YouSaid · the spoken record

Riicker

lines on the record: 42
first: 2006-09-13
most recent: 2017-01-10
sittings or episodes: 3
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

“On the ground, Germany is also actively engaged in crisis prevention and peacekeeping. For instance, our stabilization and peacekeeping efforts in the context of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali support the political trajectory that will eventually define a sustainable settlement in Mali. We also encourage others to invest more in stabilization projects so that legitimate authorities in precarious situations may be able to sustain peace in their countries. In conclusion, let me reaffirm Germany's strong commitment to and support for the United Nations. Germany looks forward to working closely with the new Secretary-General and the Security Council to advance conflict prevention and sustain peace.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“In particular, the Security Council should interact more closely with the Peacebuilding Commission. Thirdly, and lastly, we need to move from early warning to early action. While it is important to have the analysis and the structures right, none of this can bear fruit if we are not ready to invest in preventive tools. Germany is therefore committed to further strengthening the crisis-prevention capabilities and overall efforts of the United Nations. In addition to being one of the largest contributors to the budget of the Organization, we also tripled our contribution in the field of prevention in 2016. For instance, we contributed more than $4 million to the United Nations Mediation Support Team and more than $20 million to the Peacebuilding Fund, and we have also increased our contributions to UN-Women.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“The Security Council should also prioritize prevention at every stage of conflict, focusing on reconciliation efforts, mediation, security-sector reform and good governance. For example, it could resume regular horizon-scanning sessions to discuss, prepare for and respond to emerging crisis situations. The Security Council should also continue its discussions on regional and thematic issues that can have a serious impact on peace and security, such as climate change and migration. Furthermore, the Security Council could capitalize more efficiently on work done in the United Nations system, for instance by the special procedures of the Human Rights Council, as a wealth of information is there, or through the work of the United Nations on sustainable development.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“We are currently developing new national guidelines on crisis prevention, conflict management and peacebuilding with the help of international organizations, all branches of Government, academia and civil society. With a View to the United Nations, we strongly support Secretary-General Guterres's resolve to make the Organization more effective and more efficient. We hope that these and further changes will enable the United Nations to keep conflict prevention and peace as a top priority. We would also like to see the development of an integrated policy-planning capacity, stronger analytical capabilities and enhanced situational awareness at Headquarters as well as in the field. We hope for active engagement in scenario development and mediation throughout the entire United Nations system.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“The concept of a closely linked security, human rights and development agenda is also reiterated in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and reflected throughout Germany's chairmanship of the Group of 20 (G-20) in 2017. In February, the G-20 Foreign Ministers will therefore be discussing sustaining peace and possible contributions thereto. Sustaining peace should be our guide for the next decade. Secondly, we need sound early warning and analysis. We need a factual and common understanding of the current crisis situations, their root causes and drivers. On the national level, Germany has invested heavily in conflict prevention and stabilization. We have reformed our internal structures to align with the realities of the twenty-first century, sharpened our analytical tools and refined our stabilization approach in crisis situations.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“In 2016, the General Assembly and the Security Council adopted landmark resolutions (resolution 2282 (2016) and General Assembly 70/262, respectively) that acknowledged that sustaining peace should be the goal of all national and international prevention policies, in order to end violence, guarantee sustainable development and allow for the protection of human rights. Sustaining peace necessitates a comprehensive approach and is a shared task and responsibility involving all the relevant stakeholders. That includes new partnerships, inter alia, with regional organizations - as has been mentioned - as well as with civil society. And it entails an inclusive approach in which all members of society, especially women, have a role to play. In that regard, resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, should guide our activities.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“Germany aligns itself with the statement to be made on behalf of the European Union later today. I thank Sweden for having initiated this timely and crucial debate, and I warmly welcome Secretary- General Guterres, wish him success and thank him for his resolve to put conflict prevention and peace first. With regard to the United Nations and the Security Council's role in conflict prevention and sustaining peace, I would like to make three points. First, sustaining peace is key.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“Also, with regard to the telecommunication issue, it is very clear that those providers that Sanda Raskovic- Ivic has mentioned have no license in Kosovo and have not paid any taxes there. However, they are encouraged to participate in the current tender for a second license for mobile telephoning in Kosovo. 06-6573] All in all, I think confidence-building and dialogue are key. I urge the Kosovo Serbs and the minorities in general to take the hand being extended by the PISG and their representatives. We will work hard with this Council and under the direction of the Secretary-General to come to a good conclusion of the still-open question of Kosovo. 06-6573]”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“In that connection, I was very grateful that so many speakers stressed the need for Kosovo Serbs to actually take those steps. Only by participating in the Institutions will they be able to influence developments in Kosovo properly. It is very important that this takes place, and I would again appeal to Belgrade to make it happen. I think freedom of movement is not an impeding factor for that. Outvoting should also not be a decisive criterion. We urge Kosovo Serbs to come to the Institutions and to engage and to recognize the Institutions. The situation would be better in many respects if that were really to happen. For example, it is very good that we now have movement toward payment to KEK for electricity, which represents considerable progress.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“With regard to the question of returns, there also we depend on status, because there is uncertainty and we know that many potential returnees are waiting for a decision on status. Other issues have also been mentioned, such as decentralization and protection of cultural heritage. People are aware that Martti Ahtisaari has been negotiating with the parties on how those problems should be addressed and how there could be good tangible solutions to them. With regard to the pilot municipalities for decentralization, for example, people are now waiting for the issuance of a status proposal by the Special Envoy. Other progress in standards implementation clearly depends upon the participation of Kosovo Serbs in the Institutions, as well as upon their recognition of the Institutions.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“With regard to the presentation made by my Serbian colleague, I do not want to go into detail about what was said about UNMIK going beyond its mandate. However, perhaps I could address just one point. UNMIK is certainly not seeking a State for Albanians in Kosovo; and certainly UNMIK is working for a democratic and, in any fashion, a multi-ethnic Kosovo. Statements dwelled on some of the issues in standards implementation where further progress is needed. I fully agree that there needs to be further progress in a number of areas. But that progress depends in part upon status - for example, in the 26 economy. How can an emerging economy like Kosovo's develop without access to international lending or to borrowing, which is not possible until there is a resolution of the status issue?”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“In addition, it is our mandate to facilitate the transition period: we do indeed have a role with regard to the transition period, and we want to bring that process to an orderly conclusion. Many representatives mentioned incidents of violence in Kosovo. Let me assure the Council that we not only condemn violence wherever and in whatever form it occurs in Kosovo, but we and our Institutions see to it that the perpetrators are brought to justice. With regard to the figures mentioned in Ms. Raskovic-Ivic statement, they do not match our close monitoring of the situation. We would be happy to share the real figures on those incidents with Belgrade and with the Council. However, as I have said, every incident is one incident too many, and we do bring perpetrators to justice. I would be happy to go into detail as necessary.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“Mr. Riicker: I am very grateful for the understanding we have experienced in this round of discussions on developments in Kosovo, as well as for the recognition regarding the progress that has been made in standards implementation, which I think is to the credit not only of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) but, in particular, the Provisional Institutions of Self- Government. With regard to the status process, I do not comment on the very substance of the status process. But it is, in my view, our mandate to point out to the Council the objective costs that are associated with the continued lack of clarity on status. I hope that was clear from my statement.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“Those tasks, as well as the implementation of the status settlement, will place substantial strains on the local authorities. The international community must support them in this endeavour. It is also important that the future International Civilian Office, now being prepared by the European Union and the United States, will be fully operational when status comes. Let me reiterate once again: delay would not make a solution easier; it would make it much more difficult. The United Nations has accomplished much in Kosovo. We now owe it to Kosovo and to you, the members of the Security Council, to make sure that this final phase of United Nations administration is wrapped up in an orderly and responsible manner. I trust that the Council will help in that endeavour by keeping the momentum in the status process and by seeing it through.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“The adoption of a new constitution will naturally be followed by elections. The entire body of legislation promulgated by UNMIK will have to be reviewed and necessary amendments made so that, for example, references to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and UNMIK are replaced. The future authorities will have to take over all executive functions for which UNMIK still has operational responsibility. New institutions, which may include new ministries, will also have to be created to perform new responsibilities. A wide variety of other tasks will need to be carried out after the end of UNMIK's mandate, such as the handover of our archives to the future authorities and the production and issuance of new travel documents and identification cards to replace the current UNMIK documents.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“Once a status decision is made, UNMIK will need to provide for an orderly and smooth handover to future local and international institutions established under the status settlement. Early and prudent planning is indispensable in order to achieve that, and transition planning has now become one of our key priorities. We need to do as much as possible, without prejudice to the status process, before the formal transition period begins with the adoption of a resolution by the Council. The transfer of responsibilities from UNMIK to the future local and international authorities will be a highly complex task. Let me mention just some of the elements required. Kosovo will need a new constitutional arrangement to replace the constitutional framework, which relies on UNMIK.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“It is crucial that all stakeholders in Kosovo remain committed to the 3 process and continue to support the work of Special Envoy Ahtisaari. The Contact Group has unambiguously stated that once the status process has begun, it cannot be blocked. Resolving Kosovo's status would benefit the entire Balkan region, including Belgrade. On the other hand, further delay would entail significant political and economic costs for Kosovo, for our neighbours, for the region as a whole and for the international community. Delay would be more than just a loss of time. Delay would raise tensions and play into the hands of extremists on all sides. And delay would not make a solution easier; it would make it much more difficult. No one can have an interest in such an outcome.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“Overall, much has been achieved this year on standards. But that does not mean that everything has been fulfilled. Continuous efforts are needed, as indicated by the challenges noted in the technical assessment of standards implementation that is before members. Progress on many of the standards also depends on clarity regarding status. We all know that progress in key areas such as returns is limited by the lingering uncertainty about Kosovo's future. While the status process has clearly been brought a long way forward this year, momentum needs to be kept up and a timely status settlement achieved. The constructive engagement and unity of the Kosovo negotiating team - which includes opposition leaders - have contributed substantially to the progress made in the process so far.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“The Kosovo electricity company (KEK), the energy provider in Kosovo, has inherited an infrastructure in a state of disrepair, and it does not have enough funds for repair and investment unless consumers pay for the electricity they use. We have recently had some success in improving the payment culture, but some consumers - including nearly all Kosovo Serbs - still do not pay and have significant debts. However, recent talks have been somewhat encouraging. We are now looking forward to a result where Kosovo Serbs are finally recognizing and paying KEK, which will enable it to upgrade the system for the benefit of all, starting this winter. In that context, it is also very important that Kosovo can effectively import additional amounts of electricity, if and when needed, through the Serbian transmission system.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“Also, the Kosovo Police Service has made a concerted effort to improve overall security for minorities, as witnessed by the opening of police substations in minority areas and by active involvement by minority police officers in policing those areas. Moreover, the crime statistics in all reporting categories show that there is no disproportion regarding ethnicity with regard to crime. That said, we cannot be complacent about where we are. We continue to put a high priority on all incidents in which police suspect ethnic or political motives. UNMIK has also been working intensively to address another important concern: the supply of electricity. The difficulties can be traced back to one core problem.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“The Serbian Government has still not withdrawn its directive to Kosovo Serbs to withdraw from the payroll of the Institutions of Self-Government, despite numerous calls to do so by the international community. I appeal to the representative of the Serbian Government to withdraw that directive. One of the most frequently cited complaints of Belgrade and Kosovo Serbs is inadequate security to allow greater participation in political and social life in Kosovo. However, police statistics actually show a sharp drop in incidents that might be ethnically motivated, and we monitor them very carefully. While 06-6573] there have been serious incidents that attract wide public attention, this overall improvement in the situation merits greater recognition.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“Nonetheless, the criteria on which the Institutions of Self- Government should be judged are their actions to create the conditions for returns. Another example: in Babus, another village, the keys to 83 reconstructed houses will be ready to be handed over on 20 December. However, the non- governmental organization implementing the project has raised serious concerns with UNMIK that most of the beneficiaries may not actually return. In short, good efforts will have limited impact if more is not done - particularly by Belgrade - to encourage returns when the conditions for them have been created. The continuing calls by Belgrade for Kosovo Serbs to boycott Kosovo institutions have undermined work done by both UNMIK and the Institutions of Self-Government to reach out to minority communities and to end their often self-imposed isolation.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“The Kosovo Government has also undertaken steps to ensure freedom of movement by agreeing to take over the responsibility from UNMIK to operate the freedom of movement bus and train system. One noteworthy area of progress has been the effort to create the conditions for returns of internally displaced persons (IDPs). This week, the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC) will complete a six-month project in the village of Svinjare, near Mitrovica, to repair damage to homes and improve local infrastructure. That has been one of the largest and most high-profile projects undertaken by the KPC, and its successful completion demonstrates the KPC's ability and willingness to serve all the people of Kosovo. Despite the success of the project, the Kosovo Serb IDPs have still not returned to Svinjare. I appeal to Belgrade to encourage them to do so.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“The Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Ceku, has continued to demonstrate effective leadership on standards implementation, strengthening central and local government institutions and transitioning governance-building and reform to the longer-term platform of European integration through the European Partnership for Kosovo. The Assembly has passed and I have promulgated key legislation prioritized by the Contact Group, including a law firmly establishing the equal official status of the Albanian and Serbian language throughout Kosovo and laws on religious freedom and cultural heritage, 06-6573] containing provisions of particular importance to the Serbian Orthodox Church.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“Keeping momentum in the status process will thereafter be a key factor in heading off a feeling of uncertainty regarding the way ahead, which would be a potential source of instability. At the same time, important work on standards continues as a top priority of both the Kosovo Government and of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). We sometimes have the impression from our international interlocutors that, with all the focus on the status process, the implementation of standards has been forgotten or pushed aside. That is not at all the case. Standards remain at the core of our daily work, with particular concentration on the 13 priority areas set by the Contact Group earlier this year, most of which have been fulfilled by the Kosovo Provisional Institutions.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“Mr. Riicker: First of all, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, and the other members of the Council for your invitation here today to brief the Council on where we stand in Kosovo. I would also like to welcome the Council's invitation to Prime Minister Ceku to be present here today at this important discussion on Kosovo's future. Status continues to dominate the agenda of everyone concerned with Kosovo. Of course, after more than seven years of international administration and of local capacity-building and after Kai Eide's finding that the status quo is not tenable, the timelines attached to the process are of particular importance. Anxiety has clearly risen, following the decision to delay the proposal on status until after the Serbian elections on 21 January.”
2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source
“But we must get it right, and I am absolutely convinced that together we can get it right if the current momentum in the status process is kept up. 06-51929 Momentum is key. Let me conclude by thanking you, Mr. President, and the other members of the Council for your continued support in this very crucial phase of our mission.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“Yes, there will be tensions and difficulties in the months ahead, and we can expect emotions occasionally to spill over when something so vital to people's interests is being determined. But I believe that the tensions and difficulties arising from any delay in this process would be even greater. Delay will not bring reconciliation. Delay will not lead to economic recovery. Delay will only prolong the tensions existing in Kosovo society, which will feed frustration and make the new start, when it does come, even harder to get right. I look forward to serving as Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Kosovo at a historic time. I expect to be the last person to perform that function. In any case, I am well aware that the task is not easy.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“We plan to include other interested parties in the discussions at various levels, including the Provisional Institutions of Self- Government, which also need to prepare for the time of transition which lies ahead. The devolution of UNMIK's powers and activities will in itself be a major exercise, and we are planning for that too. We need to do this even though we have no timetable for the end of UNMIK's mandate under resolution 1244 (1999), in order to be ready to move forward quickly and efficiently when the time comes. As I said earlier, UNMIK will discharge its responsibilities as long as it has them. But I would like to reiterate that, for the sake of the people of Kosovo and their future, the current period of uncertainty needs to be brought to an end as soon as possible.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“We have continued to follow the thinking of the Contact Group on the likely shape and powers of the international presence which will follow us, and we have maintained a dialogue with international partners on the transition from UNMIK to that future presence. There is now in Pristina a European Union planning team looking at future involvement in the police and justice sectors, and a separate team advising Brussels on the composition of the future international civilian office. We have regular contacts and discussions with both those teams, and we also have a Steering Group which brings together international actors with an interest or role in the transition process.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“Given the shrinking public sector and diminishing donor input, such a performance is due to an expansion of the private sector. Moreover, privatization has continued at an accelerated pace. Overall, Kosovo's economic growth will depend on investment-led development of key economic sectors, and clarification of Kosovo's status would remove certain complications that currently affect long-term investment decisions. We in UNMIK are well aware that we retain our mandate under resolution 1244 (1999) for as long as the Council decides. At the same time, against the background of the status process, we have to start planning for the end of the mandate.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“We noted in June the need to build a justice system that can command the faith of the population and business, whatever community they come from. Efforts to reappoint all judges and prosecutors on the basis of a reassessment of their credentials should contribute to an improvement and should begin soon. But building an efficient and impartial justice system for Kosovo is a task that will take some time. As for the economy, the legal and institutional framework for a functioning market economy is largely in place. However, increased private sector development is necessary to extricate Kosovo's economy out of a vicious circle of low growth, unemployment and a large trade imbalance. There are encouraging signs in that respect. Annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth for Kosovo has been projected at some 3 per cent.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“They have been barred for over two and a half years from participating actively in the work of the Kosovo Assembly or the Government. But isolation is not the answer to their problems; integration is. The security situation has remained stable, although I would not deny that there continue to be risks - for example, incidents such as the ones I mentioned, which might themselves be relatively insignificant but which might escalate. In such an environment, security policy is always a priority. I am glad to acknowledge the continuing good cooperation between the leadership of UNMIK and KFOR. I spoke earlier about the implementation of standards and the PISG's growing commitment to serving the public. Two areas that need particular attention are justice and the economy.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“I am ready to work with Belgrade to build a Kosovo where neighbours with such a troubled past can finally find a common future. The PISG has continued its outreach campaign, and Government ministers continue to seek out non- Albanian audiences and to reassure them. But that campaign has not always been successful in gaining trust. For example, Serbs in the enclave of Velika Hoea recently refused to meet the Prime Minister. Certainly, the Kosovo Government has a responsibility to gain the trust of all of its citizens But if there is no wish even for dialogue from its interlocutors, then its power to succeed is somewhat limited. 3 Yes, the Kosovo Serbs are in a difficult situation. They fear for their future and they do not know whom they can trust.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“In that context, I strongly support the initiative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) High Commissioner on National Minorities, Ambassador Rolf Ekeus, who intends to launch, in October, a systematic, structured approach to promote reconciliation. Belgrade retains a powerful influence over the attitudes of the Kosovo Serbs. I would wish to get a clear signal from the Belgrade authorities to the Kosovo Serbs that their future is in Kosovo if they wish it, that they have no reason to leave and that they should find ways to cooperate with the elected Kosovo authorities. A valuable part of that signal would be the withdrawal of the directive that Serbs in the public service must either leave the PISG payroll or else lose the extra salaries and other benefits paid by Belgrade.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“But frequent attempts to portray Kosovo as a place where non-Albanians, in particular the Kosovo Serbs, are under constant attack and are daily victims of ethnic crimes are completely unjustified. They do not reflect the reality on the ground. Serbs and Albanians will have to live together in Kosovo whatever the outcome of the status discussions. We all know that will not be easy. But, in fact, we see many encouraging examples in Kosovo where people are already finding practical solutions to their common problems and are laying the foundations for a multi-ethnic Kosovo. But, obviously, those are not the cases that attract attention and publicity.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“Those incidents were used by the municipalities north of the river Ibar to sever all cooperation with the Pristina authorities. That boycott continues, although the northern municipalities continue to cooperate with UNMIK. Meanwhile, UNMIK and the Kosovo Force (KFOR) have substantially expanded and enhanced their security presence north of the river Ibar. Still, incidents of Violent crime occur, such as the grenade explosion in a Serb bar in northern Mitrovica 06-51929 and the subsequent violent response against non-Serb passers-by. For several days we had to close the main bridge linking the two sides of the town, but we have now started to reopen the crossing as the situation has become more stable. Violent crimes are to be deplored wherever they occur, and prosecuted with the full force of the law.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“I thank the Contact Group for that contribution to the standards process, which has undoubtedly helped to maintain the momentum on implementation. At the same time, the Kosovo Standards Implementation Plan, drafted in 2004, was in need of revision to reflect changing realities. Last month, therefore, the Government adopted an Action Plan to implement its European partnership. That Action Plan now forms the basis of both European integration and standards work, and so unites two processes that have the common objective of achieving social and economic progress. One area of particular concern to us is the situation in northern Kosovo. In May, several highly publicized security incidents occurred that - without any evidence - were portrayed by some Kosovo Serb leaders and Serbian authorities as inter-ethnic attacks.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“The standards programme has received even greater attention since the Contact Group presented the Government, on 9 June, with a list of 13 priorities, drawn largely from the results of the 30 April UNMIK technical assessment on standards implementation. The list presented to the Government by the Contact Group identified key areas, mainly with regard to the protection of minorities and community rights - for example, new laws on cultural heritage, languages and so forth. The PISG, with help from UNMIK, have devoted much attention to meeting the targets set by the Contact Group. The priorities have by now been mostly achieved. With regard to the remaining priorities, they are on track and progress is being made.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“One idea I would like to leave the Council with today is that Kosovo needs to be rid of that uncertainty, and to move on. It is encouraging for the future of Kosovo that the status negotiations on the Pristina side have been conducted by a unity team led by President Sejdiu. Opposition leaders in that process have achieved a difficult balance between solidarity within the unity 06-51929 team and a critical domestic stance towards the performance of the Government, as is normal in democracies. Along with the status process, there is still the need to provide good government and public services to the people of Kosovo. Under the energetic leadership of Prime Minister Ceku the pace has remained at the rate reported in our last presentation, in June.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) considers it a priority to support the Special Envoy and his Office in the pursuit of their delicate and difficult task, while acknowledging that UNMIK itself does not have a role in the determination of Kosovo's final status. The general feeling in Kosovo now is that a new phase of Kosovo's history is about to begin. That makes the majority of the people hopeful - but also nervous, since the outcome is still uncertain. Although progress continues to be made, and although UNMIK and the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG) continue to work together to improve governance in Kosovo, in the background of all activity now is that uncertainty about the future.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source
“Mr. Ri'icker: I am honoured to have this opportunity to address the Security Council and grateful to you, Sir, and to the members of the Council for the invitation. I took up my new responsibilities only a few days ago, but have been Deputy Special Representative for the last year and a half, so I am not new to Kosovo. I welcome the presence here of the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Mr. Agim Ceku. Attendance by the head of the Kosovo Government has become a regular feature at these meetings, which is right and fair since we are discussing the future of the people of that territory. The status process dominates the political agenda in Kosovo at the moment and will continue to do so until Kosovo's final status is determined.”
2006-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5522 (2006) · source