YouSaid · the spoken record

Tatham

lines on the record: 248
first: 2011-07-27
most recent: 2015-02-06
sittings or episodes: 35
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

“I thank the Committee Chairs for their important briefings to the Council today. Terrorism is regrettably an agile and evolving threat that requires us to be a step ahead and to anticipate developments. Since our last meeting on this subject (see S/PV.7071), the Council has taken further steps to address the threat of terrorism. In December, the Council adopted resolution 2129 (2013), directing the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate to implement its core mandate of assessing States' implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) and to identify emerging issues, trends and developments. One serious emerging trend is terrorists' kidnapping for ransom payments to finance their operations. That is a significant challenge for us as we seek to constrict terrorist financing, and it is a terrible threat to nationals of all countries.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7184 (2014) · source
“The Council is rightly very focused on the prevention of sexual violence. The United Kingdom supports efforts to deal effectively and sensitively with the consequences of sexual violence on those tragic occasions where it has happened. The United Kingdom welcomes the fact that the challenge is being addressed in Kosovo. Finally, the United Kingdom reiterates its view that the Council should consider reducing the frequency with which we meet for these debates. The overall positive backdrop makes that, in our View, an appropriate step.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“The Kosovo Security Force cannot, in our view, be classed as such, given that it is multi-ethnic and controlled by the civil State. Reference has been made in statements today to Kosovo Albanians participating in foreign conflicts. We welcome the fact that there has been strong condemnation of such participation by numerous local and international actors, including the Islamic community of Kosovo. We also note the stated intention of the Kosovo authorities to establish clear legislation prohibiting such participation. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the launch by President Jahjaga in Kosovo on 7 March of a national council for survivors of sexual violence. I also note subsequent legislative amendments adopted by the Kosovo Assembly to recognize and protect survivors of sexual violence.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“We recognize that steps have been taken, but full implementation of the dialogue agreement is not yet in sight. It is essential that the establishment of the association of Serb-majority municipalities and its statute be agreed on soon, and that other commitments, such as on the judiciary and on telecommunications and energy, are concluded without further delay. We also call on both sides to ensure the maximum participation of all communities in Kosovo's upcoming national elections. I would like to react to concerns that have been expressed by some about the proposed transition of the Kosovo Security Force into the Kosovo armed forces. Neither the Kosovo Security Force nor the Kosovo armed forces is mentioned or prohibited by resolution 1244 (1999). The resolution does make specific reference to armed Kosovo Albanian groups.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“The United Kingdom congratulates both Serbia and Kosovo on their efforts so far to normalize relations through the EU-faciliated dialogue. The Secretary- General's report (S/2014/305) rightly refers to the remarkable progress achieved since the start of the dialogue at prime-ministerial level in October 2012. It is now vital to sustain and build on that progress. It is perhaps inevitable that the combination of Serbian elections and forthcoming elections in Kosovo have resulted in a slowdown in the pace of the dialogue; nevertheless, we hope that the next meeting will take place soon, and we urge both sides to redouble their efforts, to avoid losing the impressive earlier momentum. We urge both Belgrade and Pristina to continue implementing the First Agreement of Principles Governing the Normalization of Relations of 19 April 2013.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“In particular, we urge continued cooperation with EULEX operations on the part of communities and elected leaders in the north of Kosovo. We strongly condemn the attack on the EULEX convoy last month, and call on those with information about that incident, and about the murder of the Lithuanian customs officer last September, to help the police with their inquiries. We are pleased to note the Kosovo Assembly's decision to establish the framework for a special court to hear any cases that may arise from the report of the EULEX Special Investigative Task Force, led by Clint Williamson. This has been a major achievement, and it demonstrates Kosovo's willingness to confront difficult rule-of-law issues. We urge all parties to continue to support this important judicial process.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“Regarding internal progress, the United Kingdom notes in particular the conclusion of local elections in Mitrovica North, and looks forward to similarly successful parliamentary elections next month. Before its dissolution, the Kosovo Assembly undertook two significant steps towards strengthening Kosovo's relationship with the European Union. The United Kingdom welcomes its ratification of an exchange of letters to extend the mandate of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) for two years, and the signing of the agreement on the content of the Stabilization and Association Agreement between the European Union and Kosovo. We continue to support the important work of EULEX, including its assistance in the implementation of the EU-facilitated dialogue agreements.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“A team from London has travelled to Belgrade to look at how we can assist in a needs assessment to make the best possible use of the international support now and in future reconstruction efforts. The United Kingdom expresses its solidarity with the Serbian people, and indeed all those in the region who are suffering as a result of this natural disaster. Turning to the subject of the debate, the United Kingdom welcomes Kosovo's continued progress both internally and on the international stage. We welcome the fact that Kosovo is recognized by more than half the United Nations Member States, and we encourage those countries that have not yet recognized Kosovo to do so.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo, Mr. Farid Zarif, for his briefing today. I am delighted to welcome to the Council Her Excellency President Atifete Jahjaga and His Excellency President Tomislav Nikolic'. We recognize that President Nikolie's visit comes at a very difficult time for Serbia, following the catastrophic flooding and tragic loss of life that his country has experienced in recent weeks. It has been devastating for the hundreds of thousands affected in Serbia and across the region. My Government is providing support in response to the floods through the coordinated approach of the European Union (EU).”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“We commend his continued close and collaborative working relationship with High Representative Inzko. We are deeply concerned by the fragility of the political and security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The United Kingdom shares the High Representative's assessment that the European Union-led peacekeeping force Operation Althea continues to play a central role in supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina's own efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment. We will therefore support the retention of that vital asset when its mandate comes up for renewal later in the year.”
2014-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7176 (2014) · source
“The country has a clear route towards EU and NATO membership, which will provide the proven framework for peace, security and regional cooperation. The United Kingdom is fully supportive of that goal and will do everything it can to facilitate progress. But Bosnia and Herzegovina's leaders need to work together with their own citizens to create real change and make progress on the country's Euro-Atlantic future. In that regard, we strongly support the role of EU Special Representative Peter Sarensen, who has put together a package of measures to drive reform in the country. The United Kingdom endorses those initiatives, such as the May conference on a compact for growth. The EU Special Representative will play a vital role in re-energizing the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2014-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7176 (2014) · source
“Bosnia and Herzegovina's leaders are obliged to cooperate with the High Representative and the international organizations and agencies set out in the Dayton Peace Accords and provide them with the necessary access to officials, institutions and documents in order to let them carry out their mandate. The United Kingdom strongly supports the efforts of the European Union (EU) and NATO to help the country make progress on its Euro-Atlantic path and work towards delivering the "5+2" conditionality that would enable a closure of the Office of the High Representative. But it is clear that we are not there yet. Bosnia and Herzegovina's leaders need to demonstrate that they are genuine partners for reform.”
2014-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7176 (2014) · source
“Bosnia and Herzegovina's leaders should be in no doubt that the international community is unwavering in our commitment to the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sovereign and united country. In that context we welcome the constructive approach taken by Bosnia and Herzegovina's regional neighbours, including the Prime Minister of Serbia's visit to Sarajevo on 13 May and his clear affirmation of the Dayton Agreement and Bosnia and Herzegovina's territorial integrity. The United Kingdom calls on all signatories to the Dayton Agreement to abide by their commitments. It is entirely unacceptable that the authorities in Republika Srpska have failed to cooperate with the Office of the High Representative.”
2014-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7176 (2014) · source
“As the High Representative has said, that is a fundamental change in the political dynamics that is very necessary. The political space needs to be filled with a genuine commitment to promoting the interests of Bosnian citizens, not with divisive nationalist rhetoric. We support the High Representative's view that an engaged and proactive civil society is vital for the country's democratic future. Both Bosnia and Herzegovina's politicians and the international community should continue to engage with those domestic voices for change. A strong sense of local ownership will be the key to delivering those aspirations for reform. We share the High Representative's concern regarding the recent increase in divisive rhetoric from politicians in Bosnia and Herzegovina seeking to manipulate the protests into an ethnic issue.”
2014-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7176 (2014) · source
“The violence and protests that broke out in February in several major cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina - like others, we regret that those briefly turned violent - were a clear demonstration of the population's deep dissatisfaction with the country's current situation. That should be a wake-up call for Bosnia and Herzegovina's leaders and for the international community. We must now focus on turning that difficult moment into an opportunity for all the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. That requires a unified international response that sets out a new commitment to a broader agenda in the country. For their part, Bosnia and Herzegovina's leaders need to engage fully with domestic grievances, in particular those centred on socioeconomic issues.”
2014-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7176 (2014) · source
“I would like to join others in welcoming High Representative Valentin Inzko back to the Council and to thank him for his comprehensive and objective report (S/2014/ 314, annex). The United Kingdom strongly supports the work of the High Representative and his ongoing commitment to ensure the implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords against significant political and security challenges. The United Kingdom shares the High Representative's deep concern over the ongoing situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country's development has been brought to a halt by economic and political stagnation. There continues to be no substantive progress towards European Union and NATO membership and there has been a worrying increase in secessionist rhetoric and civil unrest.”
2014-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7176 (2014) · source
“As the Council begins to consider how best to support the Haitian authorities after the end of the consolidation plan, now is the time for them to assume the responsibilities conferred on them by Haitian people. The Government cannot rely on MINUSTAH to be in Haiti forever, and cannot shirk their obligations in the hope that the international community will fill the gap. Lastly, we echo the Secretary-General's view that it has become imperative for the national authorities to assume greater responsibility in establishing the rule of law and in preparations for the next elections. Doing so will provide the political stability necessary for economic investment, and we urge the Haitian authorities to fulfil those responsibilities to safeguard Haiti's future.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“We look forward to hearing the outcomes of that assessment in the next report of the Secretary-General. We welcome the fact that the Secretary-General's recent report sets out a broad range of options, particularly given what we have just heard about political progress and continued improvement in the performance of the Haitian National Police, and if those welcome trends are sustained, we believe we should be ready to consider ambitious options for the United Nations presence post-2016 that prioritize Haitian ownership. The future of Haiti is in the hands of the national authorities. Only they can build on MINUSTAH's efforts and consolidate the gains of the past few years.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“We agree with the report of the Secretary-General that the functions likely to remain relevant beyond 2016 will be continued support for the development of the Haitian National Police, consolidation of political stabilization gains through good offices, continued strengthening of the rule of law through security sector and legislative reforms, and the promotion and protection of human rights. With those tasks in mind, we agree with the report's assessment that the future United Nations presence in Haiti will need to have a more tailored mandate and a lighter footprint so as to ensure that the United Nations presence is appropriate to Haiti's needs today. We now await the outcomes of the strategic assessment and urge that to be conducted as soon as possible.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“The Haitian National Police are more visible, more proactive and more in the lead of security operations across Haiti. We applaud the advances made in recruitment, training and operational responsibility. At the same time, in order to complement improvements in the Haitian National Police, the judicial and prison sectors must make similar advances. More work is necessary, in particular on the part of the Government of Haiti, to develop justice and accountability institutions. Today, those institutions provide limited access to justice, are weak and open to influence and maintain pre-trial detention periods that are unacceptable, and that must change.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“Dialogue between the executive and parliamentary branches of Government and the political parties in Haiti is essential to resolve the political impasse. We urge all parties to address democratic governance, elections and constitutional amendments through the national dialogue process. As the Special Representative of the Secretary-General said, a path has been prepared towards inclusive and transparent elections. It is essential that that path be followed in 2014, leading to a clear destination in the form of the holding of elections. We are pleased to see that the benchmarks laid out in the consolidation plan are on track, and we welcome the Secretary-General's assessment that those could be accelerated, given the progress in Haiti to date.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“As we see from the Secretary-General's report (S/2014/162), notable progress has been made in areas such as rehousing internally displaced persons, building the capacity of the Haitian National Police, who are taking greater responsibility for security throughout the country, and the striking downward trend in major crimes. We also welcome the economic growth reported by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the building block that that provides for sustainable development. However, those gains can be threatened by a lack of political progress in holding elections. In order to ensure Haiti's future development and stability, long- overdue local, municipal and partial senatorial elections must be held.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Sandra Honore, for her briefing today. We recognize the continued contribution of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) to stability and progress in Haiti, and I would like to thank the departing Force Commander, Lieutenant General Edson Leal Pujol, for his service in MINUSTAH. We would also like to welcome Lieutenant General Jose Luiz Jaborandy Jr. as the new Force Commander. Haiti stands in a stronger position today than it has for some time in recent history.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“The United Kingdom will continue working closely with him and his team in Vienna to ensure that our shared vision for the OSCE as a forum for dialogue and cooperation across an often divided region can be advanced during 2014.”
2014-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7117 (2014) · source
“Since then, the OSCE has played a positive role in efforts to support a peaceful solution through the good offices of the OSCE for mediation. We welcome the announcement that Mr. Burkhalter has appointed the respected Swiss diplomat Tim Guldimann as his personal envoy to Ukraine. The United Kingdom is committed to supporting a stable, united and economically prosperous Ukraine. The role of the international community must be to allow ordinary Ukrainians to decide their future. That is not a zero-sum game. All in the international community want a stable and prosperous Ukraine. We all now need to work together help restore stability and protect Ukraine's economy. I again thank Mr. Burkhalter for his presentation today.”
2014-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7117 (2014) · source
“That Government must now move rapidly to build a stable, inclusive and fair political system and work to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Ukraine. They must create the conditions that will allow for free and fair elections in May and ensure accountability for the serious human rights violations and acts of violence that we have witnessed during the past three months. We hope the Government will call on the undoubted expertise of the OSCE. Free and fair elections are crucial for rebuilding the confidence of Ukrainians and avoiding future tension. We would like to pay tribute to the work of the OSCE in Ukraine. Last December's OSCE Ministerial Council took place in Kiev against a backdrop of large-scale public protests.”
2014-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7117 (2014) · source
“An important focus for the international community, including the OSCE, is the current situation in Ukraine, which has seen serious violence and dramatic developments in recent days. That violence has led to the deaths of more than 80 people and left more than 600 injured. Such horrific scenes have no place in twenty-first century Europe. Our condolences go out to the families of all those who lost their lives, and our sympathies to go those injured. Events have been moving swiftly in Ukraine, as Yanukovych has left Kiev. In his absence, the Ukrainian Parliament has voted in a series of decrees by large majorities, the details of which were circulated to Council members this morning in a letter from the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations. They include the formation of a unity Government.”
2014-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7117 (2014) · source
“With regard to the latter, I would like to stress the inclusion of preventing sexual violence in conflict. We also welcome the Swiss focus this year on the Western Balkans, where the OSCE has a long- standing presence. It can add value there to the actions of the European Union and other international organizationsm - for example, through election facilitation, through intercommunity relations, on media freedom and on the rule of law. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, we have been deeply concerned by the violence that has accompanied recent protests. Those protests must be a wake-up call for all ofus. There needs to be a major international effort to help strengthen Bosnia and Herzegovina's institutions and its territorial integrity. The OSCE will undoubtedly have a role in that effort.”
2014-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7117 (2014) · source
“As Chair ofthe Security Committee, the United Kingdom is working closely with the OSCE chairmanship to develop many of those priorities. We welcome the focus on counter- terrorism, notably on disrupting terrorist financing, by working in support of resolution 2133 (2014) to end revenue streams obtained by kidnap for ransom. We also welcome the OSCE's continuing work in a number of other areas, not least those related to resolution 1540 (2004), on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and subsequent resolutions to encourage regional bodies to assist in implementation; resolution 2117 (2013), on small arms and light weapons, including in relation to the Arms Trade Treaty; and resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security.”
2014-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7117 (2014) · source
“I would like to join my colleagues in welcoming the President of the Swiss Confederation, His Excellency Mr. Didier Burkhalter, to the Council today, and to thank him for setting out his priorities as Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The United Kingdom strongly supports the OSCE. As a major regional security organization in the European space, it is well-placed to complement many areas of the work of the United Nations. The strength of the OSCE's institutions means that, when the will of all its participating States is present, the OSCE can significantly contribute to the promotion of security, stability, democracy and the rule of law across its region. I would like to express the United Kingdom's strong support for Swiss priorities in the OSCE.”
2014-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7117 (2014) · source
“Given the encouraging trend, the United Kingdom reiterates the proposal that the Council consider reducing the frequency with which we meet for these debates.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“Following the December 2013 European Council's unanimous agreement to open accession negotiations with Serbia and to the condition that, before joining the EU, Serbia must normalize its relations with Kosovo, we look forward to Kosovo being formally bound into a corresponding programme of reform and dialogue by completing a stabilization and association agreement as soon as possible. The United Kingdom welcomes the continuing international trend towards further recognitions of Kosovo, and it encourages those countries that have not yet done so to recognize Kosovo and, accordingly, to contribute to regional stability. Finally, it is heartening that once again we are reviewing a report of the Secretary-General that underlines significant progress in Kosovo, and, of course, long may that continue.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“We are right to recognize that both Prime Ministers have demonstrated courage and political leadership in their commitment to the process, but it is important now that both sides implement the day-to-day details of the dialogue agreements so that the process develops a momentum of its own. More ownership is needed at the working level to turn those compromises into realities on the ground and to explain the process to the people whom it will affect, particularly the inhabitants of northern Kosovo. The United Kingdom welcomed the opening of stabilization and association agreement negotiations between Kosovo and the EU in October 2013.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“Both Belgrade and Pristina must continue with the implementation of the 19 April Agreement in the European Union-facilitated dialogue. Steps have been taken, such as the beginning of the integration of former Ministry of Internal Affairs special police officers into the Kosovo police. It is crucial that the progress continue, including after the upcoming municipal electoral processes. The association of Serbian-majority municipalities in Kosovo should be established as quickly as possible after the municipal election rerun on 23 February, in accordance with the 19 April Agreement. The normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is integral to both countries' European Union (EU) accession paths, and the full implementation of the dialogue agreement is necessary to unlock progress.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“We continue to support the important work of EULEX, including its assistance on the implementation of dialogue agreements, the integration of institutions in the north under Kosovo's jurisdiction and on strengthening the rule of law in Kosovo. We encourage further cooperation between Kosovo and Serbia on the issue of missing persons, including through both national commissions. That is an extremely sensitive process for the families involved and is crucial for reconciliation in the region. EULEX has made a valuable contribution to that work, and we stress the importance of retaining its Department of Forensic Medicine as part of the current strategic review. The Secretary-General's report (S/2014/68) also makes clear that progress in 2013 must now be consolidated and serve as a basis for further achievements in the coming months.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“The European Union Election Observation Mission, supported by 34 local observer teams from diplomatic representations in Pristina, assessed the election process to have been, by and large, free and fair and orderly. That demonstrates that political will and determination can translate into a cleaner and fair process. The United Kingdom welcomes the particiption for the first time of citizens from the four northern municipalities. We congratulate the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe for successfully fulfilling its facilitatin role in the north and commend the robust security arrangements that were put in place by the Kosovo police, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and NATO following unrest in northern Mitrovica during the first round of the elections.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“I thank the Secretary- General's Special Representative for Kosovo, Mr. Farid Zarif, for his briefing today. I am also delighted to welcome to the Council His Excellency Prime Minister Hashim Thaci of Kosovo and His Excellency Prime Minister Ivica Daeie of Serbia. The United Kingdom is grateful for the Secretary- General's comprehensive report (S/2014/68). As the report notes, 2013 was indeed a year of significant political progress in Kosovo. The United Kingdom notes in particular the largely successful local elections held at the end of the year. We once again welcome the efforts of both Serbia and Kosovo to encourage a large turnout to those polls.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“Against that backdrop, we wonder whether the Council should be considering reducing the frequency with which it meets to discuss this matter.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“That step marks a new phase in Kosovo's relationship with the European Union, NATO and the United Nations. Kosovo is now recognized by over half of the United Nations States Members. We encourage those countries that have not yet recognized Kosovo to do so. Finally, I would like to comment on the welcome way in which the climate of discussion in the last few debates on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo in the Council has become markedly more positive, as most Council members have been able to come together around welcoming progress in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and welcoming also the increased cooperation and stability that has resulted. Today's meeting so far has sustained that trend.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“Let me take this opportunity to condemn wholeheartedly the attack on EULEX on 19 September and pay tribute to Audrius Senavicius, EULEX's first fatality by hostile action, and to call for the perpetrators of that attack to be brought to justice. We fully and wholeheartedly support the important work of EULEX in Kosovo, including the integration of institutions in the north under Kosovo's jurisdiction. We welcome the renewed engagement by both Belgrade and Pristina in the dialogue and we look forward to further tangible results. The United Kingdom welcomed the launch of negotiations on 28 October for a stabilization and association agreement between Kosovo and the European Union, the first milestone on the path to eventual European Union membership.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“We welcome the commitment to that dialogue shown by the Governments of Kosovo and Serbia and agree with the Secretary-General that both Belgrade and Pristina are displaying vision and perseverance through their commitment to dialogue. The normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is integral to both countries' European Union accession paths. Both parties must continue to implement fully the dialogue agreement in order to unlock progress. Kosovo and Serbia must also continue to communicate the benefits of the agreement and work together to improve the integration of Kosovo Serbs in the north. The continued assistance of EULEX in the implementation of the dialogue agreements will be indispensable.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“Cooperation between the OSCE, the Kosovo police, EULEX and KF OR was exemplary. Those timely reruns prove that political will and coordination can translate into a broadly secure and successful outcome. Ahead of the parliamentary elections next year, Pristina should implement a wider reform of its electoral process. The United Kingdom is encouraged by the renewed momentum in the European Union-facilitated Kosovo- Serbia dialogue, including the progress made on energy and telecommunication. We look forward to seeing both parties continue to implement the relevant agreements faithfully and to resolve any outstanding issues expeditiously.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“The United Kingdom condemns the Violent actions of a minority of extremists on 3 November, including the storming of three polling stations in northern Mitrovica. We call on the relevant authorities to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice. It was important that all constituencies in Kosovo were able to participate in the elections. We welcome the commitment shown by Prime Ministers Thaci and Dacie to the municipal elections, particularly in their prompt meeting after 3 November to discuss next steps for the electoral process. That underlines the value of the dialogue they have established as a means of carefully managing potentially sensitive situations. We welcome the peaceful conduct of the rerun polling in northern Mitrovica on 17 November.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“I thank the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Kosovo, Mr. Farid Zarif, for his briefing today. I am delighted to also welcome to the Council His Excellency Mr. Hashim Thaci, Prime Minister of Kosovo, and His Excellency Mr. Ivica Dacie, Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia. The United Kingdom joins others in welcoming the largely successful local elections held in Kosovo on 3 November and the efforts of both Serbia and Kosovo to encourage a large turn out. I also commend the contribution of international organizations, including the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), the Kosovo Force (KFOR) and the European Union Election Observation Mission.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“Political pressure has been exerted on State level judicial institutions on a number of ocassions this year, and we welcome the recent statement by the European Union, the Office of the High Representative and the United States calling on the National Assembly of the Republika Srpska to respect and observe the independence of the judiciary. Many of the underlying political challenges and tensions that remain in Bosnia and Herzegovina are at risk of worsening as we approach the elections in October 2014. We support the High Representative's assessment that the European Union Force-Operation Althea continues to play a crucial role in efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment. We welcome the Council's agreement to renew its mandate for a further 12 months.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“We share the High Representative's concern and condemnation of those in the Republika Srpska who continue to challenge the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We join other Council members in condemning such statements, which are pointless and irresponsible. There can be no redrawing of the map, nor can Bosnia and Herzegovina join the European Union as anything other than a single sovereign State. We are also concerned at the continued non-enforcement of constitutional court decisions, particularly in Mostar, where local elections have now been delayed for over a year.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“Protests in June over the single identification number issue show that citizens are dissatisfied with Bosnia and Herzegovina's political leaders' inaction. That this issue was not resolved until earlier this month demonstrates the elected representatives' unwillingness or inability to engage with issues of significant public concern. The United Kingdom urges the political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to move forward from this stagnant political context. They need to understand they are responsible for the growing anger and frustration of the public, whose interests are steadily suffering from a succession ofpolitical failures outlined in the High Representative's latest report.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“Instead of working to improve the prosperity and welfare of their citizens by making progress towards the European Union, Bosnia and Herzegovina's political leaders seem locked in short-term, narrowly focused zero-sum-game mindsets. That is a road to nowhere in terms of the country's future; indeed, it risks undermining the hard-earned gains of the past 18 years. We are also deeply disappointed at the failure of political leaders to complete the registration of defence property. That failure continues to block the implementation of Bosnia and Herzegovina's NATO membership action plan. Inspite ofpromises in February to the NATO Secretary General and to the Assistant Secretary General in September, political leaders must swiftly work together to fulfil their commitment to the March 2012 agreement and agree a solution.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“We support, as a regrettable necessity, a decision by the European Union Commissioner, Stephan Fuller, to begin cutting Bosnia and Herzegovina's funding for 2013 by â‚¬47 million. The failure to establish an effective mechanism for coordination with the European Union is now calling into question future tranches of sizeable pre-accession assistance funds. Furthermore, the unwillingness of political leaders to adapt Bosnia Herzegovina's Stabilization and Association Agreement following Croatia's accession could have a negative impact on trade between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union. There is a pattern underlying all of those political failures.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“That judgment has now remained unimplemented for nearly four years. It is a judgment crying out for rapid implementation, both to tackle a discriminatory provision in the electoral system and because it is needed to unlock Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU Stabilization and Association Agreement. Yet, despite the tireless work of EU Special Representative Peter Sorensen to facilitate a solution through the EU high-level dialogue on the accession process, Bosnia and Herzegovina's leaders have once again failed to reach agreement in October. It is now becoming increasingly difficult to justify supporting continued pre-accession, given the absence of progress towards pre-accession.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source