-term solutions that will better serve peace and security in the Balkans. As part of the region's trend towards Euro-Atlantic integration, Albania's policy is oriented toward the future, bearing in mind that the past belongs to the past and should not become an obstacle to that future.

    2005-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5130 (2005) · source

  13. Albania firmly believes that the international community and the Security Council, in cooperation with the Contact Group, the United States of America and the European Union - which have always had a major constructive role in fostering a just and stable balance in the region - need to move forward with the discussion of the status of Kosovo. The solution of the status issue is an indispensable factor for short-term development, as well as for the long-term prospects of Kosovo in the European family. The Albanian Government thinks that the process of discussion and definition of the status of Kosovo has to take into consideration some basic elements which will undoubtedly produce a long-term solution that would have a positive impact on stability, peace and security in the region.

    2005-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5130 (2005) · source

  14. We see this as a necessary process that will help the economic, social and cultural development of all communities, strengthen local initiative and bring all the communities closer to the decision-making process. The standards implementation review requires preparation and commitment by the international community with respect to opening the discussion on the status of Kosovo. As we approach mid-2005, "standards with status" might be the most realistic approach. That would generate a positive impact on the internal developments in Kosovo, as well as on stability, peace and security in the region.

    2005-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5130 (2005) · source

  15. We think that this process should take into account the following three important aspects: respect for the parameters set out in the principles of the Council of Europe on this matter; broad, but gradual, implementation; and the avoidance of cantonization, which would impede the normal functioning of a multi- ethnic society in Kosovo. The Albanian Government holds the View that decentralization should be in parallel with the shaping and strengthening of the central government structures and that the autonomy of local authorities should not avoid or harm the vertical line of power and, what is more, should not encroach upon the territory of Kosovo.

    2005-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5130 (2005) · source

  16. The establishment of the rule of law, an independent judiciary, public administration and respect for private property are indispensable in this respect. Meeting the standards requires that more competences and responsibilities be transferred to local authorities and that privatization be accelerated. That process would have a positive impact on economic development and on the climate for foreign investment in Kosovo. Decentralization remains a key process for the establishment of a democratic society in Kosovo.

    2005-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5130 (2005) · source

  17. The non-participation approach, the boycott of the political elections, disengagement in the Assembly and the provisional government, and outside influences in the activities and decision-making of the minority communities not only impede progress in standards implementation but also calls into question the establishment of multi-ethnic institutions and society. The Serb minority is a part of Kosovo society and, as such, has equal rights and obligations. There is no excuse for a lack of willingness to engage and participate in political life, decision-making and even the process designed to address their special needs. The parallel structures should immediately be dismantled in order not to keep that minority a hostage of the past. Good governance is a priority objective for the governing institutions of Kosovo.

    2005-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5130 (2005) · source

  18. We have encouraged the Government of Kosovo to pay closer attention and to work harder in this area; to exert further efforts to revitalize the return process; to expand the inter-community dialogue; and to respect the rights of minorities, including their cultural and religious heritage. We are pleased to note that the Secretary-General states in paragraph 6 his report that "the Government has made the enhancement of minority rights a priority in its programme". Meeting those objectives not only demands the vision, disposition and commitment of the Kosovo leadership; it also requires the will, engagement and efforts of the Serb community to become part of and a contributor to the new democratic and multi-ethnic society in Kosovo.

    2005-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5130 (2005) · source

  19. The implementation of the standards is a complex and long- term process that needs time, capacity and the cooperation of all political factors in Kosovo with the international community. The commitment of all parties and their shouldering of responsibilities in this process will make possible the fulfilment of the required standards. It is important to highlight that an effective, multi-ethnic, stable and democratic society in Kosovo requires, first of all, adherence to prior commitments and focus on the minority issues, good governance and decentralization. The issue of minorities, as a basic element of a multi-ethnic society, demands the engagement of governmental institutions at all levels and civil society in Kosovo.

    2005-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5130 (2005) · source

  20. Also, as noted in paragraph 4, "the new Government has undertaken serious efforts to accelerate the implementation of the standards". We know that much more remains to be done, but those are tangible accomplishments for UNMIK and the new government headed by Mr. Haradinaj, who, as the report notes in paragraph 2 of annex I, has demonstrated an "outstanding personal commitment to standards, and to accelerating standards delivery". These accomplishments show movement along the right track, good will and the necessary commitment. They form a solid and optimistic basis for further overall progress on the implementation of the standards during the upcoming months.

    2005-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5130 (2005) · source

  21. We would also like to acknowledge here the important contribution of UNMIK and of the Kosovo Force (KFOR), both of which have definitely played a role in bringing about a much better situation in Kosovo today. The year 2005 is an important one for Kosovo. In a few months the standards implementation review will take place. Albania shares the Secretary-General's assessment that the recent period, since his last report, has marked significant progress. As the report notes in paragraph 2, "encouraging and tangible progress" has been found in the "commitment of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government to the implementation of the standards. Overall performance has improved", and "work on standards has intensified".

    2005-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5130 (2005) · source

  22. Allow me at the outset to express my delegation's appreciation to the Secretary- General for his report on the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) (S/2005/88). Let me also welcome the presence at this meeting of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Saren Jessen-Petersen, and thank him for his excellent briefing on the situation in Kosovo. On behalf of my Government, I would like to commend Mr. Jessen-Petersen for his tireless and professional work as head of the Mission, for his effective cooperation with the Kosovo Institutions and with all other stakeholders, and for his active diplomacy in the region. Once again, I would like to assure him of Albania's full support.

    2005-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5130 (2005) · source

  23. Last but not least, our delegation commends the excellent statement made today by the British representative, Sir Emyr Jones Parry, which not only reflected a good understanding of the situation on the ground but also wisely and realistically put forward some of the duties and responsibilities that should be undertaken by all the players in the region; indeed, a simple emotional response will hardly suffice.

    2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source

  24. We support the development and the implementation of an economic plan, with the engagement of the international institutions and the Provisional Institutions of Kosovo. The final status of Kosovo is part of a broad and multidimensional process that has already started and involves a number of players. Each of them has its own place and is offering its own contribution. In these circumstances, we believe that the decision on the final status of Kosovo, to be taken by the Security Council, has to take into account the will of the Kosovar people. We are of the opinion that a decision on the future status of Kosovo should go beyond regional round tables and should be decided in a measured and determined way by the international community, thereby fostering peace and stability in the region.

    2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source

  25. What we expect from Kosovo is a free, multi- ethnic and democratic society, with full respect for minorities and human rights, the return of displaced persons and their integration into society, and the strengthening of the rule of law, which will surely be a real contribution towards the stability and security of the region. In order to achieve that benchmark, it is crucial that the necessary space be created for dialogue and understanding and for the elaboration of cooperation policies which should be developed independently, away from the political debate on the future status of Kosovo. The economic development of Kosovo is strongly and directly related to its future. We welcome the affirmation of that crucial factor in Ambassador Eide's report and fully support the evaluation of the current situation in Kosovo.

    2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source

  26. In that regard, we consider of great importance the revitalization of that welcome dialogue, in the strong belief that this will increase inter-ethnic relations and cooperation. The revitalization of that important bridge of communication will positively affect the political dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. This coming year will be of great importance for Kosovo, especially with regard to the speed with which it will approach its European future. That process, which we believe will be affected by the expected realization of the standards achieved, requires the serious and full engagement of the democratic institutions and civil society of Kosovo and of all the other actors who are seriously interested and involved in the quest to achieve a peaceful and stable region.

    2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source

  27. Nevertheless, the existing legislation in Kosovo does guarantee a number of seats for minority representatives, leaving the door open for the Kosovo Serb representatives and enabling them to directly exercise their right to protect their own community interests, as the representatives of other minority groups are already doing. The new institutions formed after the elections will face challenges in the next four years, and we believe that their priority attention will be effectively focused on the realization of the required standards for Kosovo. We commend the establishment of a dialogue among the different communities in the pre-election period. Unfortunately, that dialogue did not continue during or after the election, because of the pressure exercised by outside political factors.

    2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source

  28. After the disheartening events of March 2004 in Kosovo, this was the first time that the local authorities were directly engaged and had the responsibility of organizing the elections, whose outcome revealed once again the leadership capabilities of local government in Kosovo. That significant accomplishment is an important step towards building a free, multi-ethnic and democratic society in Kosovo. We regret the fact that the Serbian community did not participate in the elections, as we had wished and expected, due to the negative influence of some nationalist and religious circles still influential in Belgrade.

    2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source

  29. Saren Jessen-Petersen in the position of Special Representative of the Secretary-General and takes this opportunity to thank him for the effective and high- quality work he has accomplished since the very beginning and for the great effort he has made to move forward the implementation of resolution 1244 (1999). The elections held in Kosovo this past October have rightly been assessed as an important moment with a positive impact on developments in the near future. The parliamentary elections of 23 October were free and fair and held in accordance with the criteria of a democratic system. That election demonstrated once again the political willingness and proper engagement of the Kosovar Albanians in the process of achieving a democratic and stable Kosovo.

    2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source

  30. At the outset, allow me to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council and on the excellent work that your delegation has done this month. Our delegation commends the report of the Secretary-General and believes that the recommendations of the Secretariat and of the Security Council will find the necessary support and will guide future activities in Kosovo. We commend the Secretary-General for his foresight as concerns the proposed measures relating to priority of action in the framework of the standards policy for Kosovo and for his inclusive approach to the evaluation of Ambassador Eide's report. Albania welcomes the impressive start made by Mr.

    2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source

  31. It will help bring the citizens of all communities closer together in the decision-making process, further local development and create greater space for local initiatives. It is important that all the political and institutional factors in Kosovo and the representatives of the Serb and other communities cooperate to achieve understanding, reach common solutions for the successful reform of the self-government process, and to go even further. In conclusion, let me extend our best wishes to the newly appointed Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Soren Jessen-Petersen, wish him every success in his important mission and assure him of our Government's support.

    2004-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5017 (2004) · source

  32. We commend the current progress made by the Government of Kosovo in collaborating with UNMIK, the EU, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). We also commend the effort to reform and strengthen local government in Kosovo as an important element in reducing ethnic tensions in the long run. We believe that greater autonomy for local government- an autonomy that does not distort the vertical line of power and that does not harm the central Government of the territory of Kosovo - is an important element of the "standards before status" policy and will strengthen and improve the economic, social and cultural situation.

    2004-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5017 (2004) · source

  33. Albania supports this dialogue between the two countries on both the political and the technical levels. In this course of action, it is also important that the internal dialogue between the two communities in Kosovo be expanded. For its part, Albania is committed to furthering the dialogue with Serbia and Montenegro on areas of mutual interest and in the framework of Balkan and European integration. This will serve to strengthen relations between the two countries and to create a better and more constructive climate between Albanians and Serbs in the region, in the interest of stability and regional integration.

    2004-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5017 (2004) · source

  34. We think that a useful step towards stability would be for the international community, while undertaking a discussion of standards, to take into consideration the final status of Kosovo, in the belief that the implementation of a "status with standards" policy will concretely advance the political process in Kosovo and further normalize the situation in the region. We believe in a European future for Kosovo as the most appropriate and realistic solution. Implementation of this idea could be achieved through the expansion of the economic presence of the European Union (EU) in Kosovo, and with Kosovo's inclusion in the EU integration processes. One of the primary conditions of the standards policy is revitalization of the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade.

    2004-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5017 (2004) · source

  35. They should not be instrumental in nationalist and divisive scenarios. Kosovo needs its minorities to participate in the construction of the country; it needs them to participate in governing the country; and it needs them to create, together, the future while forgetting the past. Albania reconfirms its support for the implementation of the "standards before status" policy. The achievement of the standards selected by the international community is essential for the new Kosovo society; their objectives are necessary conditions for defining final status.

    2004-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5017 (2004) · source

  36. We commend the positive fact that the Government of Kosovo has taken the appropriate measures for the reconstruction of destroyed buildings and the return of displaced people. We also particularly commend the proposal for the creation of a ministry for communities and integration. All these initiatives stem not only from the commitment of the representatives and institutions of Kosovo to accomplishing the standards set forth by the international community, but also from their growing maturity and responsibility regarding the dynamic realities in Kosovo and throughout the region. It is important that the climate of understanding and the process of integration being created continue. Members of minorities must participate in the parliamentary elections and not boycott them.

    2004-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5017 (2004) · source

  37. Albania is grateful for the role of UNMIK and for the role and the commitment of the military forces of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), including the United States, and those of the other nations of the KFOR contingent in the region, and emphasizes the need for their continued presence in Kosovo. Albania also appreciates the establishment of the "Contact Group Plus" for Kosovo as an important step towards fulfilling the Kosovo Standards Implementation Plan. In turn, the political factions and people of Kosovo should understand that in the future Kosovo will be a free, democratic and multi-ethnic society and a country in which minority rights are protected by law. Kosovo belongs to all the people of Kosovo. They are all an integral part in the new society and are equal in their rights and obligations.

    2004-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5017 (2004) · source

  38. First, there is a need for the rapid implementation of the "standards before status" policy, focusing on the attainment of a democratic, multi-ethnic and multicultural society in which the rule of law and tolerance prevail. This can be achieved when the legitimate organs of the democratic institutions in Kosovo possess complete responsibility for building up their society. For that to happen, competences of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) must be transferred to Kosovo's executive institutions and UNMIK's role must be restructured, from that of a decision-making body to that of an advisory and monitoring body. Secondly, the international institutions must maintain a continued presence as a guarantee of stability and peace in the region.

    2004-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5017 (2004) · source

  39. At the outset, Sir, allow me to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council and to wish you every success. Our delegation welcomes the report of the Secretary-General (S/2004/613) and today's comprehensive briefing by Assistant Secretary-General Annabi. We believe that the recommendations of the Secretariat and of the Security Council on the improvement of the situation will serve to overcome the impasse concerning the destabilized situation brought about by the events of March 2004. Reflection on these events highlights the need for fundamental changes and a realistic evaluation of the situation by the international community.

    2004-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5017 (2004) · source

  40. Kosovo needs the political will of all interested parties; it needs them to understand and evaluate the irreversible realities and to contribute positively to finding a democratic solution that is acceptable to all and in the interest of peace and stability in the region.

    2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source

  41. This process of building a multi- ethnic society cannot be held back by new proposals based on old ideas of division and cantonization, provided with legal cover and introduced as a democratic process aimed at decentralizing power. What we should offer to Kosovo is freedom, not isolation; peaceful coexistence, not division along ethnic lines. We should offer Kosovo the opportunity to become, as quickly as possible, part of the European family and a place where aspirations and opportunities are shared equally by all. Kosovo is not an experiment that can take shape according to the tenor of the old nationalistic rhetoric of the Balkans.

    2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source

  42. This is an important time - a time when Kosovo's democratic Provisional Institutions should take a leading role and collaborate closely with UNMIK and KFOR to implement the standards. It is important that Kosovo's Institutions be open and that they assist in the process of returning displaced persons, strengthen the rule of law, create an impartial justice system and work to establish the right conditions and environment for all people in Kosovo to work together towards their common future. For a relatively long period of time, this body and the international community have promoted the creation of a multi-ethnic society as the only solid foundation for a democratic culture in Kosovo. We acted to give life to that idea when hate and division were at their most extreme, yet we still achieved considerable success.

    2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source

  43. The Albanian Government has followed attentively the latest developments in Kosovo and has condemned the violence exercised by extremist elements to destabilize the situation. The perpetrators of violence have jeopardized the democratic process and the future of Kosovo. For these actions they should be brought to justice. The citizens of Kosovo should realize that their free and democratic future will be achieved only when a multi-ethnic society is functioning, when the rights and freedoms of minorities are protected by law and when civil society and democratic institutions, through heightened conscience and mature action, will help the existing reality become more effective. Dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade on technical issues of mutual interest should restart as soon as possible.

    2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source

  44. The realistic evaluation of the situation in Kosovo gives incentive to the need to transfer more social and economic powers from UNMIK to the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government. It also demonstrates the necessity for a faster privatization process and for strengthening the rule of law by sharing responsibility with local authorities. It is the right time, and it would be very useful as well, to find the solution to the problem of parallel structures so that they will no longer continue to challenge the vision and the ideas of UNMIK regarding the country's future. The Government of Albania reaffirms its appreciation for the work of UNMIK and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Holkeri, and reiterates its continuing support for their mission in Kosovo.

    2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source

  45. UNMIK should face the problems created by the events of March 2004 with realism, not only by condemning the perpetrators of the violent acts, but also by identifying the responsibilities of all the parties involved and programming in advance all the tasks and obligations that must be carried out by all the institutions in Kosovo. We welcome and encourage UNMIK to continue vigorously implementation of resolution 1244 (1999) and the decisions of the international community, regardless of nationalistic pressures and interference and destabilizing actions carried out by extremist groups. The determination to go ahead with the plan of action and to achieve the goals of the standards will lay the groundwork for full discussion of the final status of Kosovo.

    2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source

  46. At the outset, allow me to congratulate you, Sir, on your presidency of the Security Council and to wish you every success. The Albanian delegation welcomes the presence of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Harri Holkeri, at this Security Council meeting and commends the work and great efforts of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and KFOR in achieving their important goal of a free, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo. The negative events of March 2004 in Kosovo should not deny or dispute the progress and overall success already achieved there, such as the creation of an open and free society, the building of democratic institutions and the new prospect for the people of Kosovo to integrate themselves into the European family.

    2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source

  47. Holkeri, and its full support for the policy and process of standards in Kosovo. We share the optimism that this process will successfully move ahead and open the way to the indispensable solution of its final status.

    2004-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4942 (2004) · source

  48. We think that transferring greater power to the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government of Kosovo will raise their sense of obligation and responsibility for the better functioning of the rule of law, the fight against organized crime and the protection of human rights and minorities. Albania is concerned by the increasing existence of parallel structures in Kosovo, which impede the establishment of a multi-ethnic society and challenge the work of UNMIK. The March events in Kosovo, of course, are both condemnable and intolerable, but they should be misused neither as a rationale for such parallel structures, or for nationalistic policies, nor as a way of solving internal political problems. Let me stress, as my final remark, my Government's strong confidence in UNMIK and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr.

    2004-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4942 (2004) · source

  49. The accomplishment of the Security Council's objectives for Kosovo and the process ahead demand serious efforts by all the relevant actors, including the international structures there. They all - Kosovars and their Provisional Institutions first and foremost - should cautiously and courageously draw the right lessons from the recent sad events. They should all redouble their efforts for the implementation of the standards, revitalize dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, and adjust their approaches and strategies to have a more practical impact on the daily lives of all citizens in order to help achieve a clearer perspective and to speed up the fulfilment of the standards. These accomplishments also require the strengthening of institutional cooperation.

    2004-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4942 (2004) · source

  50. The Albanian Government believes that the people of Kosovo and their institutions will increase their respectability by helping to bring to justice the perpetrators of the violent events. We are confident that Kosovo will continue to cooperate closely with the international community, UNMIK in particular, for the implementation of the political process as defined in the Kosovo Standards Implementation Plan. Continuation of this process for meeting the standards requires the support and contributions of all communities to help restore confidence and establish a constructive dialogue. A multi-ethnic society in Kosovo can be the product only of a sincere and broad commitment of the entire spectrum of Kosovar society, including minorities.

    2004-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4942 (2004) · source