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 play its role in working towards a closer partnership with all international presences on the ground and with all actors engaged, particularly at a time when we are witnessing new dynamics emerging in the region. The final objective of the Mission remains clear. With the Council's support, we will achieve sustained peace and the opportunities it provides to individuals to fulfil their aspirations and their potential.”
2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source
“Our attention has also been focused on issues that require more emphasis and are essential for reconciliation and the rebuilding of trust. Those include initiatives to engage women in the political process, help bring attention to the untold stories of those targeted during the time of conflict, promote the role of youth in peace and security, and do more to resolve the cases of many persons who are still missing from the war. We stand in open partnership with all Governments to address those issues. Likewise, we recognize the immense challenges of ensuring the freedom of cultural and religious identity in the fight against extreme and close-minded Views, which are a threat and plague not only in our area, but throughout the world at present.”
2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source
“Our mission in Kosovo is to work primarily at the grass-roots level to support the impulse of people to pursue the benefits of cooperation and reconciliation. We apply the funds available to us to support ground- level initiatives that shape the future and perspective of the post-conflict generation in Kosovo. Talent knows no boundaries of gender, ethnicity or political affiliation. We find energy within this new Government, which is already taking new steps to work in a multi-ethnic partnership. We find it in region-wide initiatives to remove the scourge of political interference in the delivery ofjustice and the rule of law. We find it in the bold initiatives being undertaken by all to fundamentally examine the issues that will allow the Western Balkans to continue to advance their European aspirations.”
2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source
“Despite the many looming global challenges, leaders in the European Union have also made focused engagement in the region a priority. All parties now need to play their part as well. That is the thesis upon which the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue rests. It is important that the potential for embarking on a sustainable peace process not be hindered by inflexibility or simple inaction. While dialogue and other diplomatic initiatives can provide a new basis for peacebuilding, serious work to address pressing and immediate issues also needs urgent attention in Pristina. The much-needed provision of economic and employment opportunities, the need to counter public corruption and ensure public accountability at all levels and, perhaps above all, fighting organized criminality are crucial objectives.”
2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source
“UNMIK participation continues strictly to the extent required by CEFTA members to ensure its functionality, which in turn supports economic opportunity throughout the region. UNMIK will equally support any agreement reached by CEFTA Members which would allow them to work effectively together. In our view such arrangements are best achieved through discussions among those concerned, not through the media. I have previously taken note here and commended President Vueie's initiative for internal dialogue on Serbia's stance towards the Kosovo issue. I have also taken note that Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana has stated that such internal examinations will not be lost in Tirana or Pristina either. These forward-looking positions do a real service to the people, as they seek to address the facts head on.”
2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source
“Allow me to offer another example, which has arisen during the past few days. In accordance with its mandate, UNMIK has continued to do everything within its authorized powers to support the implementation of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), which UNMIK signed on behalf of Kosovo in 2006. In practice, Pristina representatives working on CEFTA issues attend all CEFTA meetings. UNMIK's basic participation has always been in accordance with legal statutes. Despite these facts, some actors have recently sought to repoliticize, through public rhetoric, those otherwise highly practical, functional and beneficial arrangements. Permit me, in this forum, to be very clear.”
2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source
“To that effect, informal consultations with European Union facilitators have taken place over several months, most importantly with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms. Federica Mogherini. Signs of political will and commitment to move forward seem increasingly evident. Populations are understandably frustrated by the lack of opportunities brought on by unresolved political mistrust and tensions. With the end of the election cycle, the time for action now moves ahead of the time for excuses. In many practical areas, political bickering and the failure to fully implement technical agreements place unacceptable burdens on the population. As one example, excessive administrative obstacles continue to discourage travel and commerce, despite agreements which purported to alleviate such impediments.”
2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source
“Having begun at a 2014 Western Balkans summit, it has been followed by meetings in 2015 in Vienna, 2016 in Paris and 2017 in Trieste. Its strength lies in the inevitable conclusion that economic growth, peace and prosperity depend on the quality of relations among neighbours, the creation of a beneficial space of connectivity and the prospects for multifaceted interaction. My own discussions with leaders in Belgrade, Pristina and Tirana have convinced me that each of these important centres shares the same understanding of that principle. In relation to the Belgrade-Pristina political dialogue, which has suffered from a long hiatus, what I can say today is that both sides are well aware of its importance and its potential during the coming year.”
2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source
“However, it is equally important to note that overall, the implementation of agreements achieved in 2013, and even earlier, continue, at best, to be sporadic and variable. Within the framework of the EU-facilitated dialogue, technical implementation needs more meaningful commitment from both sides. The most obvious gap continues to be the lack of progress towards the implementation of the agreed association/ community of Serb-majority municipalities. Considerable headway has already been made, and the EU-facilitated dialogue in Brussels remains crucial as a core element in a Wider process. Alongside that endeavour, the European Union's Berlin process, addressing the future enlargement potential of the European Union, has also progressed.”
2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source
“On 24 October, 40 new judges and 13 new State prosecutors from the Serb community were sworn into office in Kosovo - a significant step in the implementation of the first EU-facilitated agreement. These judicial officials will work as part of a unitary Kosovo justice system, and staffing and logistical arrangements are also under way, with support from all the international presences in Kosovo, including from the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). The parties are to be commended for moving this forward. The judicial area had lagged notably behind other implementation achievements, such as police integration and implementation of technical steps in the telecommunications and utilities spheres.”
2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source
“On 31 October, the new Assembly of Kosovo, passed a second reading of the Kosovo budget, despite the narrow majority held by the Government. The Serb caucus and the cabinet of the Prime Minister collaborated to achieve that result. Meanwhile, we see signs of movement on other particularly important social and economic issues that have repeatedly been delayed during the lengthy elections period. This leaves the question of what lies ahead. During the past three months, I have had the opportunity to share views on the situation with a variety of interlocutors, in Pristina, in Belgrade and more widely. I would like to underline the fact that all sides generally share the View that the state of affairs between Belgrade and Pristina has the potential to evolve beyond the unfortunate long- standing impasse.”
2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source
“The European Union (EU) deployed some 100 observers across Kosovo on election day while the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe facilitated the voting in the northern municipalities. Both organizations praised the generally peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections. However, the EU observers also stressed that, in the Kosovo Serb-majority municipalities, the campaign was affected by restricted competition and intimidation. As I reported in August (see S/PV.8025), the multiple election processes this year in Kosovo produced a period in which few decisions could be undertaken with the necessary authority in Pristina. With the runoffs for mayoral elections scheduled for 19 November and the electoral process now nearing completion, I am hopeful that this will soon change. Some signs warrant cautious optimism.”
2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source
“Those elections saw a strong turnout, particularly in the Serb-majority areas throughout Kosovo. They provided the population of Kosovo the opportunity to select their most immediate leaders and thus to express their views on their political priorities, as well as the performance and the delivery of the major competing parties. More than 7,000 candidates competed across Kosovo. A significant increase in Serb participation occurred in the Serb-majority municipalities. The average turnout in those municipalities was 43.4 per cent, which can be compared with around 38 per cent in 2013. In the four northern municipalities, the difference was even more pronounced: a turnout of 44 per cent compared with 24 per cent turnout in 2013.”
2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source
“Mr. Tanin: At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, and Italy on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for this month. I am happy to join this meeting today. The most recent reporting period is well covered in the Secretary-General's report (S/20l7/911) that we are reviewing today. In addition, I will brief the Council on recent significant developments that have taken place since the end of the reporting period. On 19 October, municipal elections were conducted throughout Kosovo - the second Kosovo-wide local elections since the agreement of 19 April 2013 on the principles of the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina. It was therefore the second time that the four Kosovo Serb-majority municipalities in northern Kosovo had participated in such elections.”
2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source
“After a series of final legal steps, including the approval of its rules of procedure, on 5 July the Specialist Chambers, a mechanism to tackle some of the most difficult and painful post-war chapters, became operational in The Hague. It is now ready to receive filings and indictments, with full cooperation from all the relevant Kosovo institutions. After three months of an election campaign and post-election uncertainty, it is important for Kosovo to move forward seriously and responsibly, and for the international community to work together to continue to provide essential support. In that spirit, we will continue to engage with all of our partners towards our common goal of promoting peace and stability.”
2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source
“Many practical issues were debated, including economic cooperation and the particular exposure of that region to radicalization and the dangers of extremist ideology. We will be developing similar initiatives in other areas of Kosovo during the coming months. Our efforts to strengthen intercommunity trust-building are aimed at very practical levels, not only building on existing frameworks but also working to innovate new ones based on the particular concerns of local communities. Kosovo has continued to make steps towards demonstrating its commitment to justice and the rule of law in the international sphere.”
2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source
“It demonstrated the vibrancy of Kosovo's civil society and presented a prominent public picture of the progress that can be made. Based on resolution 2250 (2015), participants developed a road map on youth, peace and security for Kosovo, which also addressed young women's empowerment, to help serve the wider strategy being developed by the Kosovo authorities. UNMIK remains active in its engagement with municipal Governments, among which I can say that strong efforts are being made to tackle the matters of importance to their constituencies. At the end of July, we facilitated a meeting among 10 municipal leaders in the south-eastern part of Kosovo, led by the Mayor of that region's largest municipality.”
2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source
“Within this framework, we have managed to strengthen the involvement and participation of the missing persons' family representatives and to advocate for far-strengthened commitment from the Pristina and Belgrade delegations, as well as the reinforced support of the international community, particularly the United Nations, to determine the fate of the 1,658 persons still unaccounted for. Also in June, our mission hosted the first United Nations Kosovo Youth Assembly, attended by over 140 youngleaders-60percentofthemwomen-representing all of Kosovo's ethnic communities. The event was the result of close cooperation with UNICEF, the United Nations Development Programme, the OSCE, the EU and the Kosovo Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.”
2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source
“Wherever we are able, we are focused on promoting new cooperative activities among municipal and community leaders and institutions, supporting the work of energetic local actors. I would like to highlight some of our most recent initiatives to enhance intercommunity trust-building. At the end of June, I co-hosted, with High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, an international roundtable in Geneva to bring attention back to the many unresolved cases of persons missing from the Kosovo conflict. This continues to be a significant obstacle to societal reconciliation.”
2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source
“Political reconciliation by itself cannot overcome all divisions. It must be accompanied by societal reconciliation and by rebuilding trust and cooperation at all levels. Working to help foster greater trust among communities is one of the main priorities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). We are continuously exploring how the Mission can better contribute, within our existing mandate, towards improving intercommunity relations. We do this together with governmental, non-governmental and international partners. Obviously, rebuilding trust is not an event but a long- term process of transforming mistrust into coexistence and, ultimately, genuine cooperation.”
2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source
“If serious negotiations over long-term interests remain the order of the day, it should be expected that, with political clarity in Pristina, the dialogue can resume as soon as possible, not simply to implement the main agreements reached so far but also to advance negotiations for the benefit of both sides. During the reporting period, the 2017 Western Balkans Summit also took place in Trieste, Italy. It was the fourth annual summit within the Berlin process, itself designed to further European integration for all the Western Balkans States. The process reinforces the inherently regional nature of the issues most directly affecting the future of Kosovo. Possibilities for developing a common market, expanding infrastructure and dealing better with region-wide problems and challenges were all on the agenda.”
2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source
“I stress "the region" because peace and stability in Kosovo are interwoven with peace and stability in the region and the normalization of relations between Pristina and Belgrade. As we all know, the problems are regional in nature and so, therefore, must be the solutions. As outlined in the Secretary-General's report (S/2017/640), progress in the EU-facilitated dialogue has been slowed not only by political processes, whether in Belgrade or in Pristina, but also by the partial implementation of agreements that were achieved more than four years ago. On 3 July, European Union High Representative Mogherini hosted a meeting between the Presidents of Serbia and Kosovo with a view towards moving this process forward.”
2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source
“He also warned that ifthe historical conflict between Serbs and Albanians were not resolved, it would represent a joint failure of both, and that the effort required a "long, complicated and often painful process". Kosovo Foreign Minister Hoxhaj welcomed the statement, while Albanian Prime Minister Rama also expressed his respect for this initiative, reiterating that a lasting solution for Kosovo would be "in everyone's interest". As history teaches, pursuing fair, difficult and often painful compromise demands strong leadership. It should be clear that such leadership is required on the part of all if we are to reach lasting peace, in the interest of all who live in the Western Balkans region.”
2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source
“According to Kosovo's Central Bank, foreign investments during this past year fell by nearly two- thirds. The climate of political uncertainty during the last quarter is tied inextricably to these facts. Iwould like to draw the Council's attention to another important development in the region - the initiative of President Vueie of Serbia to launch an internal dialogue on Kosovo, a matter I had the opportunity to discuss with him and with First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dacic last week in Belgrade. On 24 July, President Vueic' expressed publicly that for Serbia's progress to be constant and sustainable, the Serbs should endeavour to resolve the Kosovo issue and avoid leaving "this greatest of burdens" to the next generation.”
2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source
“Women's representation in electoral bodies also remained low, constitutinhg only 9 per cent of Kosovo's Central Election Commission members. Fourthly, perhaps the greatest concern is that the election process itself consumed the energy of institutions during these past three months. In fact, a functional institutional vacuum has hampered progress on a full panoply of governance priorities. Important economic and social opportunities were missed during the period, for example, from the resources that continue to be available through the European Stabilisation and Association mechanism. In late July, the International Monetary Fund cancelled the final instalment of its two-year funding arrangement in the absence of a fully-authorized Government to complete its review.”
2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source
“While this is not dramatically different from the 2014 elections, it was notable that many new voters participated, with variations across Kosovo, ranging from below 30 per cent in some districts to above 60 per cent in others. In Serb areas, the turnout was the highest recorded in recent times. We should remember that Kosovo Serbs have evolved from a position of boycotting Kosovo elections to partial participation to active participation. The election did not generate a momentum for change in the participation of women. While political entities observed the gender quota under the electoral law, women's representation in leadership remained limited. There are no female candidates for Prime Minister and few mentioned as likely in a future cabinet.”
2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source
“The official European Union (EU) observer mission noted this, while at the same time also mentioning the longstanding issues of updating the voting lists and ensuring the enfranchisement of voters outside of Kosovo. We recognize the important contribution of the EU observer team and other observers during the election, and also wish to highlight the role of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in facilitating the vote in northern municipalities and providing technical assistance to the Central Election Commission. Importantly, there was no significant dispute of the results. The overall turnout was 41 per cent.”
2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source
“As a result, we see a shift in the configuration of the political landscape of Kosovo, one of the most significant in many years. One factor that may have contributed to this shift is a tidal wave of change in the mind of many voters, particularly the younger generation, for whom jobs, access to education and economic opportunities, reducing corruption and strengthening the rule of law were prominent concerns. Ethno-nationalist rhetoric appeared less effective to galvanize the majority of the electorate into action than in the past. The new political environment after the election is obviously affecting all parties positioning themselves for municipal elections, due to take place in October. Thirdly, there is no doubt that the election was generally free, fair and competitive, despite the very short preparation time and campaign.”
2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source
“Mr. Tanin: This quarter was dominated by the holding of an early general election in Kosovo, and ensuing lengthy negotiations, deal-making and bargaining to form a new Government. As we meet today, these discussions are still in progress. At the outset, allow me to make a few observations about this process. First, the decision to call an early election was a deliberate one. A broken unity of understanding brought an end to the ruling coalition; however, those parties that sought a more decisive majority may have fallen short of their expectations. Secondly, the transition phase has proved to be very challenging. The main coalition was unable to achieve an outright majority. Some parties improved their share marginally, while the long-standing opposition gained significantly.”
2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source
“I hope the members of the Council can continue to use their considerable influence to encourage democratic institutions to serve the real needs ofthe people and to encourage leaders in Belgrade and Pristina to proceed with visionary dialogue, in their own and their people's true common interest. Our Mission continues to work to support those ends with all our means and in full partnership and cooperation with local and international partners. The Council's authority remains absolutely indispensable for ensuring accountability and for recognizing the leaders who understand that their political success is measured through the well-being of the people. I take this opportunity once again to thank all members of the Council for their ongoing support of our Mission.”
2017-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7940 (2017) · source
“This mechanism is crucial for implementation of the Law on the Special Protective Zones and is a platform for discussion of the full range of issues in the area of protecting cultural heritage. Included among those is the continuing obstruction by the Decan/Decani authorities of the Kosovo Constitutional Court's ruling on property belonging to the Visoki Deeani Orthodox Monastery. The central authorities have yet to cancel the procedure for privatizing the formerly disputed land, despite the clear legal decision by Kosovo's highest court. Improving the situation in Kosovo and the region requires leadership that transcends ethno-national divisions, rather than amplify them. Overcoming such destructive challenges is the European spirit to which all regional actors aspire.”
2017-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7940 (2017) · source
“We will continue to support women who take courageous stands to shape a better future for Kosovo. Furthermore, UNMIK has worked to implement resolution 2250 (20l5), focusing on youth. On 11 May, UNMIK hosted the second in a series on meetings entitled "Stories from the other side", which brings together young people from Kosovo's diverse communities. Identifying their shared perspective, they come up with new ideas for tackling current social problems in Kosovo. I wish to make special mention of the efforts of the EU Special Representative in Kosovo aimed at reinvigorating the Implementation and Monitoring Council for the protection of cultural heritage, which reconvened during this reporting period after a long hiatus.”
2017-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7940 (2017) · source
“The missing persons issue is an open wound that inhibits societal reconciliation, but I have been struck by the spirit of unity at the centre, which is calling for better performance by politicians and public institutions in both Belgrade and in Pristina in order to bring answers to those who have already suffered too long without such answers. On 15 March, UNMIK hosted a Global Open Day on Women and Peace and Security, which convened more than 100 dignitaries, journalists and political and civil society leaders to foment a debate about the role of women in societal reconciliation. The event's keynote address was delivered by former Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga. We were highly impressed by the diversity of the participants and the constructive manner in which they were willing and able to discuss difficult issues.”
2017-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7940 (2017) · source
“In this past quarter, I had the opportunity to meet and talk with municipal mayors in Gjilan/anilane, Pristina, north Mitrovica and south Mitrovica. I witnessed real commitment to promoting cooperation between the communities and to resolving real issues in the daily lives and needs of people. I have been exposed not to political rhetoric, but rather to serious work aimed at building a tolerant and inclusive society. Particularly encouraging is the establishment, by the associations of Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serb families of missing persons of a shared resource centre. Supported by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), the centre brings the families of missing persons together to encourage dialogue and common efforts.”
2017-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7940 (2017) · source
“One must ask, what place does such rhetoric have in 2017? What should any person, be they Albanian or Serb, make of such statements? Such language and such thinking produces real effects on the ground. There were a notable cluster of security incidents centred on the city of Mitrovica, including physical assaults, including some in which weapons were used. Under the important agreements brokered by the European Union, a long-anticipated and positive development is the expected opening of the city's main bridge to vehicular traffic. Yet in the current climate, expectations are tinged with anxiety and fear, rather than optimism. Constructive engagement continues to be possible, and we witness this fact on the ground every day. I have continued meeting municipal and community leaders throughout all parts of Kosovo.”
2017-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7940 (2017) · source
“The President of Serbia's National Council of Albanians went further, saying, "now is a key moment for Albania and Kosovo to show Serbia that this is a part of Albania that must not be touched", referring to mixed-ethnicity municipalities in southern Serbia. In reaction, Serbian Cabinet Minister Aleksandar Vulin stated that Greater Albania "can only be accomplished by a great Balkan war". He further stated that "Albanians must be aware that they will have to fight their own wars and that they will pay for the wars Haradinaj is trying to cause with the heads of their own children". Whatever the real intent behind such remarks, some issues have moved from a more academic or semi-academic debate to the political level. Such suggestions can also fuel fears and tensions and lead to something much worse.”
2017-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7940 (2017) · source
“Another issue that has received a great deal of attention is the question of regional and subregional unions, should the enlargement of the European Union stall. Again, I will report to the Council on what we have heard from different leaders during the reporting period. In a mid-April interview the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, stated, "[e]veryone would like to unite in the big union. But if there is no hope, no perspective, no space, then, of course, smaller unions may happen". Other politicians seized the moment to shape this statement into an expression of nationalist intent. President Hashim Thaci remarked, "[if] the EU continues with the delay and the unclear approach", then "all Albanians in the region will live in one unified State in order to proceed with integration into the European family".”
2017-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7940 (2017) · source
“Upon his return to Kosovo, on 27 April, Ramush Haradinaj himself referred to Serbia's extradition request as "a call to war", referred to the "enemy, Serbia" and threatened "we will do to them far worse than we did back then," referring to the highest point of the war, in 1999. Outgoing Serbian President Nikolic' compared Haradinaj to a "rabid dog that has tasted human flesh". Such statements directly and negatively affect the atmosphere among the communities in Kosovo. Are these responsible statements? Such incitements to hatred fall outside the realm of civil political discourse. They throw us into a situation where, as has been said, reason would be consumed in the flames of irresponsible and unnecessary behaviour.”
2017-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7940 (2017) · source
“In relation to Serbia's request for the extradition from France of Ramush Haradinaj, leader of the political party Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, prior to the decision of the French authorities, the Kosovo Assembly, on 9 March, adopted a resolution calling for suspension of the European Union-facilitated dialogue with Belgrade until Mr. Haradinaj had been released. It is hoped that the resolution will now be rescinded. In a television interview in early April, prominent Assembly Member Daut Haradinaj, the brother of Ramush Haradinaj, warned of an "ethnically clean Kosovo" if judicial authorities in France were to rule in favour of Serbia's extradition request for his brother.”
2017-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7940 (2017) · source
“The frequent electoral cycles are part of a continuum of distraction that is not helping to advance the European Union-led dialogue or the implementation of its central agreements, such as the association/community of Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo. In practical terms, the dialogue has been at a standstill for some months now; its resumption is of the greatest importance. Besides the limited progress seen in the dialogue process, public communications during this reporting period unfortunately slid back into intolerant and ethno-nationalist sloganeering. This tendency should be followed closely and is a matter of deep concern. Instead of elaborating on this trend, I would like to review what we have heard from different leaders during this period.”
2017-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7940 (2017) · source
“Regardless of the motives of the perpetrators, I cannot sufficiently stress the importance of a swift and full investigation, this terrible incident having taken place at the outset of the political campaign. It is my responsibility to inform the Council of progress made and the challenges that remain, identifying dangers and dissecting the complexities of the current situation. It is important to note that the Mitrovica wall dispute was resolved peacefully through negotiations, and that the initial determination to form a Kosovo army via legislative amendments has calmed. However, the relations between Pristina and Belgrade are still not at ease.”
2017-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7940 (2017) · source
“The decision to call an early parliamentary election in Kosovo in June following the collapse of the governing alliance, and the lines painstakingly forged in 2014 were a significant development. The outcome of the election may draw a different future for Kosovo. The next Government, regardless of its composition, will nonetheless continue to face numerous pressing challenges. Elections provide opportunities for the renewal of political will and direction, as well as for greater diversity in leadership and representation - for example, greater engagement with youth. I must express my shock, shared by many in Kosovo, at the attack this past weekend on Arbana Xharra, a prominent media figure who recently entered electoral politics.”
2017-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7940 (2017) · source
“Mr. Tanin: The Security Council has before it the report (S/2017/387) of the Secretary-General covering the period of January to April 2017. Much has transpired since the reporting period ended on 15 April, and I will share the main facts and some observations about the more recent developments. The last quarter witnessed fluctuating tensions and fragility; however, the situation remains generally stable. Escalation has been avoided in several instances as a result of external diplomatic interventions, but the necessary level of trust in Pristina and Belgrade has been further eroded by a number of irresponsible and inflammatory statements. Both sides have repeatedly accused one another ofprovocation whereas the process of normalization of relations requires cooperation.”
2017-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7940 (2017) · source
“As I have reported to the Council over the past months, UNMIK has brought a newly calibrated focus to its work, providing applicable support where it is most suited and working to ensure that the parties, the EU-centred political process and all our international organizational partners benefit from well-coordinated and constant partnership on the ground. In doing so, we are grateful for the close support we receive from all members of the Council. I thank the Council most sincerely for the ongoing support.”
2017-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7891 (2017) · source
“Last week in the Security Council (see S/PV.7886), the Secretary-General highlighted the danger of instability in the Western Balkans region. Any tension or potential crisis between Belgrade and Pristina cannot be seen in isolation from the challenges that the region already faces. Good-neighbourly relations, dedication to a common future within a united European space and a commitment to human rights and the rule of law and resolving disputes only through the peaceful means of dialogue and compromise are essential for Kosovo, as they are for the entire region.”
2017-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7891 (2017) · source
“Through the current five-year plan coordinated by the Office of the Prime Minister, the authorities of Kosovo are also focusing on a holistic approach to the issue, including in the educational anddevelopmental spheres. That important work can also benefit from strong support and coordination with global efforts. Coordinated responses and engagement during the recent period of increased tensions, notably involving the European Union, the Kosovo Force, UNMIK and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, among others, once again confirmed the importance of the ongoing international engagement in the maintenance of peace and stability in Kosovo and the region. Stability in Kosovo and the normalization of relations between Pristina and Belgrade are part of the broader effort to improve stability in the Western Balkans.”
2017-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7891 (2017) · source
“Addressing unemployment, making progress in the rule of law and fighting corruption remain central for all people in Kosovo. People who find little hope or prospects within society experience frustration and isolation. Many will gravitate to alternative paths, including those leading to religious radicalization and violent extremism. As noted in the Secretary-General's report, the threat of violent extremism and terrorism remains real in Kosovo and throughout the region. The professional work of Kosovo's security bodies continues, while better integration into regional and international approaches can greatly leverage these efforts.”
2017-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7891 (2017) · source
“It is also important to recall that such initiatives are parts of a greater whole; the EU-facilitated dialogue itself is also one part, as is the serious work under way to provide for the many victims of the conflict in Kosovo who still await justice. Among the most essential international principles and practices for conducting truth and reconciliation processes in the post-conflict setting are impartiality, independence, transparency, complementarity with other efforts, full consultation with and the participation of all stakeholders involved, and, ultimately, commitment to the due diligence and care required for such a sensitive process. Concentrated work needs to continue in order to improve the social and economic situation in Kosovo.”
2017-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7891 (2017) · source
“Success in the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina is interlinked with long- term and sustainable societal reconciliation among Kosovo's communities. Courageous leadership and positive actions are important to promoting changes in attitudes. We recognize and appreciate a number of significant steps taken by some leaders, and encourage more sustained efforts to move beyond the past and to focus on the future. Along with all my international colleagues in Kosovo, I took careful note of the recently announced initiative to explore the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission as one additional mechanism to open internal dialogue between the communities in Kosovo. Any such initiative should be lauded and given as much support as needed to encourage success.”
2017-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7891 (2017) · source
“Disputes between the Government and opposition remain acrimonious. Disputes between the governing parties are also visible, as is dissent within governing parties. Major stakeholders feel pressure to position themselves for the electoral cycles, too often at the expense of time and energy that can be devoted to governance. Belgrade is also engaged in a political campaign surrounding the presidential elections in April. It is paramount to ensure that electoral politics do not disrupt vital processes and the kind of progress that is built up only with sustained time and effort, beyond the fluctuations of political seasons. The normalization of relations, reconciliation and justice all belong to that broader horizon.”
2017-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7891 (2017) · source