YouSaid · the spoken record

Thaci

lines on the record: 239
first: 2012-08-21
most recent: 2018-12-17
sittings or episodes: 10
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

“This is the moment to initiate dialogue at a higher level, namely, the demarcation phase between Kosovo and Serbia, which will be concluded by mutual recognition of both countries. The bilateral demarcation agreement between Kosovo and Serbia should also be recognized by the Security Council. That will enable Kosovo to become a Member of the United Nations and will allow Serbia to accelerate its integration into the EU and NATO. Of course, Kosovo will continue on its own path for speedy membership in the EU and NATO. Only peace between Albanians and Serbs can guarantee sustainable peace in the region and in the Balkans. Reconciliation and stability will not be achieved by forgetting the past. We will teach Kosovars, Serbs and Albanians not to forget the past.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“We will soon be applying for membership in other international organizations, which proves that the independence of Kosovo is immutable and final. The International Court of Justice has determined that Kosovo's declaration of independence did not breach international norms, and its status has been deemed final with the authorization of the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. That dialogue has been a historic success. After 100 years of hate and conflict, we are now working on reconciliation and understanding and for full normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. I would like now to make a few remarks about our position as the process for normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia draws towards conclusion.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“No one in the Balkans will forget the terror created by the regime of Slobodan Milosevic. No one in the Balkans will forget the genocide of Srebrenica. No one will forget the verdicts against the Serbian leadership by The Hague Tribunal, which found clear evidence that the Government of Serbia was the main cause of the war in Kosovo in its drive to create a greater Serbia. I encourage members to read that verdict, which details the extent of the past century's oppression in Kosovo. The war in Kosovo was provoked and led by the Government of Serbia, and the Serbian State is directly responsible for the crimes committed in Kosovo. I strongly believe in the reconciliation of peoples. Last week, Antigua and Barbuda recognized Kosovo, and Kosovo has become a member of Francophone organizations and of the International Olymbic Committee.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“Along with the verdicts by UNMIK courts and the trials by The Hague Tribunal, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo and domestic courts, this represents the fifth time that members of the Kosovo Liberation Army are being investigated. Some in this Chamber, as well as the people of Kosovo, ask me why we should waste â‚¬300 million to investigate those alleged crimes. It is vital to clarify the history of the war of Kosovo, which was supported at the time by the progressive world. I will personally never allow those special chambers created due to the suspicions contained in Dick Marty's report to be used to rewrite our history. It is therefore a waste of time to use that instrument to change the history that was brought about by the former Government of Serbia.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“But, in order to clarify the history of the war and individual cases, we will create that independent, international institution. The Kosovo constitutional court has ruled that the Constitution allows for the creation of such a court in a third country. In accord with the Constitution, the Assembly of Kosovo will vote on 29 May to create the special chambers court. Some 13,000 people died in the last conflict; approximately 1,600 are still missing. Most are Albanians, but there are also Serbs and other minorities. That is a tragic number, but it is 150 times smaller than the number of victims in Syria or in Iraq. We are very grateful to the international community for providing the means to continue to investigate Dick Marty's accusations.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“Based on a British Council survey, 90 per cent of Kosovars would like to participate in or become members of NATO and the EU. Last week, we had a march by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Kosovo is one of the few countries in South-East Europe in which that community enjoys constitutional protection. It is important to report on another matter, which has been taken up by the Security Council, which concerns the victims of the families in Kosovo. We have continued the process of creating special chambers within the Kosovo judicial system, which is largely connected to the accusations of Chief Prosecutor Williamson, based on the accusations of Dick Marty. We believe that most of those accusations are baseless.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“Let me speak about some of the positive developments in Kosovo. We have adopted a law preventing our citizens from taking part in foreign wars, and the number of Kosovars in Syria has decreased by 50 per cent. We have arrested about 100 people who were participating in this war, and they may be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison based on this new law. The Government participates in the coalition to combat the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and we have suggested some specific steps to strengthen that coalition. This week we convened 150 guests to discuss methods for using social media to fight violent extremism. We are grateful to the Secretary-General and UNMIK for supporting that project, which enjoyed the participation of the entire country of Kosovo and all religions.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“We will also win the battle for the integration into the European Union and NATO. Those who are against NATO and the European Union would like to create a fog and insecurity in the Balkans, but we will not allow such against NATO and the EU, whatever they may be, to undermine the success of the Balkans after the independence of Kosovo. We have signed an agreement on the demarcation of borders with Macedonia, and in a few weeks Kosovo will end its demarcation with Montenegro as well. We are the only country that has confirmed its borders with most of our neighbours without using any kind of violence or resorting international courts ofjustice. This proves that in Kosovo no one is talking about changing borders. We are heading towards Brussels, where borders have no meaning. We are working towards a new Balkans and a new Europe.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“Macedonia is a partner and ally of Kosovo on the path to European integration and NATO, and we strongly support the Ohrid agreement as the only solution for the Macedonians. We have heard accusations relating to greater Albania, that Kosovo is working in that respect, Albania is working in that respect, but these are baseless accusations. We believe that in Macedonia we need greater democracy and the full implementation of the Ohrid agreement, as a guarantee of stability and the functioning of multi-ethnic Macedonia and its Euro-Atlantic perspective. Kosovo wants an independent international investigation into what happened in Kumanovo. Greater Albania is talked about in Belgrade more than here in Pristina, unfortunately. We have won the war against the Milosevic regime, and we also gained our independence based on the Ahtisaari plan.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“Serbia and Kosovo should enable visits by youth to one another's countries, as Germany and France did after the Second World War. It is important to talk today about good- neighbourliness, as Kosovo has become a stronger country dedicated to a European path. We have had some unfortunate incidents in the region that could undermine regional security. Following the deepening of the political crisis in Skopje, there was an incident in which police and armed men died. Some of the young men arrested were from Kosovo. I wish here to be clear, as we have been all along. The Government of Kosovo strongly condemns the violence in Macedonia, which is very destructive and disruptive, and every step should be taken through dialogue and institutional means. We will not support any attempt to destabilize the region.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“We would like Serbia to stop its destructive propaganda, which only obstructs dialogue. I have met with the Serbian leadership on approximately 40 occasions, and I want to believe that the time of racist propaganda has truly passed. The continuation of this dialogue includes a meeting with Mr. Vucie and Mr. Mustafa. We should openly talk to one another, as good neighbours. A few weeks ago Kosovo organized a conference of six countries to discuss the region's infrastructure. One of the projects that has been approved and will be financed by the European Union is a new highway connecting Kosovo with Serbia, which should encourage and promote regional cooperation. Kosovo is dedicated to participating in youth exchanges.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“After achieving agreement in Brussels and after a 15-year boycott, today Serbs from the north participate in all Kosovo institutions; this is an excellent result from our joint work. In the meantime, we held a high-level dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia and have reached an agreement aimed at closing all illegal structures within the Kosovo justice system and integrating judges, prosecutors and lawyers into the Kosovo justice system. In every agreement and at every step of the dialogue, we have managed to normalize dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. It is the goal of both Governments and of our partners from the EU and the United States that both countries - Kosovo and Serbia - become members of the European Union and not face any obstacles in that respect.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“A number of measures have been taken by Germany, Austria and Hungary, and we were therefore able to decrease the rate of migration by 95 per cent in the space of a month, earning us praise from the European Commission. Now we are waiting for the European Union to liberalize the visa regime in Kosovo, which is the last country in the Balkans to require Schengen visas. Freedom of movement is one of the main factors that is increasing frustration among Kosovars. The Government of Kosovo during its first year faced a political crisis, after the Serbian Minister was fired. Now the Serbian parties have returned to the Assembly, and we are working together with the Government to develop Kosovo.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“We now have to focus on the creation of new jobs, which is the first priority for Kosovars. That is how we basically justify ourselves vis-a-vis the population. We had a political crisis last year; in the past three months there has been an influx ofmigrants from Kosovo trying to achieve a better life in other European countries to seek asylum. We were deeply unhappy with our neighbour Serbia, which in the past two months has opened its borders with Hungary. There is a great deal of footage in the media showing the Serbian police taking bribes in order to assist this illegal migration. Following a sensitization campaign, we were able to identify some of the traffickers.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“The centre is going to be built in a region that is populated by Serbs and Albanians and will create 4,000 new jobs, promote the integration of Kosovo and help develop this poor part of Kosovo. We also have an agreement with the World Bank, the United States Agency for International Development and the European Union (EU) to identify energy investments. An American company has been selected to invest about $1 billion, which also involves UNMIK support. These contracts represent about 25 per cent of all investments in Kosovo. We have increased investments to $60 million, and we have obtained other investors. We foresee an increase of 3 per cent in economic development; since independence this has been the highest economic development rate in Europe for the past seven years.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“Concerning political developments in Kosovo, let me say that the new Government, which was created by a broad coalition that includes the two main political parties and all minority parties, has had a very encouraging start in socioeconomic development. Last year, we held elections to create that coalition and proved that the independent institutions of Kosovo, such as the Constitutional Court and the presidency, are highly respected by all political factions, and that the democratic processes are respected by all. At the beginning, we adopted an economic programme. In the first five months we gained two large investors, including a French consortium that signed a â‚¬400 million contract for the development ofa key centre in Brezovica.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“We declared our independence, which has been recognized by most States Members of the United Nations, and UNMIK has certainly helped transform all the institutions of the Kosovo Government. Although the Mission remains in Kosovo because of a lack of consensus within the Council, we believe that the Secretary-General's report (S/2015/303) during the fifteenth year of the UNMIK presence demonstrates success and the victory of democracy in that European country. Today, Kosovo has 90 per cent less violence, and the capital, according to United Nations statistics, is one of the most secure cities in Europe and the region.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“Mr. Thaci (interpretation from Albanian; English text provided by delegation): The citizens of the Republic of Kosovo deeply appreciate the efforts of the United Nations and the Security Council in Kosovo, which have been among the most successful United Nations missions. As the United Nations begins to celebrate its seventieth anniversary, it is aware of that success in Kosovo. In the 19905, the United Nations was intensely engaged in Kosovo and condemned the oppression by the Slobodan Milosevic regime. In 1999, the United Nations created the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) in order to end all the illegal measures and oppression undertaken by Serbian Kosovars in order to create the Kosovar Provisional Institutions of Self-Government.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“Bearing this in mind and praising Kosovo's achievements in the field of security, economic stability and social and political development, as well as highlighting the agreement reached between Kosovo and Serbia, it is time that the Security Council consider the possibility of a transformation of UNMIK that would help Kosovo align itself with the specialized agencies. We also ask the Security Council to help the Republic of Kosovo in the realization of its aspirations of joining the United Nations as a member with full rights and responsibilities.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“As a result, Kosovo has become a source of peace and an exporter of stability in the region and beyond. Let me remind the Council once again that Kosovo is one of the most successful State-building endeavours in the United Nations history. The objectives of resolution 1244 (1999) have been met for quite some time now, and it is time for a new chapter in the relations between Kosovo and the United Nations. Kosovo is forever grateful for the role and contribution of the United Nations in our country's State-building process. However, considering the course of developments since the declaration of independence, the role of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) has been significantly minimized and it now has only a reporting role.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“I want to assure the Council that the Kosovo Armed Forces will be a professional and multi-ethnic force, guided by the principles of democratic and civilian control, and will gradually integrate into the Euro-Atlantic framework and be ready to contribute to regional peace and global security. I would like to inform the Council that Kosovo intends to start a new chapter of cooperation with NATO, moving towards the Partnership for Peace as the main instrument for full membership, through a gradual approach and coordination with our Euro- Atlantic partners. Let me reiterate that, during the past seven years, the Republic of Kosovo, thanks to the will and commitment of its people, as well as the political leadership and support of the international community, has built stable and durable multi-ethnic and democratic institutions.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“Today, Kosovars are the only citizens in Europe who cannot seek protection from the European Court of Human Rights. It is going to be a key priority for me to put an end to this exclusion. Kosovo's goal is to be a place that contributes to collective security, and we are tirelessly committed to strengthening the peace and security architecture in the region and beyond. In this regard, we have undertaken a strategic review of the security sector in Kosovo and are now making coordinated preparations for the transition from the Kosovo Security Force to the Armed Forces of Kosovo. I want to thank the NATO liaison and advising team, which has been very close to us throughout this process.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“Although it is small, our country has shown that it is a partner and ally in the global war against terrorism. We naturally aligned ourselves with the global coalition, led by the United States of America, against the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham, and we will remain active until we have achieved the annihilation of this phenomenon, which has not only hurt the Middle East, but affected European capitals as well. The uncertain world of violence that these terrorists are proclaiming is not a world that we can accept. Therefore, the Republic of Kosovo is on the front lines to eradicate this phenomenon. We know very well what it means to live with terror in a state of systematic violence. Kosovo this year will also apply to be a full member of the Council of Europe.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“In this respect, a key priority is the implementation of the action plan addressing all the challenges ofrepatriation, reintegration, document security, border and migration management and overall security and public order. Many Kosovars today are fleeing Kosovo due to the inability to legally migrate to EU countries. Kosovo has been isolated for too long and our young people want have freedom of movement within our continent by any means necessary. The Republic of Kosovo has consistently shown that it is a responsible actor in terms of its international obligations. In the early days of the formation of the Government, we showed our commitment by finalizing the draft law that prohibits the citizens of Kosovo from taking part in armed conflicts outside the country.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“Kosovo, as part of the Western Balkans and the Euro-Atlantic region, will also continue the process of integration into the European Union as a priority for its social transformation and economic and political development. During its term in office, the Government is committed to concluding the signing of the EU stabilization and association agreement in the first half of 2015 and to begin the implementation of the agreement. The stabilization and association agreement is a contractual relationship between the EU and Kosovo, which will serve to Europeanize our national policies and modernize the country. Another issue to be addressed is that of the unfair and perennial isolation of Kosovar citizens, who are the only people in Europe that do not have the right to freedom of movement in the Schengen Area.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“At the international level, I want to reiterate that the Government of Kosovo will remain strongly committed to the full normalization of inter-State relations with Serbia and to continue dialogue that will be finalized with mutual recognition. Only that step will enable the building of sustainable peace between the two countries and the establishment of diplomatic and good-neighbourly relations in the European spirit. The commitment will be confirmed in three days, on 9 February, when the first meeting of the new Prime Ministers of the two countries will take place under the auspices of the EU High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission, Ms. Mogherini.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“This is recognition of the substantial progress that Kosovo has made in the fields of its economy, democracy and the rule of law. I would also like to inform the Council of the main priorities of the new Government of the Republic of Kosovo. Together with the new Government's partners, we have created a realistic and ambitious Government programme for the next four years. We are committed to a dynamic executive and legislative agenda that should move the country towards NATO and EU membership. We are committed to economic development as our main focus for the next four years, starting with a series of concrete steps to improve the economic situation and continue the positive trend of economic growth.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“It should be noted once again that Trepea is the property of Kosovo and Kosovo's responsibility. The solution to the issue was delayed because the Interim Administration in Kosovo was not ready to face the political pressure that the Trepca incident would bring. The institutions of Kosovo have affirmed that Trepca requires a solution in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and with the principle of the privatization of socially owned enterprises in Kosovo that had begun with the United Nations Administration and with the consent of the United Nation Office of Legal Affairs. Trepca is Kosovo's and Kosovo decides on Trepca. The crucial evidence of Kosovo's success is its completion of negotiations in the stabilization and association process with the European Union (EU).”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“All that has led to a political agreement that has paved the way for the creation of the new Assembly and the formation of the new Government. The new Government is a comprehensive one in which all communities are represented, including Kosovo Serb citizens who live in the northern part of the country. This week, Prime Minister Isa Mustafa dismissed a member of the Government who represented the Serb community. He was removed not because of his affiliation, but because he did not show professionalism in undertaking the tasks expected of a representative of the Government. That incident was used by Serbia to politically attack Kosovo, but Kosovo is an independent country and takes its own decisions independently. Serbia also attacked Kosovo with respect to the Trepea Mines complex and Serbia's claim to this industrial giant.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“We have informed the European Union of all such developments, and demanded that Serbia respect the Brussels Agreement in full. I call on the Security Council today to demand that Serbia honour the agreements reached. The State of Kosovo has shown maturity in consolidating its domestic affairs. One example of that is the political maturity shown by all political actors during the months in which we negotiated the formation of the new Government, following the general elections. Throughout that period, the political parties have shown respect for the laws and institutions of Kosovo. At the same time, the independent institutions, such as the presidency and the Constitutional Court, have shown integrity and professionalism.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“I invite the Serbian leadership to find the strength to deal with the past, and call on the Security Council to request that Serbia heed the report's findings with due gravity. Earlier this year, we saw an increase in the establishment of Serbian parallel structures, such as the appointment of parallel municipal mayors, including in the municipality of Strpce, the creation of parallel posts in the Dragas and Prizren municipalities. We have noted the obstacles faced by the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo and local police in establishing the rule of law and normality in the four northern municipalities, caused by illegal mayors and paramilitary and criminal groups that have hampered the progress of the Serb community in Kosovo during the past 15 years.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“Finally, we have enabled the collection of custom revenues at border crossings in the northern part of the country. I must express concern over tendencies on the Serbian side to avoid or delay the implementation of the Brussels Agreement, which indicates that Serbia has not given up its interference in the internal affairs of Kosovo. The report Dossier: Radnica, published last week by the internationally respected Serbian Humanitarian Law Centre, is a very disturbing account. It accuses the current Chief of the Serbian Army of having committed atrocities in Kosovo in 1999 and of hiding in mass graves the bodies of Kosovar civilians killed in Serbia. According to the report, Serbia has never initiated or brought charges against any of the hundreds of officers and police officers implicated in the atrocities.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“The process ofintegrating the four municipalities of northern Kosovo into Kosovo's institutions is now successfully under way. The representatives of citizens who live in the north of the country are now part of the new Government of Kosovo, and they hold ministerial positions. Although dialogue at the political level has been postponed due to the formation of new Governments, first in Serbia and then in Kosovo, the dialogue on technical issues has continued. During this time, we have achieved satisfactory progress in closing the parallel structures of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Serbia in the northern part of our country, while Serbian personnel have been fully integrated into the Kosovo police. We have come to agreements on the implementation of integrated border management and on energy and telecom issues.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“Kosovo has achieved concrete results in its goal of strengthening regional cooperation. The new State has become a member of all relevant regional organizations. In accordance with our policy of strengthening regional cooperation, at the beginning of my tenure I visited Albania, Montenegro and Macedonia to promote good-neighbourly relations and to ensure our mutual commitment to the European future of the region. In late March, Kosovo will host the six Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Balkans, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, at a summit in Kosovo. We plan to discuss joint investment opportunities and projects. We are also continuing to implement the agreements reached in the process ofnormalizing our relations with Serbia.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“Kosovo has been recognized by all neighbouring countries, with the exception of Serbia, and the vast majority of countries of the region and the Euro-Atlantic community. The Republic of Kosovo has been recognized by 108 countries on all continents. I call upon all States Members of the United Nations, including members of the Council, to recognize Kosovo and to take the step ofjoining in the support of Kosovo as an equal and full member of the international community. Recently, Kosovo became a member of the International Organization of La Francophonie. In December, Kosovo became a member of the International Olympic Committee. Kosovo was granted full membership, ending its international isolation. Our athletes will now have the opportunity to compete in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“Mr. Thaci (interpretation from Albanian; English text provided by delegation): Let me first express my gratitude for this opportunity to address the Council at its first meeting this year on Kosovo. Today, I will inform the Council about the progress Kosovo has achieved in recent months and of the commitments of the new Government of Kosovo. This month marks the seventh anniversary of Kosovo's declaration of independence, the most important act in the people of Kosovo's commitment to freedom and democracy. I can say with pride that the seventh anniversary of independence finds Kosovo as a consolidated State, inside and out. The recognition accorded to my country has shown that the State of Kosovo is an irreversible reality and an indispensable factor of peace and stability in the region.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“If Kosovo is to enjoy complete and irreversible success, Council members need to confirm the progress that we have made throughout the years since the late and much respected Sergio Vieira de Mello first led the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. The new reality requires courage from Council members in order to open a new, normal political relationship between the United Nations and Kosovo. I am convinced that, thanks to the Council's understanding, that will happen very soon and Kosovo will be an equal member of the United Nations family. The President (spoke in French) I shall now give the floor to members of the Security Council.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“We are now in the final stages of bringing foreign investors into the tourism and energy sectors, and in the past eight years we have built 1,500 kilometres of roads and highways as well as 120 new schools. Thus, the old image that Council members may have for Kosovo has changed and is changing every day. In digital diplomacy, culture, sports and peacemaking, we have demonstrated innovation and vision. Nevertheless, we still have many challenges ahead of us. We will establish a specialist court to shed light on the allegations concerning war crimes. Kosovo has faith in justice. We are working to combat corruption and organized crime. Those challenges also have a regional element of cooperation and the exchange of information. I therefore ask the Council today to recognize Kosovo's progress and our willingness to face new challenges.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“I also thank all present for their patience and for the concerns they have expressed in the course of this discussion. Kosovo has achieved phenomenal success in the context of the World Bank's doing business index. In the last six years, Kosovo has had the highest economic growth rate in all of Eastern Europe, with an average rate of 4.5 per cent. Kosovo also has the lowest public debt in the Balkans, which does not exceed 10 per cent of the gross domestic product. Kosovo is the country with the most Internet connectivity in the Balkans; close to 90 per cent of the population has access to high-speed Internet, a result of our young demographic profile and of a large diaspora and the need to be in touch with our families.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“Bishop Teodosije and other Serbian priests are an essential part of Kosovo, and Serbian churches are an important basis of our common heritage, but let me say that not every incident that is reported here has religious or ethnic connotations. Often they are acts of vandalism carried out by provocateurs or attacks for economic benefits. There are fewer interreligious incidents in Kosovo than in many neighbouring countries. I know one thing: that Kosovo will not be 100 per cent free if all of its citizens are not able to speak openly, to move fearlessly and to practice their religion freely. But I can promise the Council here today that Kosovo is and will remain free. The last point I will discuss here today is our commitment to future projects.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“We have arrested several dozen suspected militants and those who inspired them, including a number ofimams who are believed to be inciting hatred. We will not compromise with radicalism. We have already prepared a law against Kosovar participation in foreign wars and are working actively to promote Kosovo as a global dialogue platform for religious tolerance. I want to thank the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, and the United States Department of State, which in their reports this year have praised Kosovo's role in promoting religious tolerance. Kosovo is an example of peacemaking and of the building of a genuine democracy following genocide and war. Yes, I am aware of and strongly condemn the occasional attacks against the Serbian Orthodox Church.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“Kosovo's membership in this community will reflect its cultural values and standards and best practices in terms of international cooperation. The fourth point I wanted to make is related to global developments and the respective role of Kosovo. The global fight against terrorism and the spread of religious radicalism has affected Kosovo in the same way as it has many countries of the world. There are also marginal groups in Kosovo, as in all European countries, that are recruiting and advocating for the participation ofKosovars on the side ofthe Islamic State in Iraq and Syria in Syria and in Iraq. This phenomenon is a source of concern, but the Government has taken important steps to put an end to such tendencies.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“Majlinda Kelmendi, to the thousands of young people who have dreamed of representing the colours of Kosovo in the international arena, will now have the opportunity to compete anywhere in the world as equals with other athletes. Just imagine; only six years after Kosovo became independent, we are already a part of the Olympic family and will have the Kosovo flag flown at the Rio Olympics. On behalf of the Republic of Kosovo and its institutions, I would like to thank in particular all of the States members of the International Organization of la Francophonie for supporting Kosovo's recent accession. The organization offered its strong support during the Senegal summit in November, unanimously supporting Kosovo's membership as an observer in the large francophone family.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“Serbia has signed an agreement with Kosovo that ensures the normalization of relations, but there is still much resistance to its full implementation. I know that it is not an easy task. I wish to reaffirm that the Republic of Kosovo will implement every agreement and every obligation that we have undertaken in order to integrate the Serb minority. I often meet with Serb leaders, and there have been tendencies to locate Kosovo in the international arena, which does not help either Serbia or Kosovo. Allow me to state with particular pride that Kosovo has become a member of the International Olympic Committee. The youth of Kosovo, from the world judo champion, Ms.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“There was also a change in EU commissioners, but despite all of this, international recognition of Kosovo remained an undeniable element of the Balkans policy architecture. On this occasion, I would like to thank the countries of Tonga, Lesotho, Togo and the Solomon Islands, which recognized the independence of Kosovo, bringing the number of recognitions to 108. Our diplomacy called this a year of multilateral inclusion, during which Kosovo became a member of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe and many regional organizations. The dialogue with Serbia has continued. At the technical level, we have achieved many successes in the normalization of relations, although, to be honest, much remains to be done.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“It is of particular importance that this coalition was achieved by Kosovo political parties without outside interference, which is a great achievement if we compare it to the United Nations protectorate or the situation at the beginning, when the international community played an important role. Now we finally have a process and local results that make us proud of the fact that Kosovo has passed the test of political maturity. The third point I wanted to mention is that political stability has also helped Kosovo succeed internationally. This year was one of transition during which elections were held in Serbia, our partner in dialogue, as well as in the European Parliament, as I noted in Kosovo.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“We had moments of uncertainty, but they never led to violence or threats to our common goal, which is to be future members of the EU family and the NATO alliance. I am happy to inform the Council that through respect for the decisions of the Constitutional Court and, thankfully, the role of the President as facilitator, the two largest parties in Kosovo, the Democratic Party of Kosovo - the winning party - and the Democratic League of Kosovo, along with the parties representing minorities, have reached an agreement to form a government. I believe that this formula will be implemented next week, with new institutions of the Republic of Kosovo.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“While violent protests have occurred in neighbouring countries, with police violence and the delegitimizing of independent institutions such as the supreme and constitutional courts, Kosovo has proved that whether we are in the opposition or in the Government, whether we are in the majority or in the minority, the political class respects the Constitution and obeys the law; it respects the decisions of the Constitutional court; and it respects the country's president, Mrs. Jahjaga. Our President happens to be the first woman President in the entire Balkans. All of this is a sign of Kosovo's political emancipation. We had our share of disagreements during the months after the election. The winning party and the opposition could not find common ground.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“They were considered by international observers to be free, well organized and democratic elections. The elections included the election of Serb mayors in the north, who are now integrated into the Kosovo legal system and, above all, enjoy legitimacy and are accepted by the entire community living in the north. The results of the national elections were even better, because they were tallied throughout the entire territory of Kosovo. Kosovo today can be considered an established democracy capable of fully organizing elections independently and respecting the results. The second thing I wanted to mention is that although we have experienced political gridlock, it never evolved into a violent crisis.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“I would like to thank the missions of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the United Nations, the EU and the United States, as well as the civil society organizations that helped us organize excellent elections with the highest democratic standards on 8 June, elections that saw the participation of all the communities in Kosovo. There are five major developments that I wish to emphasize during my appearance before the Council today, on behalf of the Republic of Kosovo, that will confirm that along with us, it, too, can be proud of this joint success in Kosovo. The first one, as I mentioned earlier, is that Kosovo, in the span of six months, organized two successful elections: local ones at the end of2013 and national ones in June 2014.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source