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

“There has been no progress on the EU and NATO paths and no movement towards delivering the conditionality of the "5+2" agenda needed for the closure ofthe Office of the High Representative. While we welcome the conduct of the October census - the first in Bosnia and Herzegovina in over 20 years - it is disappointing that many chose to use it as an opportunity for yet more divisive rhetoric, rather than focus on its potential benefits for the country in terms of generating accurate data to inform economic and social planning. Politicians have shown throughout the reporting period that they are unwilling to put the needs of their electorate and their country above their own interests. That is typified by the continued failure to resolve the longstanding Sejdie-Finci constitutional issue.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“In April, Serbia and Kosovo reached a truly significant agreement that created momentum for both of their European Union (EU) perspectives. In July, we saw the accession of Croatia to the European Union, marking an important step forward for the region's future stability and prosperity. That vital progress could not have been achieved without political leaders showing commitment, determination and a willingness to compromise. The results of such political leadership are apparent in terms of the further progress towards European integration structures helping to deliver tangible benefits for their citizens. It is unfortunate that there has been no sign that regional progress has influenced Bosnia and Herzegovina's leaders.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“I join other speakers in welcoming High Representative Valentin Inzko back to the Council, and express the United Kingdom's thanks for his tenth report to the Secretary- General (see S/2013/646, annex). Once again, it is a detailed and sobering report that documents objectively the serious challenges that Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to face. Against that difficult political backdrop, the United Kingdom extends its gratitude to the High Representative for his continued commitment to the implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords. The disappointing lack of political progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the reporting period contrasts starkly with the historic developments that have taken place elsewhere in the Western Balkans region.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“The Kosovo Government should work constructively with international organizations such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which will play a crucial role in facilitating the elections. The United Kingdom is also keen to see wider electoral reform in Kosovo before the end of the year. Kosovo-wide elections will be a significant step towards the integration of all minority communities across Kosovo. Another important part of the process is inter-ethnic reconciliation. In that respect, making progress on the issue of missing persons is crucial. The United Kingdom welcomes the formation of a joint Kosovo Government and civil society working group on dealing with the past. We hope UNMIK and other international organizations will continue to contribute to that process.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“The continued assistance of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and the implementation of dialogue agreements will be indispensable. We support the important role of EULEX, which will help integrate institutions in the north under Kosovo's jurisdiction. To that end, the United Kingdom urges the authorities in Pristina and Belgrade to cooperate fully with EULEX, particularly by ensuring the freedom of movement for all EULEX personnel in the north. I welcome Kosovo's commitment to providing free, fair and democratic municipal elections on 3 November. We urge all those who have influence to encourage wide participation in those elections.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“Those steps need to be consolidated and built upon, so I encourage continued efforts by both the Serbian and the Kosovo Governments in taking those difficult steps, and urge them to reach early agreements on energy and telecommunication. Prime Minister Dacie and Prime Minister Thaci have shown great courage and political leadership thus far. It is vital that the two Governments sustain progress, continue to find compromise and work together to overcome obstacles to implementation. Belgrade must also continue to communicate the benefits of that agreement effectively to the local communities in northern Kosovo, and Pristina must continue to make every effort to encourage the integration of Kosovo Serbs in the north by demonstrating that it supports the rights and cultures of all its minority citizens.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“The United Kingdom hopes that Kosovo will work effectively with the European Commission to ensure that the areas for reform identified in the 2012 feasibility study are addressed. Kosovo must now make even greater strides in improving electoral reform, minority rights and the rule of law. As we have said before, the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia is integral to both countries' European Union accession paths. The full implementation of the dialogue agreement will be crucial to unlocking progress for both Kosovo and Serbia. Special Representative ofthe Secretary-General Zarif has set out in detail some of the important steps that have been taken, and I welcome them.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“It also supports the decision to open accession negotiations with Serbia. Those decisions highlight the way in which improved cooperation and progress in the EU- facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina create opportunities and help yield progress in the EU accession process. Negotiations on the stabilization and association agreement mark a new stage in Kosovo's relationship with the European Union, NATO and the United Nations. To that end, we have encouraged those countries that have not yet recognized Kosovo to do so. It is important that the stabilization and association agreement negotiations begin in the autumn and that they be finalized in good time.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Kosovo, Mr. Farid Zarif, for his briefing today. I am also delighted to welcome to the Council His Excellency Mr. Enver Hoxhaj, Foreign Minister of Kosovo, and His Excellency Mr. Ivan Mrkie, Foreign Minister of Serbia. Kosovo continues to make progress, both internally and on the international stage, and is now recognized by over half of the States Members of the United Nations. The United Kingdom welcomes the European Council's decision of 28 June to open negotiations for a stabilization and association agreement between Kosovo and the European Union. The United Kingdom fully supports the stabilization and association agreement with Kosovo, which is the first milestone on the path to eventual European Union (EU) membership.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“The negative trends that the High Representative illustrates in his report reinforce our assessment that international safeguards and a strengthened EU presence continue to play an important role in ensuring security and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As such, the United Kingdom supports the High Representative's recommendation that the European Union Force-Operation Althea and its executive mandate be retained this year. We look forward to discussions on that matter at the October meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council and at the United Nations Security Council in November.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“These incidents show that political will can be found to act in the national interest, and we must continue to actively encourage the behaviour. But those are regrettably rare examples. Meanwhile, the social, political and economic impacts of inaction are already apparent in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We share the High Representative's concern at the deteriorating economic situation and call on Bosnia and Herzegovina's leaders to ensure that the country is well prepared to weather the economic impact of Croatian accession to the EU in July. Here again, the state of near gridlock that we have witnessed in recent months is very damaging, not just because of the signal it sends to potential investors, but also because it contributes to delay in dispersing international financial assistance for Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“The ongoing disputes and associated institutional gridlock deeply discredit the political parties in the Federation entity. As the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council has pointed out, ensuring the functioning of institutions is not a choice. It is an obligation. We fully support the High Representative's efforts to find a local solution to these issues, and welcome his continued cooperation with the EU Special Representative in pushing for their resolution. There have been rare occasions this year where agreement has been found among Bosnia and Herzegovina's leaders. As the High Representative's report makes clear, the successful reshuffling of the Council of Ministers has led to regular meetings this year. The passing of the State budget on time is also to be welcomed.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“We are disappointed also by the failure to complete the registration of defence property that continues to hamper implementation of Bosnia and Herzegovina's NATO membership action plan, in spite of assurances made by party leaders to NATO Secretary-General Rasmussen during his visit in February. We urge them to fullfil their commitment to the March 2012 agreement. We share the High Representative's concern and condemnation of those in Republika Srpska who continue to advocate the dissolution of Bosnia and Herzegovina. There can be no redrawing of the map or any prospects of Bosnia and Herzegovina joining the European Union as anything other than a single sovereign State. We are also gravely concerned by the sustained political crisis in the Federation and the continued impasse in Mostar.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“As the High Representative notes in his report (S/2013/263*), the European Union has already provided generous support to help facilitate a solution to the European Court of Human Rights Sejdie-Finci ruling, which remains the sole obstacle to Bosnia and Herzegovina's Stabilization and Association Agreement. That the political parties were unable to agree to a deal in spite of that support was deeply disappointing. Unless Bosnia and Herzegovina's governing institutions act quickly and decisively to remedy the situation and find a solution, that has all but ended their chances of submitting a credible membership application this year.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“But that happens only when politicians act decisively and strategically, when they commit themselves to the goal of European Union membership, and when they make sustained efforts to implement the necessary reforms. What we have seen in Bosnia and Herzegovina over the reporting period is that yet again personal and political interests have been prioritized over the needs and ambitions of ordinary citizens, leaving the country to fall farther behind its neighbours on the EU track. We still hope that Bosnia and Herzegovina will be able to make progress towards the European Union this year and to bring its Stabilization and Association Agreement into force. But the ball is in its court.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“We deeply regret that Bosnia and Herzegovina's leaders were unable to seize an important opportunity this year to make tangible progress towardsjoining the European Union (EU) and NATO. The United Kingdom has been a consistent supporter of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Euro-Atlantic ambitions and continues to believe that EU and NATO membership remain the strongest way to ensure the security, stability and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In July, one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's neighbours, Croatia, will join the European Union. There is a lesson here that determined and strategic commitment to the accession process and to related reforms yields results. Reform progress carries aspirant countries forward on the path of European integration. Journeys that seem long and distant in their early stages can end up being completed.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“Iwould like to thank the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Valentin Inzko, forjoining us in the Council today. I would also like tojoin others in our appreciation of his work and his latest report. His detailed and objective analysis of the worsening political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina makes for sobering reading. I wish to convey the United Kingdom's support for the High Representative and his continued commitment to the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement in that context. The United Kingdom shares the High Representative's frustration and concern at the continuing lack of political will to deliver crucial reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina since his last appearance before the Council (see S/PV.6860).”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“We must tackle terrorism in a variety of ways - militarily, of course, but we must also address the narrative that terrorists feed on. We must close down the ungoverned spaces in which they thrive and deal with the grievances they use to garner support. The United Kingdom is committed to working with partners to defeat terrorism. We will use our current chairmanship of the Group of Eight to ensure that these issues remain at the very top of the international agenda.”
2013-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6965 (2013) · source
“The scale of the challenge means that we must engage all the tools at our disposal - diplomatic networks, aid and trade, our political relations and security cooperation. We must also support the building blocks of democracy, such as the rule of law. There is no room for complacency in Somalia. Al-Shabaab remains a deadly threat. However, we believe that the gradual progress being made in Somalia offers a frame of reference. It is an approach that the international community can draw on elsewhere to patiently help rebuild fragile States and address the drivers of terrorism. As the Secretary-General said in his opening remarks, and as many speakers have echoed, the struggle against terrorism must go forward on many fronts and in a multidimensional way.”
2013-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6965 (2013) · source
“As the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom noted in January, "Four years ago, the principal threat from Islamist extremism came from the Afghanistan and Pakistan region. A huge amount has been done to address and reduce the scale of that threat. Whereas at one point three-quarters of the most serious terrorist plots against the United Kingdom had links to that region, today this has reduced to less than half. But at the same time, Al-Qaida franchises have grown in Yemen, Somalia and parts of North Africa." As the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg noted, Somalia illustrates an important point. Just last week, the United Kingdom hosted the Somalia Conference, attended by representatives of 54 countries. It is clear that fighting terrorism alone cannot on its own address the root causes of the problems Somalia faces.”
2013-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6965 (2013) · source
“Terrorism must not be allowed to become an attractive option for those disenfranchised by the status quo. Ransom payments have contributed to the growth of terrorism in Africa. Kidnapping for ransom both supports terrorism and is a form of terrorism itself. The international community must take collective action to combat this problem. We endorse the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum's Algiers memorandum, which provides practical suggestions on how to prevent and resolve terrorist kidnappings, and we welcome the recent experts' meeting in Bogota. We fully support the work of the Financial Action Task Force to improve anti-money-laundering and anti-terrorist-financing frameworks worldwide. Furthermore, we must work together to ensure that the scale of the current threat from terrorism does not grow.”
2013-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6965 (2013) · source
“It can be done, but it will require a tough, intelligent and patient approach. Instability has long been a driver of terrorism. Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups thrive where there is political instability and weak political institutions, and where there has been a failure to address long-standing political or social grievances. The international community must work collaboratively with African nations, taking a comprehensive approach to reducing poverty, developing effective governance and delivering economic progress in order to promote stability. Alongside those efforts, we should continue to seek to understand better what motivates individuals to engage in terrorism and to counter those grievances, be they local, national, regional or international.”
2013-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6965 (2013) · source
“Effectively tackling the threat of terrorism requires a comprehensive approach, including political, economic and humanitarian efforts, as well as operational interventions. The Sanctions Committees must play a crucial role in this, and it is important that all relevant components of the United Nations system work together to counter terrorist challenges, while avoiding duplication across its infrastructure. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force are key mechanisms to that end. The international community should work collaboratively to reduce the drivers of terrorism, counter the radicalization of the vulnerable and support inclusive Government structures that provide the people of Africa with both security and prosperity.”
2013-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6965 (2013) · source
“I thank the Togolese presidency, and in particular His Excellency the President of the Togolese Republic, for organizing and presiding over today's debate on the challenges that terrorism poses to peace and security in Africa. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General and Mr. Abdullahi Shehu for their briefings. There can be no doubt that, sadly and worryingly, terrorism continues to grow in Africa. This reflects the evolution of the terrorist threat we face, which is ever more fragmented and geographically diverse. It threatens the countries and the people of Africa as well as the citizens and interests of countries far beyond Africa's borders, so the international community must work together with the countries of Africa to address the threat. It is a shared challenge for all of us.”
2013-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6965 (2013) · source
“We hope that both deliver on the conditions set out at the December General Affairs Council in order to move forward on their respective EU accession paths. We welcome the continued constructive engagement by both Belgrade and Pristina in the dialogue and look forward to further tangible results.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“We will give strong support to efforts that address the challenge posed by this tragic legacy ofpast conflict in a number of countries, including Kosovo. Let me take this opportunity to thanks Special Representative of the Secretary-General Zarif for his continuing efforts to drive down the UNMIK budget. At a time when countries across the world are having to face tough decisions regarding cuts to their own national budgets, it is only right that the United Nations and its institutions respond accordingly. I encourage Special Representative Zarif to make further efforts to identify cost savings in the future. Important though budgetary rigour is, I would not want to end my remarks on that note. Let me re-emphasize the United Kingdom's commitment to the irreversible progress ofboth Kosovo and Serbia to EU membership.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“The United Kingdom welcomes the comprehensive update in the EULEX annex to the work being carried out by the Special Investigative Task Force. We continue to support the important work carried out into the serious allegations made in the Marty report. We are confident in the Task Force capacity and its determination to take forward this important investigation. I welcome the update in the Secretary-General's report concerning the high-level round table on the status of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, involving the Kosovo Government, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and other international representatives. I welcome the work of UN-Women in organizing this round table. Initiative preventing and responding to sexual violence are a priority for the Government of the United Kingdom.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“In that respect, we welcome the suspension of five police officers in Viti/Vitina who allegedly did not adequately respond to the removal of a monument from the Second World War, and the arrest of five individuals on the suspicion of having desecrated a Serbian Orthodox cemetery. Kosovo must continue to combat illegal activities and violence committed against all of its communities, and must investigate fully when incidents do occur. While socioeconomic factors remain the overriding consideration for individuals returning to Kosovo, the Government must continue on its commitment to creating the conditions necessary for sustainable returns. The United Kingdom remains committed to the returns process through political engagement and bilateral projects.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“The Secretary-General's most recent report (S/2013/72) indicates a reduction in 2012, compared to the previous year, in the overall number of recorded incidents affecting minority communities. We hope that trend will continue and, indeed, intensify. There is of course no room for complacency in that area. The United Kingdom was deeply concerned by the violence in Kosovo that followed the removal of the monument in Presevo in January. Those attacks were completely unacceptable, and it was right for the international community and the Government of Kosovo to universally condemn them. All the perpetrators of those acts should be arrested and brought to justice.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“I also welcome the commitment they have each expressed today to the success of that process. They are on the brink of a historic agreement that will open a new chapter in Serbia/Kosovo relations and ensure that both countries make progress towards the European Union in a more cooperative and stable manner. There is more work to do. It is crucial that an agreement be reached on 2 April and that its implementation begin immediately. Serbia must do all it can to ensure agreements are communicated to, and accepted by, the local communities in northern Kosovo. Kosovo must make greater efforts to show that it is working in support of the rights and culture of all its minority communities.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“The implementation of the conditionality is crucial for sustainable reform and for Kosovo's continued progress towards a more secure and prosperous future. Active engagement in the EU- facilitated dialogue is vital to Kosovo's EU accession path. In that respect, the United Kingdom welcomes Baroness Ashton's personal engagement and the tangible progress made in the dialogue, particularly with regard to integrated border management. The continued assistance of EULEX in the implementation of dialogue agreements is indispensable. We continue to urge full cooperation with EULEX by the authorities, in both Pristina and Belgrade. I would like to echo the words of Baroness Ashton by paying tribute to both Prime Ministers for the courage, vision and determination they have shown over the past five months in that dialogue.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General 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 Daeic', Prime Minister of Serbia. Kosovo continues to make progress, both internally and on the international stage. We encourage those countries that have not yet recognized Kosovo to do so. The United Kingdom welcomes Kosovo's progress towards meeting the short-term conditionality, set out at the December 2012 European Union (EU) General Affairs Council session, for opening negotiations on the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“The United Kingdom remains committed to the irreversible progress of both Kosovo and Serbia towards EU membership. We hope that the positive conclusions of the feasibility study will be welcomed by the EU General Affairs Council in December, with a view to negotiations on the Stabilization and Association Agreement with Kosovo being opened in 2013, once the conditions have been met. We hope that both Belgrade and Pristina will continue to engage constructively in the dialogue, and we look forward to further tangible results.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“I would also like to welcome the important work, referred to in the Secretary-General's report, that has been taken forward by the United Nations Kosovo team and the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, together with the EU and civil society, addressing the theme of the status of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. This is a hugely important issue, particularly in post-conflict societies such as Kosovo. The British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, has recently launched an initiative on preventing sexual violence that aims to strengthen international efforts and coordination to prevent and respond to sexual violence. We will give strong support to efforts to address the challenge posed by this tragic legacy of past conflict in Kosovo.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“We welcome the recognition in the report of the importance of socioeconomic factors in establishing sustainable returns, and the United Kingdom remains committed to the returns process through political engagement and bilateral projects. The United Kingdom continues to support the important work being done by the EULEX Special Investigative Task Force to look into the allegations relating to organ trafficking made in the Marty report. We are confident in its capacity and determination to take this important investigation forward. Let me also take this opportunity to reiterate the simple but important point that the United Kingdom respects the verdicts of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“With regard to the protection of minorities and cultural heritage, we welcome the efforts of the Kosovo police to enhance community policing and the engagement of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in that process. It is important that the planned recruitment drive for Kosovo police give special attention to recruiting officers from the Kosovo Serb and other minority communities. We also note the outreach by municipal officers to returnees. It is important for Kosovo to continue taking visible measures to prevent inter-ethnic incidents and to investigate fully when such incidents do occur.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“We call for calm and encourage all those involved to enter into dialogue in order to find a secure and sustainable solution that allows all citizens the right to return to their place of origin. The United Kingdom continues to be grateful for the professional way in which both the Kosovo Force and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) are carrying out their mandates. We particularly welcome EULEX's efforts to increase its presence in Zubin Potok. We condemn the 7 September incident against EULEX and Kosovo police personnel that led to injuries to a Kosovo police officer. The perpetrators must be brought to justice.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“The situation in northern Kosovo continues to be a potentially destabilizing factor. We urge Belgrade to take the necessary steps to remove illegal parallel security structures in northern Kosovo. While the dialogue remains a key vehicle for addressing the overarching political issues, it remains important for the authorities in Pristina to engage their citizens in the north. They must demonstrate in both word and deed their resolve to protect the community in northern Kosovo, and to work towards its social and economic well-being. We are concerned about the recent unrest in the ethnically mixed area of Kroi i Vitakut/Brdjani. The United Kingdom reiterates its support for the right of return of all Kosovo's communities, providing it is exercised in a transparent and consultative fashion and with the correct documentation.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“Good-neighbourly relations are a crucial aspect of the EU accession process. We therefore welcome the recent reinvigoration of the EU-facilitated dialogue, reflected in high-level meetings that postdate the issuing of the Secretary-General's report. I readily join Special Representative Zarif and other Council members in welcoming this vital step. We look forward to seeing tangible progress towards resolving issues at the political level in order to reinforce the encouraging progress already made in taking forward technical agreements such as those on regional cooperation and cadastre records. We are particularly encouraged to note the progress made on integrated border management. Going forward, it will be important to engage the local community in northern Kosovo to ensure success.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“Internationally, since our last meeting in August (S/PV.6822), four more United Nations Member States have recognized Kosovo. We encourage those countries that have not yet recognized Kosovo to do so. The United Kingdom welcomed the conclusions of the European Commission's feasibility study on the Stabilization and Association Agreement with Kosovo. The conclusions underline that Kosovo is no longer a special case; it is moving down the same European Union (EU) accession path as the other countries of the western Balkans. It follows that it will be expected to deliver the same requirements, in terms of the reforms necessary to meet the EU accession criteria. We wish the Kosovo Government well in that regard; the United Kingdom remains a firm supporter of Kosovo's EU accession path.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo, Mr. Farid Zarif, for his briefing today. I would also like to welcome to the Council Mr. Enver Hoxhaj, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kosovo, and Mr. Ivan Mrkie, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia. The United Kingdom is grateful for the Secretary- General's comprehensive report (S/2012/818), and indeed for his own close engagement with this issue, reflected in his visit to Kosovo in July. Kosovo continues to make progress, both internally and on the international stage. Internally, in September the International Steering Group declared the end of Kosovo's supervised independence. This is a measure of substantial internal progress, although, obviously, efforts to consolidate a multi-ethnic and democratic society must continue.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“It is because ofthose underlying political challenges and risks to stability that the United Kingdom supports the High Representative's assessments that the European Union Force-Operation Althea continues to play a central role in efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment, and that it remains a Vital factor in stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. International safeguards remain essential, alongside a reinforced EU presence. We therefore welcome the agreement reached at the October EU Foreign Affairs Council to continue to fulfil EUFOR's executive mandate. We look forward to the Security Council agreeing on a renewed mandate for EUFOR shortly.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“While we understand some of the difficulties on reaching agreement on essential reforms, it is clear that Sarajevo has fallen further behind its neighbours on the path towards EU accession. We urge political leaders to focus on the swift implementation of the road map they agreed with the European Commission in June. Only then can it move forward with its Stabilization and Association Agreement and consider submitting a credible membership application. The political situation is also having a negative impact on economic confidence. We share the High Representative's concerns about growth, high unemployment and the accompanying social problems. They have been compounded by endemic corruption at all levels of Government. Local officials must take determined action to eliminate corruption in all its manifestations.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“The political leadership in Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to transform its current approach and to focus with energy and commitment on the reforms that will carry the country down the path towards eventual EU and NATO membership. That, rather than the protracted power struggles among the leaderships of the various Bosnian political parties, represents the way forward for the country. We strongly support the roles of the EU Special Representative and of the EU Head of Delegation, Mr. Peter Sorensen, who is doing an excellent job in placing EU accession at the forefront of the country's political agenda. We also commend the collaborative working relationship forged between him and High Representative Inzko. Moving forward, the EU Special Representative's role will be Vital in re-energizing the EU's approach in-country.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“Let me emphasize once more the position of the British Government, quoted by the High Representative in his statement earlier in this meeting. Bosnia and Herzegovina will join the European Union only as a single, sovereign State. The country has a clear route towards EU and NATO membership, which will provide a proven framework of peace, security and regional cooperation. The United Kingdom is fully supportive of this goal and will do everything it can to facilitate progress, but Bosnia and Herzegovina's leaders need to help their own citizens towards this positive future. This is a future that the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina deserves no less than the populations of the other countries in the region, including those that have been making good progress in recent years towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“During the recent election campaign and even before it, Republika Srpska authorities increased the intensity and frequency of their attacks on State-level institutions and sought to undermine the functionality of the Government. For anyone who doubts the seriousness of these challenges to the Dayton framework, I recommend that they read carefully some of the footnotes to the High Representative's report, which catalogue a range of public statements that I trust that all around this table would find completely unacceptable, as they seek to undermine the principles of the Dayton Peace Agreement. Such an approach will only obstruct the reform process and offer no benefit to any section of the population.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“It is the foremost responsibility of democratically elected politicians to govern in a way that promotes the interests and welfare of the population they represent. This is a responsibility that is being neglected by the political leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Making progress on the EU path and entrenching fiscal sustainability will require a commitment to reform and functionality that has so far been absent. Last month's local elections were a stark reminder of the continued dominance of nationalist politics, but with local elections now over, there is a period of opportunity that the political leaders must seize. In this regard, we share the High Representative's concern, and that expressed by many representatives aroundthistable,abouttheintensificationofnationalistic rhetoric and challenges to the State.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“Serious disagreements within the governing coalition after only four months stalled progress on the country's European Union (EU) and NATO paths and frustrated progress towards delivering the five objectives and two conditions necessary for the closure of the Office of the High Representative. This lack of progress is a symptom of a wider political reality, in which Bosnia and Herzegovina's elected leaders are unwilling to put the needs of the country and its citizens above their own narrow interests. Political inertia is now in danger of becoming established practice, and we urge the country's leaders to focus on the reforms necessary to deliver a better future for its citizens.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“I would like tojoin everyone in welcoming High Representative Valentin Inzko back to the Council and to thank him for his report (see S/2012/813). As always, it is a detailed report, documenting objectively but also starkly the range of serious ongoing challenges in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The United Kingdom would like to express its gratitude to the High Representative for his ongoing commitment to the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement against such a challenging political backdrop. The United Kingdom shares the concern of the High Representative over the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This has been a year of contrasts. The optimism in the early part of the year, with the formation of the Council of Ministers and the passing of key legislation, was replaced by a return to political inertia.”
2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source
“The United Kingdom applauds the Special Court for its groundbreaking achievements. We remain ready to support the Court as its completes its mandate in order to sure that it's legacy is preserved.”
2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source