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

“UNMIK continues to support multi-ethnic teams of young leaders in organizing various activities that bring positive change to their communities. UNMIK also supports youth advisory boards in enhancing their capacity to engage in cross-community dialogue. In January, the United Nations Kosovo team, supported by the Peacebuilding Fund, launched a project, in coordination with UNMIK, to empower youth for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future in Kosovo. The European perspective remains an important incentive to achieve peace and stability in the region.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“During the campaign, a UNMIK-produced documentary called Not Your Property was launched in Pristina, followed by screenings in 10 municipalities of Kosovo, organized in collaboration with UN-Women and led by local authorities and civil society partners. The documentary features stories of survivors from across Kosovo's communities and interviews with experts on how the exceptionally low property ownership by women, owing to customary norms, leaves women vulnerable to domestic violence. In supporting intercommunity trust-building, UNMIK has placed a special focus on youth empowerment. In recent months, UNMIK has partnered with two youth-led non-governmental organizations to implement projects aimed at fostering sustainable reconciliation through human rights education.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“I have already mentioned the need for gender perspectives in the dialogue. For its part, UNMIK supports initiatives that build women's entrepreneurial skills and their ability to start new businesses. I have been engaged directly with women leaders at the central and local levels to promote such initiatives, and I believe that there is a growing sense of empowerment. UNMIK, in partnership with other United Nations actors, supports local-level Kosovo institutions in the rehabilitation and reintegration of victims of domestic violence. The Mission has contributed to a series of advocacy initiatives aimed at preventing violence against women and girls, within the framework of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“UNMIK also continued to support the implementation of human rights-related initiatives and legislation, which are often made harder by inadequate financial and other resource commitments. Important progress has been made in the work of the Working Group on persons who are unaccounted for in connection with events in Kosovo. No obstacles in the form of political influence should be placed in the way of this work if we are to maintain momentum on the issue, which is vital to long-term reconciliation. More needs to be done to effectively guarantee the rights of non-majority communities, including Ashkali, Egyptian and Roma, as well as returnees and internally displaced persons. Promoting genuine gender equality in Kosovo is another area that deserves particular attention.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“Together with the United Nations Kosovo team and other international partners, UNMIK is advancing the implementation of the joint recommendations of the United Nations Kosovo Trust-Building Forum held in May 2018 in Ljubljana, focusing on supporting activities across various sectors and layers of society. They include cross-community dialogue, the promotion of language rights and equality under the law, youth empowerment and gender equality. In collaboration with the United Nations Kosovo team, the Mission has also engaged Kosovo civil society to help reduce gender- and ethnic- based discrimination. UNMIK has leveraged its limited resources by combining its efforts with those of our international partners.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“KFOR has reiterated that stance, stressing that any adjustments must be transparent and inclusive, and that all previous commitments by Pristina regarding the Kosovo Security Force must continue to be honoured. Recent developments in the relations between Pristina and Belgrade have complicated the efforts to create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue and good-faith compromise. This is a reminder that while commitment at the top levels remains central, dedication to building mutual confidence and trust across the communities on the ground is just as crucial. In order to contribute effectively to this important aspect of normalization and reconciliation, the work of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) has focused on facilitating people-to-people engagement in Kosovo.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“It will require more active engagement with and support from a wide range of stakeholders, including by pursuing the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in the dialogue-related processes and by taking gender perspectives into account. In December, the Kosovo Assembly enacted three laws that relate to the comportment and activities of the Kosovo Security Force. They were not supported by the Serb caucus and were heavily criticized in Belgrade. Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) provides the sole legal framework for the international security presence, the Kosovo Force (KFOR), entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring a safe and secure environment in Kosovo.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“This is not the only example of positions taken by the parties that complicate efforts to return to the negotiating table. A responsible and forward-looking approach is essential if we are to remove obstacles to restarting the political negotiations. An expanded negotiating team for the dialogue, which includes members of the Assembly of Kosovo, was established in Pristina in December. However, internal discussions on the key principles that should guide Pristina's position in future negotiations are still ongoing. At the same time, more must be done on both sides to prepare the ground for whatever agreement may be reached between the parties.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“The absence ofa unified stance in Pristina on the conditions for the resumption of the dialogue with Belgrade has reached a critical point in the days since the close of the reporting period, raising concerns about the continued viability of the current Government coalition in Kosovo. Where does this leave the prospects for constructive political engagement? Much attention has been focused on the 100 per cent tariff introduced by the Pristina authorities on goods originating from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, beginning in November last year. This measure has been challenged in many quarters and Belgrade has made a resumption of the dialogue contingent on Pristina's revocation of the tariff. Pristina has linked the lifting of the tariff to a number of conditions.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“Mr. Tanin: As reflected in the Secretary-General's report (S/2019/102), this past period was characterized by action and rhetoric that did not improve the overall atmosphere or the potential for a swift resumption of the political dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. Antagonistic gestures and accusations continue to be far more evident than efforts to return to the new phase of dialogue that has been widely discussed for many months now. While there is no question that the leaders on both sides are facing serious challenges, the minimum requirement for a continued dialogue is to find the means to steady rather than agitate the atmosphere. Instead, there has been a tendency to disrupt rather than de-escalate the situation.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“In each of the areas of the Mission's recalibrated work, as I have described today, UNMIK is working in line with the core principles of the Secretary-General's reform agenda and the guidance of the Council. Our efforts are aimed at helping to boost the conditions for peaceful negotiation and societal reconciliation. At the same time, we are working to remain at the forefront of understanding, help the Council and share our understanding and work with all partners in the service of a lasting peace. I thank the members of the Council for their continuing support.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8399 (2018) · source
“That is fully in line with the Secretary-General's Action for Peacekeeping initiative and may offer an important example of how to tap into the potential of people and partnerships to create the necessary conditions for sustaining peace. Our international partnerships remain vital in this effort. During the year, the Mission reinforced its functional collaboration with the EU Office, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Kosovo Force, the Council of Europe and other international presences, together with our core partners in the United Nations Kosovo team. Besides any regular consultations in Belgrade, Pristina and regional capitals, I have made particular efforts to share our perspective and experience with stakeholders in Europe and beyond.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8399 (2018) · source
“Other key objectives of the Mission's ongoing work include promoting the use of innovative communication technologies to support constant interaction among all groups and communities across Kosovo and addressing outstanding issues within the framework of justice, human rights, the women and peace and security agenda and the youth, peace and security agenda. I would like to emphasise that the UNMIK strategic frameworks on women and youth represent a bold step towards supporting the empowerment of women and young people in Kosovo. Those efforts are designed to encourage an environment conducive to peace and reconciliation, healing historical mistrust and building bridges of common interest among communities.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8399 (2018) · source
“Following the United Nations Kosovo Trust- Building Forum held in Ljubljana in May, we have worked systematically to identify, support and empower change-makers across Kosovo and facilitate the implementation of initiatives outlined by participants in the Forum. In collaboration with the United Nations Kosovo team and other international partners, UNMIK is focused on realizing the recommendations from the Trust-Building Forum, which include a number of concrete measures for this year and beyond. The action plan encompasses a series of important measures, ranging from involving all segments of Kosovo society in an informed debate about the future to influencing the agendas of local and international partners in the areas of intercommunity trust and cooperation.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8399 (2018) · source
“With that in mind, UNMIK continues to prioritize trust-building in Kosovo, particularly at the grass- roots level, whenever and wherever possible, in close cooperation with all international partners on the ground. I have set engagement, empowerment and creativity as core objectives of our interaction and work with Kosovo society. As I previously highlighted to the Council, UNMIK has re-aligned its focus and priorities towards promoting longer-term reconciliation at multiple levels in Kosovo. Without societal reconciliation - involving people, communities and civil society - progress can falter, regardless of the best efforts and work of political stakeholders. Trust-building requires patience and persistence to raise and empower the voices of understanding and compassion that may help shape a future different from divisions and conflict.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8399 (2018) · source
“The matter needs to be handled with the utmost care to ensure that the steps taken are the result of a fully inclusive, fully representative political process that respects the relevant legal frameworks. Any political negotiation process, ifit is to succeed, requires the full engagement and buy-in of societies, as well as leaders and political representatives. Top- level commitments that may be reached via political negotiations, no matter the strength of international and regional support, are unlikely to stand unless they are backed by full understanding and confidence among communities and individuals across society. I am confident that leaders on both sides, as well as the facilitators of the dialogue, have that firmly in mind.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8399 (2018) · source
“With all the focus on possibilities for a new political compromise, let me underline that we should not fail to account for the advances made since April 2013 and the central tenets of the First Agreement of Principles Governing the Normalization of Relations signed at that time, including the establishment of the association/ community of Serb-majority municipalities. Those tenets and their full implementation are crucial to progress on the ground. The Assembly of Kosovo's recent approval of three draft laws on the Kosovo Security Force, aimed at significantly enhance the strength and responsibilities of the Force, has caused renewed tensions.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8399 (2018) · source
“The wider context of the political dialogue process between the parties may sometimes be overshadowed by this array of unresolved problems, posturing and jousting. The European perspective itself continues to provide a significant source of motivation for political leaders on both sides and, in doing so, helps promote continued peace and stability. Support and assistance from the European Union is essential to strengthen capacity across Kosovo's public institutions and, on 19 July, the European Commission took a momentous step in affirming that benchmarks had been met for Kosovo's road map on Visa liberalization, proposing that the European Parliament and the European Council lift Visa requirements and allow visa-free travel for residents of Kosovo.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8399 (2018) · source
“I would like to underline that the much-needed reform of Kosovo's rule-of-law institutions has been undermined by ethnic tension and political agendas. The resignation of a Kosovo Special Prosecutor over alleged threats connected to the investigation of major cases led to public protests and harmed public confidence in the strength and impartiality ofthejustice system. Naturally, protecting the independence of the judiciary and fighting organized crime and corruption require continuous and strenuous effort, in Kosovo as well as everywhere else. The European Union and the United Nations continue to place resources at the disposal of the authorities to help in that difficult but essential endeavour.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8399 (2018) · source
“Whether on larger or smaller issues, one-sided actions carry the constant potential of influencing the situation on the ground. I refer to a number of broad areas, including infrastructure, energy and the economy. Individuals continuetofacechallengesinexercisingtheirbasicrights, including the rights of freedom of movement, religious practice and equal access to economic opportunities. In a recent development, the announcement by the Kosovo Government that a 10 per cent tax would be imposed on Serbian and Bosnian goods further increased tensions between Pristina and Belgrade and created instability for business and people. The Government of Serbia denounced the measure as damaging to the normalization of relations and a Violation ofthe Central European Free Trade Agreement.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8399 (2018) · source
“The addition of that new dimension has generated new impetus, as well as apprehension, among political actors and the populations on both sides, as well as within the region and among the international community. Regardless of the underlying challenges and concerns, the discussion has opened space for debate and consideration. Last week in Brussels, President Vucic' and President Thaci met and confirmed their mutual intention to continue the dialogue and work towards a settlement, within the EU-facilitated process. The political talks in Brussels took place against a situation still dominated by frequent adversarial actions on the ground, many of which carry real consequences for the populations. Actions that attempt to pre-empt agreement are not conducive to achieving political compromise.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8399 (2018) · source
“Mr. Tanin: The members of the Security Council have before them the latest quarterly report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/98l), and today I will share with them my assessment of the situation, as well as an overview of the recalibrated work priorities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). When I last briefed the Council in May (see S/PV.8254),the situationreflectedadegreeofuncertainty with regard to the prospects for decisive progress in the European Union (EU)-facilitated political dialogue. However, after leaders from Belgrade and Pristina met in June and July, prospects for renewed negotiations began to be explored. At the European Forum Alpbach in Austria in August, both sides advocated for a new framework for a comprehensive agreement, including the possibility of territorial exchange.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8399 (2018) · source
“Our efforts are aimed at sustaining peace; ensuring that we remain at the forefront of monitoring and analysing the situation; and reinforcing strategic cooperation with members of all United Nations entities, as well as international partners, in complementing the efforts of Kosovo's institutions. I thank the members of the Council for their continued support for our efforts and their support to the EU-led dialogue aimed at the normalization of relations and increased cooperation between Pristina and Belgrade.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“The event was central to the Mission's recently adopted gender framework strategy and part of a number of other important initiatives throughout Kosovo commemorating International Women's Day. The youth, peace, and security agenda is also of paramount importance to UNMIK. Later this week, the Mission, while working together closely in cooperation with UNICEF and the United Nations Development Programme, will host the second United Nations Youth Assembly in Kosovo. The event will bring together 180 young leaders from diverse backgrounds alongside officials, civic organizations and business leaders. In the multifaceted areas of the Mission's recalibrated work, UNMIK works fully in line with the core principles of Secretary-General Guterres' reform agenda and the guidance ofthe Council.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“Focused on women's political participation, the event brought together more than 150 women political leaders from the central and local levels, including parliamentarians; Government officials; representatives of the international community, civil society, academia and women's organizations; and youth activists. The Global Open Day recognized the need for women's full and effective participation in leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life. It also underlined the fact that women's political participation is indispensable to gender justice so as to end inequality, subordination, hierarchical status and asymmetries concerning political power.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“The international community will continue to closely watch the Government's actions in that case. UNMIK continues to prioritize its own work in the areas of confidence-building, human rights and limited, but essential, aspects of support for rule-of- law and justice institutions. Crucial to the Mission's efforts are the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda and the youth, peace and security agenda. On 5 March in Kosovo, in collaboration with UN-Women, the Mission hosted the eighth Global Open Day on Women, Peace and Security.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“It is in that context that Kosovo's rule of law institutions continue to be a major focus of both internal and external attention, as EULEX is preparing a significant reconfiguration that will transfer direct responsibility to the Kosovo court system for cases heretofore handled with EULEX in the lead. Concerning the protection of cultural heritage, I am pleased to note that the Implementation and Monitoring Council, tasked with overseeing the treatment of special protected zones surrounding religious sites, has restarted its work. It is a timely development, as there have recently been attempts to undermine the judgements of Kosovo courts, as well as of those of the Monitoring Council, regarding construction near the Visoki Deeani Monastery, in western Kosovo.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“While the international community appreciated that achievement, it has been underlined that the strengthening of the rule of law and human rights and visible progress in the fight against corruption and organized crime remain major issues in meeting the aspirations of the people of Kosovo for their European perspective. It is also important to acknowledge the approval of a new draft of the Kosovo criminal code, which introduces stricter penalties for offences related to corruption and misuse of official duty. That positive initiative complements ongoing efforts to depoliticize and enhance the performance of the judiciary. We also share the analysis about the effective application of human rights and the rule oflaw in Kosovo, as recently presented in the European Commission's annual progress report.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“Assistant Secretary-General Keita stressed that the forum was a proactive attempt to further the sustaining peace agenda, engage in prevention at the local level, as well as link political and developmental frameworks. I urged all leaders to organize the future, rather than mourn the past, and to move forward with more compassion, understanding and clarity in advancing trust in the areas of work they identified during the forum. Important for Kosovo's European perspective, the Kosovo Assembly ratified the 2015 agreement on territorial delineation with Montenegro. That issue has been singled out by the European Union as a necessary step for Kosovo's integration with the EU, including visa liberalization, for quite some time.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“The starting point of the forum was simple: not to reinvent or reinterpret the past, but to illuminate, guide and pursue a more positive path for the future. Motivated and energetic individuals from across Kosovo society debated the prospects for trust-building through a wide range ofpositive action and cooperation. The main thematic areas were media accountability, access to impartial justice, economic growth, access to public services, religious coexistence and educational reform. Multiple focus groups worked to strengthen understanding across community divides. The resulting outcomes identified by participants provide a road map for measures to be implemented in Kosovo.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“To create the atmosphere for reason and good- faith compromise to prevail, engagement is needed across all levels, which remains a main priority of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). I am pleased to inform the Council that I have just come from the United Nations Kosovo trust-building forum, held in Ljubljana from 6 to 8 May, which I opened alongside Assistant Secretary-General Bintou Keita. We were joined by representatives of the United Nations Kosovo team, the European Union, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Over 100 community leaders from throughout Kosovo came together to discuss ways to address common challenges caused by mistrust and stale political approaches, some 20 years after the height of conflict.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“Moreover, member States of the European Union have set an ambitious calendar for the region, including the EU-Western Balkans summit in Sofia later this month - the highest-level regional summit since 2003. Additionally, the next crucial meeting of the Berlin process economic forum in July, alongside many other initiatives this year to engage the Western Balkans more intensively, would help all to navigate cross-currents and take advantage of a new commitment. As much as top-level political assurances remain essential, commitments made in negotiations are unlikely to endure without some impetus for confidence among communities and individuals at the grass-roots level.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“There has been discussion over many months about the prospects ofa shift in the essentially frozen positions of both sides through the new EU focus on the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and on wider regional engagement. Despite those expectations, recent rising political temperatures have hampered the advancement of the dialogue, which requires sufficient political will from both sides to bring a new level of engagement to bolster the process. There is no other viable option. However, for that to happen, there is a clear need to exercise leadership to stand up to challenges, even with short-term political costs. A new focus by Brussels, at all levels, provides a mutually beneficial opportunity for Pristina and Belgrade to leave the current difficult moment behind and take the dialogue to the next stage of real progress.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“Moreover, it stated its intention to unilaterally form the association/community of Serb-majority municipalities, setting a deadline of 20 April, which, however, was subsequently recanted. Whatever factors drove the series of reciprocal taunts, the results seemed close to precipitating the collapse of the Government in Kosovo. The waters were only calmed again with intensive efforts, including with some support from external parties. Most important, significant efforts made by Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj and his Government, including protracted discussions with the Serbian List and other parts of the coalition, as well as the opposition, have helped to keep the channels of communication open.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“During the arrest, stun grenades, disabling gas and other acts of physical force were deployed, resulting in a number of injuries, including to an attending Minister of the Government of Kosovo, two municipal leaders, journalists and other attendees. Mr. Durie was then theatrically and improperly paraded through a street in Pristina before being expelled from Kosovo. Many Kosovo Serbs, already unsettled by the unsolved murder case of Oliver Ivanovic' in Mitrovica in January, perceived such events with apprehension. Following the incident, political figures from both sides engaged in an escalation of rhetoric that led to further setbacks in the effort to continue the EU- facilitated dialogue. The Kosovo Serb caucus, Serbian List, announced its intention to withdraw from Pristina's governing coalition.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“Mr. Tanin: As reflected in the Secretary-General's report (S/2018/407), the past period in Kosovo was generally characterized by a decline in both the quality of actions and the tenor of political discourse between Pristina and Belgrade. In March, tentative, but important, meetings of the dialogue facilitated by the European Union (EU) were held at the technical and political levels. That working atmosphere was affected when Marko Duric', Director of the Serbian Government's Kosovo office and Belgrade's lead negotiator for the EU-facilitated dialogue, was arrested after entering northern Kosovo, against the advice of Kosovo authorities, to attend a session of President Aleksandar Vueie's internal dialogue.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“Despite the significant differences voiced, I am convinced that those leaders also have a broader understanding of the nature of the challenges that need to be overcome and equally, not to continuously postpone action to another day. I would like to underline that despite all the disagreements, the potential for trust and more forward-looking decision-making should not be underestimated.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“Sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the engagement of all institutions and the assistance of the international community to build bridges for long-term trust. Our Mission has undertaken a number of initiatives focused on supporting grassroots trust-building and using the know-how of the United Nations to help achieve that end. There are many Kosovo leaders, at all levels across society, who are committed to that agenda and actively supporting it. This moment represents an opportunity for both progress and moving the political dialogue forward. I completed a series of consultations just before this Council meeting with leaders and officials in Pristina, Belgrade and Tirana.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“Of 204 mayoral candidates across all of Kosovo's municipalities, only eight were women. A concerted effort is required to achieve a more balanced representation and provide women with a more level- playing field. Similarly, the youth and peace and security agenda remains important in Kosovo. The youth of Kosovo, despite their understandable frustrations with the status quo, provide hope for a better present and future. UNMIK continues to engage young people from across Kosovo through initiatives such as the United Nations Youth Assembly in Kosovo. I am inspired by the strength of character of the young leaders I have met - leaders who have the courage to join hands across societal divides and develop a common strategy and vision for a successful, multi-ethnic society. Building trust between communities remains essential for the Mission.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“Human rights protections should not be diminished by political considerations or ethnic dimensions; such attempts would cast a dark shadow over the promises ofa rules-based society. UNMIK and its partners have assisted in strengthening the role of women and youth, as well as in helping consolidate their essential contribution to peace, security and trust-building across communities. The annual international campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence took place throughout Kosovo during the reporting period. The campaign highlighted actions on international, governmental and civil society levels that contributed to public awareness of the drivers and consequences of violence against women and girls. Women still face an uphill challenge in electoral politics.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“At the same time, we take note of the decision of the Government of Kosovo to recognize and verify the status of victims of conflict-related sexual violence, including the allocation of monthly pensions for survivors. Additionally, I acknowledge the appointment by the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Ramush Haradinaj, of the Deputy Chair of the Kosovo Government Commission on Missing Persons. Despite those important steps, many challenges remain on furthering the rule of law and strengthening human rights in Kosovo. Efforts in those areas must be guided by international best practices. Among a number of setbacks to the rule of law, the use of presidential pardons for three individuals convicted of murder in the so-called Hajra family case was particularly concerning.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“Those commitments are fundamental to overcoming the challenges facing Kosovo. The international community continues to assist the Kosovo institutions in promotingjustice, the rule oflaw and human rights. The Government of Kosovo adopted four draft laws on the functioning of the judicial system aimed at increasing its efficiency and transparency. I would like to mention that judicial integration is moving forward, with officials at the Basic Court and Basic Prosecution Office of Mitrovica working as part ofa unitary Kosovo justice system. The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) is working hand in hand with the other international presences in order to enable the full functioning of that integrated system, following up on issues such as full compliance with language rights.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“The harsh realities of everyday life in Kosovo - unemployment, challenges to good governance and economic and social development, as well as corruption and organized crime - all require political actors to come together, transcend their differences and achieve unity of purpose for the good of the people. They will be assisted in that by ensuring a positive and productive relationship with the international community and all institutional presences on the ground. A welcome example has been the unified efforts of political parties to adopt the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. I commend the Government's commitment to strive to end poverty, improve education, prioritize gender equality, protect the environment, promote a just and peaceful society and ensure prosperity for all.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“In my meetings with leaders in Pristina, they made it clear to me that they are doing whatever is necessary to find the perpetrators of that crime and the motives for the killing. Belgrade is cooperating with the investigation but concerns remain, including about the efficiency of information exchange. Failure to identify the perpetrators would not only be a terrible miscarriage of justice but also undermine confidence on all sides. In 2017, Kosovo underwent parliamentary and municipal elections and the formation of a new Government. The people of Kosovo have high expectations of their Government andthe Assembly given their needs and the promises made to them.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“Moreover, I have urged all parties to work together to ensure that the perpetrators of that brutal act are brought to justice. It is important to note that the leaders in Belgrade and Pristina have reacted to the event in a prompt and responsible manner. Since the Kosovo Police are leading the investigation, Pristina and Belgrade have come to an understanding on sharing information and supporting the process. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic' visited Kosovo shortly after the crime and told the Kosovo Serb communities in the north and the south of Kosovo that peace was of paramount importance. I would also like to underline the constructive role of the Pristina officials in facilitating that visit.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“I take this opportunity to reiterate that the court does not target any particular community or group but only the criminal responsibility of individuals. That is well known by many people in Kosovo who understand that repealing the Specialist Chambers is simply not an option. The only way forward is by accepting justice. The murder, on 16 January, of Oliver Ivanovie, the prominent Kosovo Serb politician, in broad daylight sent shockwaves throughout Kosovo and across the region, raising concerns about the prospect of another wave of political instability. Hours after it took place, I condemned the murder, calling for calm and for swift and decisive work by the investigating authorities. All representatives of the international community were united in that view.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“The establishment of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor's Office, endorsed by the Assembly in 2015, was a major achievement for Kosovo. Yet, in contradiction to that advancement, on the evening of 22 December 2017, some Kosovo members of Parliament launched an effort to revoke a key law supporting the work of the Specialist Chambers. Nearly all regional and international partners of Kosovo made it clear that such a move, if successful, would be deeply damaging to Kosovo's aspirations and reputation. Some political leaders withdrew their support for that proposal. However, for now, the motion to repeal the law remains on the Assembly's agenda. The President ofthe Assembly of Kosovo assured me that leaders in Pristina would stand by their international commitments.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“Among those, the establishment of the association/community of Serb-majority municipalities is essential. The year 2018 can provide new momentum for that dialogue. As the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy herself highlighted yesterday, the dialogue could be positively concluded with the sufficient will of the leaders and the adequate encouragement of the international community. The recent attempt to abrogate the law on the Specialist Chambers by a number of members of the ruling coalition in the Kosovo Assembly drew attention and raised grave concerns among all stakeholders about Kosovo's commitment to justice and the impartial application of the rule of law.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“The new strategy paves the way for enlargement linked to political and socioeconomic reform, as well as reconciliation and a lasting resolution of the disputes. There was mixed reaction in Kosovo but most Pristina leaders emphasized the importance of the new strategy for the realization of Kosovo's EU perspective. Within the new framework, it is clear that dialogue and the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina is a prerequisite for Kosovo's EU aspirations. While there have been a number of formal and informal high-level contacts of leaders from Pristina and Belgrade, for more than a year, the dialogue has produced little substantive progress at the technical level. A number ofstanding agreements are yet to be fully implemented.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“Mr. Tanin: At the outset, I would like to congratulate all the new Member States that have joined the Security Council in 2018. In particular, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, and Kuwait on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for this month. Today I will update the Council on new developments, some of which are well documented in the Secretary-General's report (S/2018/76) before the Council, while focusing on key facts that have dominated the reporting period and the days that followed. The new enlargement strategy of the European Union (EU) for the Western Balkans was launched yesterday. It is the most ambitious and far-reaching framework for engagement since the Thessaloniki Summit of 2003.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source