YouSaid · the spoken record

Tanin

lines on the record: 865
first: 2007-01-31
most recent: 2021-10-15
sittings or episodes: 78
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

“In my view, such work is the bedrock of a sustainable agreement, without which the vicious cycles of public mistrust and the use of divisive rhetoric for short-term political gain will simply repeat themselves. The events of the past weeks, with their propensity to unravel the steady but fragile progress made in rebuilding trust among communities, are of deep concern to me and should be a warning to all members of the Security Council. I thank the members of the Council most sincerely for their attention and for their continuing support throughout all these years to myself and UNMIK.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“From our work promoting the women and peace and security and youth and peace and security agendas to supporting multilingual education, funding and cosponsoring debate on television and new-media platforms and providing legal assistance and education for access to justice, we have helped to model the people-centred approach and society-level engagement articulated in the Secretary-General’s reform programme and Our Common Agenda. That is a catalyst role, to which our Mission remains dedicated, engaging with and empowering voices for change, while applying our creativity, understanding and analysis of the real circumstances to promote long- term and sustainable benefits for all.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“I have spoken already of trust as a major preoccupation of my time and vision for our Mission, a strategy that we have forged and refined through experience. Such work is indispensable, and must continue, for the reasons that I stressed earlier. We have used the important instrument of our programmatic funds to set the tone and to seed the realization of nearly all the objectives laid out during the United Nations trust-building forum that I hosted in 2018 through the combined efforts of UNMIK, the United Nations Kosovo team and our many international partners working hand in hand with members of different communities who believe in a peaceful future together.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“I am proud that UNMIK and the United Nations Kosovo team contributed to increasing the COVID-19 testing and vaccination capacity in Kosovo and provided humanitarian assistance and equipment to the most vulnerable. They have also focused on objectively monitoring human rights protections in relation to the pandemic. With strong support from Headquarters, we successfully completed a vaccination campaign for all United Nations staff and dependents, international and local, not only in UNMIK but also in all other United Nations entities on the ground. In accordance with our mandate, the Mission continues to widely engage on the ground across multiple sectors and areas of work, anchored by an agenda dedicated to promoting and supporting trust- building among Kosovo’s diverse communities.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to present an unprecedented challenge to Kosovo and the region. Curtailing its spread and mitigating its socioeconomic consequences are another matter that behove cooperation across borders, boundaries and ethnicity. Through the donations on the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility, the United Nations has helped Kosovo’s vaccination programme, and the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the United Nations Kosovo team have been working closely with the authorities to encourage and promote the acceptance of vaccinations and preventive measures.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“Dealing maturely and responsibly with the past is a precondition for stability, which includes avoiding the instrumentalization of divisive ethno-nationalist themes for political advantage. I have had many conversations with leaders of countries of the region during the past year, including with President Vučić and Prime Minister Rama of Albania, and I want to stress that practical regional approaches have begun to evolve, utilizing the commonality of interest in increased prosperity as an engine to bring about a more stable region. Like the Berlin process, upon which it was partly modelled, the “Open Balkan” initiative promoted by President Vučić, Prime Minister Rama and Prime Minister Zaev of North Macedonia, is in my view a promising step exactly in this direction, despite differences over its details and form.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“Even more, voters clearly want public institutions to work in favour of the welfare of people, in contrast to the past. They want greater equality of economic and social opportunity, fairness, accountability and reliable recourse to the rule of law. Accordingly, Prime Minister Kurti, who on at least two occasions has shared with me the major priorities of his Government, assured me of his focus on this reform agenda, calling it his top priority. I urge the Government today publicly, as I have done privately, to focus on rebuilding the bonds of trust so long broken between all the communities in Kosovo and the political leadership. Rebuilding trust demands a sincere approach to the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue process, as well as building an encouraging atmosphere among the different communities within Kosovo.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“A facilitated agreement on paper is a vital objective but having a paper in hand does not equate to having a solution in hand. Those who could exert more influence on negotiating parties to succeed are mostly worn out by tired arguments and nationalist political sloganeering. This is true in Kosovo, it is true in Serbia, and it is true across the entire region. As Kosovo is approaching another local election in two days’ time, the focus at the central and municipal levels should now be trained upon delivering on people’s high expectations for change. Why was turnout so high in the past general election? In fact, what the people called for is more responsive and responsible government, including tangible follow-through on the reform agenda promised during the campaign period.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“From my point of view, trust continues to be the element in shortest supply: trust in good faith negotiations, trust between representatives and their constituencies, and trust in the institutions that have been established to deliver both. Observing the many cycles of the dialogue over more than six years, I maintain the strong personal conviction that if the vast majority of people from the various communities, including women and young people, do not feel themselves to be a part of, or to have a stake in, the processes of political discussion and negotiation, if there is no mobilization of society, and if they are not, at the very least, even aware of what is being discussed, then all efforts to change relations and resolve long-term tensions are destined to remain elusive.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“I raised the importance of continuity in the dialogue with both President Vučić and Prime Minister Kurti during my talks with them. This is also a daunting challenge for the EU institutions, which are charged with leading this process in a meaningful way. What I noticed and heard in my meetings with representatives of the international Powers represented in the Security Council is that, despite differences on other matters, they do clearly share an understanding that there is no reasonable alternative to sustained engagement in dialogue. It is a minimum — to help avert the retrograde potential exhibited these past weeks. Further, it is important to support all initiatives that may help to promote responsible relations among all neighbours in the Western Balkans.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“History in the region has tragically and repeatedly shown that ostensibly small incidents, the misreading of intentions and outright mistakes can trigger an unstable security escalation that puts lives at risk and benefits no one. International actors, including my team and Security Council members, welcomed the recent encounter between President Vučić and Prime Minister Kurti on 6 October during the EU-Western Balkans summit, in the presence of French President Macron and German Chancellor Merkel. Still, it would be premature and overly optimistic to say that we can see a resumption of real commitment to the dialogue, which remains the only forum in which responsible and result-oriented discussions can continue.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“I have spoken in detail about the events of 20 to 30 September and other issues with both Prime Minister Kurti and President Vučić. I have also been engaged in conversations with the diplomatic actors involved, especially those representing the United States, the Russian Federation and China, as well as the KFOR Commander and EU officials. There are several important lessons — or perhaps better, reminders — that emerge when it comes to Belgrade-Pristina relations, regional stability and the indispensability of the dialogue process. Dialogue can and should be the mechanism used to avoid the dangers that are less often visible but are just as real as they have been during these past 20 years.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“Civilians in North Mitrovica reported injuries in their homes from tear gas and percussion grenades, which were in use by police over a period of several hours. Protestors threw stones, and, according to the Kosovo police, some suspects used firearms to engage the police. As EU High Representative Borrell observed afterward, “Unilateral and uncoordinated actions that endanger stability are unacceptable ... [I]ssues must be addressed through the EU-facilitated dialogue.” Accounting for context and exercising responsible forethought are essential to avoiding unintended consequences and strategically risky escalation. The latest actions deepened the mistrust felt among the Serb population in the north and led to strong reactions in Belgrade, making a responsible recommitment to dialogue all the more imperative now.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“I also raised my voice against unilateral actions, calling for responsible leadership and for the taking of immediate steps to reduce tensions and continue the political dialogue. Then, just this past Wednesday, Kosovo police special units were once again deployed into the north, as part of what has been described as an anti-smuggling operation conducted in several locations in Kosovo. It is questionable whether KFOR was properly informed in advance of the deployment of special police units. Over the course of the day, that operation provoked further protests and clashes that resulted in a significant number of injuries among protesters, police and uninvolved civilians, including, in one case, a life-threatening wound caused by police gunfire, in circumstances still to be clarified.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“An interim solution was agreed on licence-plate validity, with discussions to continue during the following six months. What we witnessed in the north could be called a bruising episode, but it could far too easily have turned into a real haemorrhage. The volatility of the situation can also be understood by the direct personal interventions with the Pristina and Belgrade leaders by NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg and President of the European Commission von der Leyen, among others. While closely monitoring the situation, my Mission also played a tempering role on the ground, making use of our experienced presence in the north, in order to encourage calm and reduce the likelihood of an accidental or uncontrolled confrontation between special police and the public.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“International officials such as myself with long experience on the ground could hardly be surprised by the reaction to this strong-armed effort to implement a change of policy, given the history of mistrust and the sensitivity of community relations in the north. The fact that that effort was not discussed through established channels — in the first place, the EU-facilitated dialogue on freedom of movement — resulted in an avoidable yet potentially dangerous escalation of tensions lasting for 10 days. Through the good offices of European Union High Representative Borrell, supported also by United States diplomacy, an agreement was achieved to de-escalate that hazardous situation. It provided for the withdrawal of Kosovo special police units from the north and an increased KFOR presence to establish a safe and secure environment.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“Those units in one instance utilized tear gas and percussion grenades in an attempt to disperse the protesters. Over the ensuing several days, the number of both protesters and special police units increased. On 26 September, an as-yet-unexplained fire was set at the vehicle registration centre in Zubin Potok, while overnight on 25 September undetonated ordnance was discovered in another public office in the north. For its part, the Serbian army deployed a platoon-strength reaction force in the vicinity, north of the Administrative Boundary Line, and conducted several military overflights in the same area.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“Given the history of sensitive and long-standing discussions on freedom of movement conducted over years through the European Union (EU)-facilitated dialogue, it would have been natural to expect early and clear communication with those affected. However, little or no such communication was attempted by the authorities. The international community on the ground, including the Kosovo Force (KFOR), with its responsibility for maintaining a safe and secure environment, was not given prior notification. As a result, a stand-off developed as protesters in the north blockaded traffic at the northern gates along the Administrative Boundary Line. Special units of the Kosovo police force, armed with long weapons, deployed to the northern crossing points in armoured vehicles.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“Mr. Tanin: I am pleased to be here in the Council today and to brief it on essential developments in Kosovo since our last meeting, in April (see S/2021/370). Following the end of the official reporting period detailed in the Secretary-General’s report, we have experienced developments that remind us — beyond recent events in Kosovo — that a lack of political understanding and communication is a vector for the escalation of tensions, especially in fragile security environments characterized by mistrust. On the morning of 20 September, Pristina launched a police operation in northern Kosovo to enforce a new licence-plate validity regime.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“These first three words of the Charter of the United Nations remind us that the vital work of Governments in the maintenance of international peace and security can endure only if anchored in strong societal foundations. This vision of our founders inspires UNMIK's work. I wish to express my deep appreciation to the Security Council for its sustained engagement and continuous support for our Mission.”
2019-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8655 (2019) · source
“Our Mission continues to support such efforts with women leaders and international partners, including UN-Women and the European Union, through concrete projects. I would like to reiterate the Secretary-General's call for assistance for the most vulnerable communities in Kosovo through contributions to the United Nations trust fund established to support the Ashkali, Egyptian and Roma communities in Kosovo. I welcome the initial contribution to the trust fund received earlier this year. However, I would urge the making of additional contributions to enable a meaningful response to the pressing needs of the affected communities. As we approach the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations, we are reminded of the central importance of "we the peoples".”
2019-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8655 (2019) · source
“We have also launched a platform that brings together civil society organizations across Kosovo to empower people in advocacy and grass-roots monitoring of their fundamental rights. Within our trust-building framework, which remains central to our vision, the Mission has advanced support for language rights and cooperation with the Language Commissioner of Kosovo and the International Organization for Migration. We have engaged language experts from Belgrade and Pristina to prepare the first Albanian-Serbian dictionary since 1984, which is available online. Today marks 19 years since the Council adopted resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security. On this occasion, I would like to underline the importance of a gender-inclusive and responsive political process.”
2019-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8655 (2019) · source
“We are proud that UNMIK played a central role in the formation of the Kosovo police and judiciary, and we are hopeful that they intend to address any failure in their operations and to act in accordance with international norms and standards. In advancing our mandate, we continue to foster the rule of law and human rights, an essential element of which is access to justice for every individual. An UNMIK-funded legal aid centre provides free legal assistance to people from vulnerable groups. In support of court infrastructure across Kosovo, we continue to assist the investigation into the integration of the judiciary in northern Kosovo. In addition, we are assisting the local authorities in northern Kosovo to establish the first-ever shelter in the region for survivors of gender-based violence.”
2019-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8655 (2019) · source
“The status, privileges and immunities of United Nations personnel must be fully respected at all times. The Kosovo authorities should investigate the Kosovo police officers involved in the incident to ensure appropriate accountability, and steps should be taken by the institutions of Kosovo to ensure that such incidents will not be repeated. In recent days, UNMIK has engaged with the Kosovo authorities on the outcome of the investigation. I am pleased to report that the discussions have been taking place in a positive spirit. As long as the Council maintains the mandate for international presence in Kosovo, I look forward to the institutions of Kosovo and UNMIK operating with full respect for one another.”
2019-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8655 (2019) · source
“The arrest and detention of Kosovo staff members while on official duty and the institution of criminal proceedings against them were in clear violation of their immunity from arrest, detention and legal process. The use of excessive force, interference with Mission property and the continuation of criminal proceedings against staff members are in clear breach of the applicable legal framework, including resolution 1244 (1999), UNMIK regulations and international human rights law standards. The international staff members were also declared persona non grata - a concept that is not applicable, to or in respect of, a United Nations person. These actions are unacceptable and should be deplored. All ongoing criminal proceedings against the two staff members must therefore be terminated immediately.”
2019-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8655 (2019) · source
“The team found substantial evidence of the use of excessive force by the Kosovo police: Mr. Krasnoshchekov had suffered fractures in the back and side of his skull, cheekbone and upperjawbone and was assessed to have acute stress and anxiety-related depressive reactions. Mr. Dimovic suffered multiple contusions and skin excoriations on his head and thorax, in addition to hearing loss in both ears and a deviated septum. He has also been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Without the prior authorization of the United Nations, the Kosovo police drove and retained an UNMIK vehicle, and forensic examinations were conducted on an UNMIK-owned telephone and two SIM. cards.”
2019-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8655 (2019) · source
“To ascertain the facts, I established an investigation team, comprised of United Nations Secretariat staff members from outside UNMIK with extensive investigative and legal expertise. The team carried out a thorough investigation, interviewing more than 50 witnesses and examining photographic, video and documentary evidence. International partners and Kosovo institutions, including the Kosovo police, cooperated with the investigation. The investigation team has now submitted its report to me. These are the facts. The investigation team found no evidence to support the accusation of wrongdoing by the two UNMIK staff members. The team confirmed that both were on official duty when they were arrested. Their arrest and detention occurred despite their having clearly identified themselves as United Nations staff.”
2019-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8655 (2019) · source
“As the Council is aware, on 28 May two staff members of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) were arrested by the Kosovo police. The arrest took place in the course of a police operation targeting smuggling and organized crime. As I told the Council on 10 June, UNMIK stands fully behind the efforts of the Kosovo institutions to combat organized crime and corruption. I wish to recall that during their arrest, both staff members were badly beaten and injured. They were subsequently detained and later released. In addition, criminal proceedings were instituted against both staff members, including a detention hearing against one of them.”
2019-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8655 (2019) · source
“A particular effort should be made to ensure that political rhetoric and actions are conducive to the resumption of and progress in the dialogue after a year of stalled negotiations. I welcome the continuous efforts by many international players to give new momentum to the political dialogue. While I am convinced that an agreement between Belgrade and Pristina can be sustainable only if it is based on responsible action and local ownership of the process, it is also imperative that during the transition in Kosovo the international community stand united and firm in its support towards a viable agreement. Let me turn to an issue that was raised during the previous debate on Kosovo on 10 June (see S/PV.8541).”
2019-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8655 (2019) · source
“In terms of women's political participation, the election marked the first time that a major political party in Kosovo had nominated a woman as the candidate for Prime Minister. Other encouraging signs were campaign pledges made towards greater gender parity in Government and the high turnout among young voters. I remain hopeful that the new leadership can use the momentum of the election to deliver on its promises to the people by advancing the rule of law, fighting against corruption and organized crime and tackling unemployment. The international community also expects the new leaders to affirm their commitment to the negotiations with Belgrade and to ensure that obstacles to dialogue are removed.”
2019-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8655 (2019) · source
“The two parties are currently exploring coalition options. The change in the political environment was manifested by the decision ofmost voters to rally behind unconventional political candidates who do not share the background or vision of past leaders. The Kosovo Serb majority areas have recorded the highest voter turnout in recent times, confirming a trend of active participation by that community in Kosovo elections. The Serbian List may become the only Kosovo-Serb parliamentary group represented in the legislature. Overall, the elections were assessed positively by international observers but challenges such as campaign financing, intimidation and voter pressure in the Kosovo Serb-majority areas were also highlighted.”
2019-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8655 (2019) · source
“Mr. Tanin: The holding of early general elections in Kosovo on 6 October, which gave the people an opportunity to select their representatives from among 1,067 parliamentary candidates, including 343 women, has brought about the most significant change in Kosovo's political landscape in 12 years. Allow me to make some observations about those election, in which the turnout was the highest since 2010. The decision to call a snap election came at a time that was characterized by internal political division, a broken unity with the governing coalition and, most importantly, public perception of the inability to deliver on promises to the people of Kosovo. The preliminary results point to a victory by the opposition Vetevendosje, or Self- Determination, party and the Democratic League of Kosovo.”
2019-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8655 (2019) · source
“In relation to the question posed by the representative of the Russian Federation, let me reiterate that while the fact-finding process is ongoing, we will not comment on the details of an ongoing investigation. That is something I have to respect. However, I would like to assure the representative of the Russian Federation and the other members of the Council that this fact- finding review or internal investigation - whatever one chooses to call it - will be comprehensive and all- encompassing.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“Mr. Tanin: Before I answer the question, let me thank all those members of the Council who expressed their support for the work of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo and its staff at this difficult time. I really appreciate it. Secondly, I would like to express my appreciation for the presence of Under-Secretary-General De Serpa Soares and the decision to request his participation, which is very important from my point ofview because it sets out the framework from which our status emanates. It can be very helpful, not in this context but in others, for all the members of the Security Council to look at such issues as immunity and others that he discussed.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“I therefore call upon the parties to do their part and assume responsibilities for delivering on the objectives of normalizing relations and helping to bring not only a more lasting stability but growing prosperity to the region. In closing, on behalf of all UNMIK staff, I wish to thank the Council for its support and reiterate our assurance that we will continue to implement the peace and security mandate with which it has entrusted us.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“I would also like to take the opportunity to welcome the initial contribution to the trust fund established to support the Ashkali, Egyptian and Roma communities. The Secretary-General has urged additional contributions, which are essential to respond adequately to the needs of those vulnerable groups. UNMIK will continue to work closely with our international partners, particularly the EU and the Kosovo Force, as well as with the many bilateral actors who are investing their resources in Kosovo's stability, community reconciliation and economic development. Our international partners have invested substantial resources in Kosovo and the region, and the parties have expressed their desire to move ever closer to the European Union.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“The same Group will soon submit a report documenting the actions since 2004, during which identifications in over 3,300 cases were accomplished. We consistently seek innovative avenues to promote trust, together with all our partners. We hope that the institutions from both sides will continue to join us in that effort. The third United Nations Youth Assembly, co-organized by UNMIK and UNICEF, with the vital participation of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, produced specific recommendations for young people from across Kosovo to engage their Government and non-governmental institutions. The Global Open Day on Women, Peace and Security in Pristina, in collaboration with the European Union (EU), highlighted the need for the greater inclusion and engagement of women, including in the highest political processes.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“The debates that we are fostering are designed specifically to tackle the most sensitive areas of public concern, including the political decision-making process, religious tolerance, empowering the younger generation in the daunting challenge of overcoming the past and ensuring a more just and peaceful future for the next generation. We are pursuing our goal of being directly engaged with Kosovo institutions to help the implementation of human rights initiatives and legislation. Although largely drowned out by the news stories of the same time frame, on 24 May, the Working Group on Missing Persons met in Pristina, agreeing on several very practical steps jointly to uncover further information needed to address still-unresolved cases.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“In collaboration with the United Nations Kosovo team, and our other international partners on the ground, we continue to empower trust-building actors, including in the areas of language rights and human rights more broadly, youth empowerment, gender equality, justice and intercommunal dialogue. We have followed a road map created during the United Nations Kosovo Trust-Building Forum, held in May 2018, utilizing public spaces in Kosovo to underline the priority of reconciliation expressed by Kosovo's leadership.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“Regardless of events such as the ones on 28 May, UNMIK continues to focus its efforts and resources on the objectives of peace and stability in Kosovo and the region. We will do so effectively only with the direct support of the Council. Internally, I consistently review our Mission's priorities and will need the Council's support to ensure that we continue to fulfil our role in the most efficient and appropriate way. Our approach is guided by the Secretary-General's prevention agenda, epitomized by the Mission's focus on trust-building among communities. In that, we work closely with all actors who are engaged in good-faith efforts to transform the environment from one of contained conflict into one of peace and progress.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“That would not have been necessary had the authorities respected the immunity of UNMIK personnel and communicated with the Mission in a more forthright and timely manner. Nonetheless, we remain hopeful that communication from the highest levels of Pristina authorities will improve as we work to clarify the precise circumstances of 28 May. I also wish to make Clear that our Mission stands fully behind all efforts of the Pristina institutions to combat organized crime networks and eliminate public corruption. That struggle, as I emphasized in my public statement on 28 May, must also sit within the framework of the international rule of law and human rights principles, which are guarded by the United Nations, and foremost by this Council.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“Thirdly, the day after the transfer of our international staff member outside Kosovo to receive required medical treatment, he was publicly declared persona non grata, upon which occasion I received in parallel a communication from Pristina authorities stating the same. As already stressed, the doctrine of persona non grata does not apply to, or in respect of, United Nations personnel. Fourthly, I am alarmed that both staff members were apparently subjected to excessive force and mistreatment upon their arrest by police, causing injuries requiring hospitalization. That is a matter that will form an essential component of the enquiry that we have initiated. During those events, I was obliged to call repeatedly for the immediate release of United Nations staff, as well as respect for their rights and immunities.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“First, there has been a failure to observe our staff members' relevant immunities to arrest and detention. United Nations property was also improperly searched and seized, in contravention of all relevant laws and the Organization's immunities. Secondly, despite our requests and a normally productive working relationship with authorities in Pristina, the situation at present is that the authorities have shared very little relevant or factual evidence with the United Nations about the arrest and injury of our staff. Simultaneously, Kosovo authorities have issued statements in the press, and in correspondence directed to States Members of the United Nations, that contains information lacking an adequate evidentiary basis, contrary to much of our understanding so far, and avoids matters essential for an objective enquiry.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“During this operation, two staff members of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), based in Zubin Potok, a municipality in the north, one international and one locally recruited, were arrested and injured, in separate incidents. It is a United Nations responsibility to determine objectively the circumstances affecting its staff, which we have already undertaken in a systematic manner, in full accord with United Nations practice and with the imperative to determine the facts expeditiously. This point is particularly important for Council members to know, given the extent of unverified information and speculation that have since appeared in the public domain. Today, I would like to put on record just a few other pertinent points.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“According to Kosovo's Central Election Commission, the elections resulted in a clear victory for the Serbian List candidates who already held power in the relevant municipalities, and who received above 90 per cent of the vote. Restricted electoral competition and limited political participation in Kosovo Serb communities were issues underlined by some of the diplomatic representatives monitoring the election process. On the morning of 28 May, the Kosovo police conducted a special operation - concentrated mainly in the northern municipalities - targeting smuggling and organized crime suspects, under warrants issued by the Pristina Basic Court. The operation led to the arrest ofa number of suspects, including local officials. Suspects and Kosovo police officers were injured in the course of the operation.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“Engaging more actively with a wider array of stakeholders, demonstrating a commitment to advancing the interests of populations hoping for better opportunities, and meaningful and equal participation of all segments of the society are elements essential to achieving a measure of political process, but unfortunately each appeared to be lacking in the efforts we observed during this past period. One of the significant developments since the end of the official reporting period was the organization of elections in the four Kosovo Serb-majority municipalities in northern Kosovo. Following the resignations of the mayors of these municipalities in response to Pristina's increase of the import tax on Serbian and Bosnian goods, the President of Kosovo called an extraordinary election, which took place on 19 May. The election proceeded peacefully.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“To resolutioneduce these complex nuances into a single assessment: multiple inconsistent public signals have hampered all efforts to ensure the full engagement of both parties in a single or definitive process. In such circumstances, leaders from all sides must exercise their responsibility to steer this complex situation clear of any serious escalations. Engagement in good faith, without threats or ultimatums, is necessary for re-establishing the conditions for the resumption and continuation of political dialogue. I hope that all parties engaged may be able to work collectively to ensure that the planned meeting in July in Paris is used by the parties to return to substantive matters, in particular those that directly affect the lives of people and communities.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“Productive engagements between Belgrade and Pristina have not taken place since autumn 2018, and, while much attention is focused upon day-to-day disputes and provocations, these are not the only factors complicating efforts to return to negotiations. The imposition of a 100 per cent import tariff on Serbian and Bosnian goods by Pristina last November continues, despite a near-unanimous call by the international community for its removal. Belgrade's position is that lifting the import tariffs is a minimum condition for resuming talks within the format facilitated by the European Union. Pristina leaders have also set out public conditions, though not always with unity of voice, and while a Pristina negotiating team has been created, its full responsibilities await clarification.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“Mr. Tanin: As reflected in the details of the report before the Security Council (S/2019/46l), the situation in Kosovo, and between Belgrade and Pristina, is again at a fragile moment. Today's meeting coincides with a significant anniversary. It has been 20 years since the Security Council last adopted a full resolution in response to the conflict (resolution 1244 (1999)). Over those 20 years, there has clearly been progress and change in a myriad of dimensions, in Kosovo, in the region and in the world. At the same time, we should make an additional reflection. In the absence of a genuine and necessary process of engagement between the parties to this conflict, the situation does not simply remain tenuous, but could slide backwards. Often it has done so.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“It is important for Kosovo's leaders to maintain focus on advancing initiatives that are essential to the people of Kosovo, particularly in the areas of rule of law and anti-corruption, human rights, strengthening the independence of the judiciary and bringing legislation in line with the European Union acquis and other international standards. In conclusion, let me underline the importance of the support of all members of the Council for the engagement between Belgrade and Pristina. Reducing tensions, enhancing mutual trust and removing obstacles to the dialogue are crucial to stability in the region. I have committed UNMIK's resources to promoting trust-building at all levels of Kosovo society, and we will continue to focus on that process in close coordination with all our partner organizations on the ground.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source