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

“The citizens ofKosovo today - be they Albanian, Serb, Bosniak, Turk or Ashkali - are not interested in nationalistic speeches and their old ethnic dreams. They want jobs, they want progress and they want to see peace after decades of discrimination, war and uncertainty. Therefore, the year 2014 will go down in Kosovo's modern history as the year when the entire territory of Kosovo, the north and the south, participated in the democratic process and worked together to create institutions that are responsible for reflecting and working for the welfare of the citizens of Kosovo.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“But let me also tell the Council that this year has been the year of the cementing of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Kosovo. The participation of Serbs from the northern part of Kosovo for the first time in national elections organized under the laws of Kosovo, as well as the Serbian leadership's participation in negotiations for the establishment of governing institutions following the June elections, is a good omen and inspires great hope that even this painful chapter is beginning to be resolved. That is based on the wishes of the people of Kosovo, Albania, Serbia and others, who all share the same dreams, the same hopes and the same rights to a secure future with a focus on the economy and the creation ofnewjobs.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“That courage and commitment to the future of our children was in evidence when we decided to normalize relations between our two countries and to look to the future of our two States as neighbours that aspired to the ideals of the family of Euro-Atlantic nations. The Council is already aware that, in the course of all of the meetings we have had here in the Security Council, the north of Kosovo has been in a constant state of crisis. That has raised concerns about a possible escalation of violence, as well as uncertainty as to what laws are in force and which constitution is applied there. We are aware that Kosovo Serb citizens have feared and distrusted the Government of Kosovo because of everything that has happened in the past decades.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“Kosovo is today a free and stable democracy with a growing economy, a Constitution and modern laws that guarantee the rights of all citizens, especially the rights of minorities. Kosovo has undertaken a genuine decentralization of power. Kosovo has formally entered into the European Union (EU) integration process by initiating the signing of a stabilization and association agreement, which just a few years ago was considered a very difficult task. Thanks to dialogue with Serbia and the historic Brussels Agreement, Kosovo has been transformed from an importer of security resources to an exporter of global initiatives for peace and tolerance. On this occasion, I would like to extend my thanks to EU member States and the United States, as well as to our neighbours in Serbia, for their courage and commitment.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“Mr. Thaci (interpretation from Albanian; English text provided by delegation): Allow me, first, to express my gratitude for this opportunity to address the members ofthe Security Council as the year ends to inform them about the progress achieved in Kosovo in recent months and the challenges ahead of us. The year 2014 marks the fifteenth anniversary of the end of the war in Kosovo, which was immediately followed by the establishment of a United Nations protectorate. Fifteen years seems like a long time. However, as compared to many frozen conflicts that burden international relations across all continents, I believe that we can safely conclude that the United Nations in Kosovo has indeed been of the most successful missions in the Organization's entire history.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“I would also like to stress that the Republic of Kosovo has respected all the agreements made so far, and we call on Serbia to increase its commitment to implementing all the agreements reached in Brussels. On 14 December, we started to implement the agreement on collecting taxes on the border. We have also consulted a managing board on establishing a fund to develop the municipalities in northern Kosovo. At our next meeting, which will take place in Brussels on 12 February, we will discuss the justice system based on, and in accordance with, the 19 April Agreement. The State of Kosovo will act responsibly in the dialogue to normalize the bilateral inter-State relations with Serbia.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“As Prime Minister, I am very proud to say that last week we adopted legislation forbidding the participation of Kosovo citizens in the conflict in Syria, or in other countries. As for the continuing dialogue, I want to stress that it has produced tangible results for Kosovo in bettering the lives of its citizens and facilitating the path towards European integration. The dialogue has brought about improvements in relations between Kosovo and Serbia and sent a message to the region. The Government of Kosovo will continue the dialogue in 2014, including by addressing other issues that may be of importance or concern to help improve our neighbourly relations.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“I should like to add a comment with regard the return of refugees to their homes and property. The return of displaced persons - Serbs - to their homes and property is continuing. As the country's Prime Minister, I personally have visited them and talked with them. We have created security conditions to accommodate them to enable their return to their homes and to their property. I personally encourage them to return to the entire territory of the Republic of Kosovo. I am fully confident in saying that the process will continue and that all institutions in Kosovo, at the national as well as the local levels, will be ready to assist returnees. As for the conflict in Syria, not only Kosovo but also other countries in the region have had volunteers go there to fight.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“We recognize that Kosovo's membership in various regional and international organizations will help in further strengthening regional cooperation as an important precondition for EU membership. Finally, the isolation for more than two decades of Kosovo athletes has partially ended, since the International Federation of Football Association, after meeting with leaders of the football federations of Kosovo and Serbia, has reached a consensus that enables the Republic of Kosovo to play international matches. We consider this as an important first step towards full membership in the sports mechanisms of European and world football. We have seen even better developments with respect to the Executive Committee of the European Handball Federation, which now allows Kosovo to play international matches without any conditions.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“I would like to thank all of the countries that have recognized Kosovo, and I call on other countries, including members of the Council that have not yet recognized Kosovo, to take this step and join the democratic world in support of Kosovo as an equal and full member of the international community. Such formal recognition of Kosovo would make a direct contribution to the strengthening of peace and stability in the region and beyond. On this path of integration, the Kosovo Government wishes to thank the secretariat of the Regional School of Public Administration, based in Montenegro, and the member States of the organization in the region for Kosovo's membership.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“We are currently conducting negotiations with the European Commission to determine the content of the stabilization and association agreement and ensure the free movement of our citizens in the European Union Schengen zone as two complementary contractual processes for Kosovo. The successful development of negotiations with the European Union and the achievement of the stabilization and association agreement, expected to be concluded by spring, remain high on our governance agenda. A few days after this meeting of the Security Council, the Republic of Kosovo will celebrate the sixth anniversary of its declaration of independence, already recognized by 105 countries from all over the world.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“As a result of those achievements, the European Parliament's resolution gives Kosovo great political support and calls on five European Union - Spain, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Cyprus - to recognize the Republic of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign country. The resolution also expresses support for the further advancement of the visa liberalization process and negotiations on the stabilization and association agreement process, urging the European Union to open the door for the full integration of Kosovo. The integration of the Republic of Kosovo into the European Union is our primary goal; it is the only way of modernizing and consolidating the region into the European family.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“It recognized the progress made in building a State for all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or faith, on the path towards European integration. Kosovo was also congratulated for having achieved a number of important political reforms by administrative and economic authorities, as well as for the harmonization of its local legislation with the European Union. That is one of the criteria required for meeting the conditions for visa liberalization and building the capacity to address the priorities of the European integration process arising from the feasibility study of the European Commission.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“A series of agreements for the elimination of double taxation, the protection and promotion of investments, economic cooperation and customs have been or are expected to be signed this year with various countries. These achievements have been noted in the respective World Bank reports. Political stability and the prospect of European integration have benefited the economy. In mentioning Kosovo's European agenda, let me thank here the European Parliament, which on 16 January adopted a resolution introduced by the European Parliament's rapporteur for Kosovo, Mrs. Ulrike Lunacek. The resolution was adopted overwhelmingly by members of the European Parliament of all political groupings. The resolution welcomes the achievements and results that Kosovo has registered in its six-year journey as an independent and sovereign country.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“Positive trends of economic and financial stability have continued in the Republic of Kosovo, as reflected in the 2014 budget. The budget accurately reflects our sustainable resources and the goal of increasing social welfare. The budget of the Republic of Kosovo for 2014 is in line with the directives of the International Monetary Fund and predicts economic growth of over 4 per cent, which is one of the highest in the region. At the same time, through membership in the global financial mechanisms, it has become possible to obtain development loans that are gradually opening the way for the private sector to take the lead in economic growth.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“Without prejudging the outcome of the investigation, let me say that it is my belief that this may have been a premeditated murder by those circles that are attempting to further hold hostage Kosovo Serb citizens who want to become part of and contribute to the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo - an attack on those who recognize reality and who strive to work for a better life. The Kosovo Government and all relevant institutions have condemned that criminal act - the murder of the Assemblyman - and we have reached out to console the family in these difficult days. We deem this act of violence intolerable, and it is for this reason that we have asked the relevant authorities to investigate the case and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“Consequently, he has lost the mandate and, in accordance with the law on local elections, the President of the Republic of Kosovo has called a new mayoral election in North Mitrovica, which is expected to be held on 23 February of this year. All preparations have been made for this process, and we expect that the citizens of northern Mitrovica will come out to vote and elect a local leader who will be ready to accept and respect the laws of Kosovo. On 16 January, an unfortunate and tragic death cast a shadow over the post-election process. The murder of Assemblyman Dimitrije Janicijevic, the Serbian Independent Liberal Party candidate for mayor of northern Mitrovica, shocked the people of Kosovo.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“The mayors were sworn in at the inaugural meeting of the municipal assemblies in northern Kosovo in accordance with the laws and the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo. The electoral results and the will of the people were respected. That demonstrated that the important stage of functioning municipal bodies had been successfully completed and that it was accomplished in accordance with the laws and the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, as well as the Brussels Agreement of 19 April 2013. Unfortunately, the elected mayor of the municipality of North Mitrovica failed to take the oath of office in accordance with the laws of Kosovo.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“I would also like to congratulate the new members to the Security Council, namely, Chad, Chile, Jordan, Lithuania and Nigeria. The holding of free elections throughout the entire territory of Kosovo on the basis of Kosovo's legislation - which were organized in a fair and transparent manner, thereby upholding the highest international standards - is the best sign that Kosovo could sent to the democratic world and the friends and supporters of democracy in Kosovo. The Kosovo police, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, the Kosovo Force, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the European Union Election Observation Mission and local actors were in charge of that undertaking. Their efforts brought about notable results for Kosovar democracy.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“Mr. Thaci (spoke in Albanian; English interpretation provided by the delegation): It is my special pleasure to address the Council today in the first meeting of 2014 on the Kosovo issue and to present the positive progress made in Kosovo during the past three months. In particular, that includes the second round of the first local elections throughout the entire territory of the Republic of Kosovo, the establishment of local municipalities in northern Kosovo and the European Union (EU) integration process, as well as the recent results in the bilateral process to normalize relations between Kosovo and Serbia. Let me start by warmly commending the continuing efforts of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for peace and progress in Kosovo and the Balkans.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“Kosovo has already taken the place that it deserves among the free nations of the world and has become a European State that contributes in a dignified way to peace and stability in the region and beyond.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“However, I will reiterate our position that it is time for the Council to take into account the transformation of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo into a United Nations political office that would coordinate all United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, while supporting Kosovo's path towards United Nations membership and the effective fulfilment of its obligations under international conventions. I would also like to inform members of the Security Council that we have already begun the process of transforming the EULEX mission, which will be done in full coordination with EU member States and the laws of Kosovo. Kosovo will always be an independent country on the European continent with a clear perspective for the integration of the Euro-Atlantic family.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“We remain committed to continuing the dialogue with Serbia in 2014 and to opening talks on new issues that are important to good-neighbourly relations and the quality of life of our citizens. Finally, I want to reiterate that all United Nations institutions have played a crucial role and have been involved in State-building in Kosovo, namely, in the process of the declaration of independence under the Ahtisaari plan as a result of United Nations negotiations, and the confirmation of its independence by the International Court of Justice in July 2010. The Republic ofKosovo is grateful for that colossal contribution, it being one of the greatest success stories in the history of the United Nations.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“In practice, it means that other operators from Serbia should stop unauthorized operations and service delivery, which have caused great cost to the Kosovo budget. Besides the telecommunications agreement, we have also reached another very important energy agreement. The agreement on electricity ultimately ends Serbia's illegal interference in Kosovo's electricity system. Success has been achieved in the consolidation of the customs system with respect to the collection of taxes in the north at two border crossings between Kosovo and Serbia. Kosovo customs will start the collection of taxes beginning from 14 December. The income from those taxes will be assigned to the fund for the development of the northern municipalities on the basis of the legal framework of Kosovo customs.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“The implementation of the agreements reached in the framework of the dialogue with Serbia in Brussels, with the help of the European Union, has led to positive developments, but serious delays have also arisen in the implementation dynamics. It is worth mentioning that our efforts as two sovereign and neighbouring countries during the reporting period have given rise to the conclusion of a number of new agreements, such as the agreement on telecommunications and energy. After many efforts, as a result of the agreement on telecommunications, Kosovo will finally achieve one of the important attributes that has been missing from its statehood. Kosovo will have its own telephone code, to be issued by the International Telecommunication Union. Ultimately, that means establishing legality and regulation.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“The murder of a EULEX member is a direct attack against the European Union. We do not want to prejudge the outcome of the investigation, but the motives for the murder of the Lithuanian customs officer may be related to the normalization of relations between the Republic of Kosovo and Serbia and the efforts of extremist groups in the North to prevent that process. The Government of Kosovo has made it clear that the killing ofa member of EULEX was an attack on the values of the State of Kosovo. The Government, in cooperation with EULEX, KFOR and other international partners, is dedicated to continuing to perform its constitutional and legal obligations to strengthen the rule of law in Kosovo, especially in the northern part of the country.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“It is worth noting that the security situation has been and remains calm in most parts of the territory of the Republic of Kosovo. However, on 19 September, a member of the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) was killed in northern Kosovo. Lithuanian officer Audrius Senavicius was shot with a firearm in a European Mission car in which six members of the Mission were traveling to the border crossing between Kosovo and Serbia in Jarinje. This murder of the customs officer from Lithuania was the most serious attack since the inception of the Mission and came at a time when the EU is strongly committed to normalizing the situation between Kosovo and Serbia, especially in the North, where Serbia still has extensive structures. Violence against EULEX troops violates law and order throughout the territory of Kosovo.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“One of the largest international conferences of its kind, with the participation of representatives of various communities - Islamic, Serbian Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical and Jewish - was organized on 17 September in the city of Peje/Pee. Such events will follow in the future. Following the adoption of the law on public broadcasting, a Serbian television channel was licensed, becoming the second channel of the State public broadcaster Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK). RTK2 began broadcasting in June and became fully operational in August. As an important medium for the Serb community in Kosovo, it has been welcomed by the whole of Kosovo society. Now every family has access to this medium, and as such it has become an important source of information and promotes the interests of the Serb community.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“The protection of the Peje/Pee Patriarchate was transferred from KFOR to the Kosovo police at the end of August of this year. The formation of the seven-member Commission for the Council of Heritage Protection in Prizren, as required by the law for the protection of the historical centre of Prizren, was completed on 24 September. Kosovo's legal framework continues to guarantee minority representation in all areas of Kosovo society. Kosovo supports the rights of persons belonging to minorities and protects their Vital interests and cultural rights, including those ofthe Serbian Orthodox Church, thereby becoming a model for other countries of the region. In this spirit, the promotion of inter-religious dialogue and coexistence has become a long-term priority.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“The Constitutional Court also declared inadmissible the motion of a group of deputies on amendments to the Law on the Budget of the Republic of Kosovo, which provides a fund for the North. Therefore, that Law is considered complete. The decisions of the Constitutional Court of Kosovo show that democracy is functioning and further strengthen the political cohesion of Kosovo in agreements reached with Serbia, thereby demonstrating the deep commitment of Kosovo society to moving forward on the path towards the full normalization of relations between the two States. I am also pleased to report that the Kosovo police has assumed the responsibility from the Kosovo Force (KFOR) for the protection of Serb religious and historical sites. To date, only the Decani Monastery remains under the protection of KFOR.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“For the first time since it was included in the Doing Business report, Kosovo has been named one of the top five or 10 countries in the world with respect to reform, making the most progress on three or more indicators measured by the Doing Business report On 2 September, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kosovo concluded that the procedure for the adoption of the Law on Ratification of the First International Agreement on Principles Governing the Normalization of Relations between the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Serbia and the implementation plan for the agreement are in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo. On 3 September, the Court also decided that the procedure followed for the adoption of the Law on Amnesty was in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“For the reporting period, I draw the Council's attention to the fact that the World Bank, in its credible Doing Business 2014 report, ranks Kosovo 86 out of 189 countries in ease of doing business and positively praises the dynamic changes and concessions that have been made in the business environment of Kosovo. Over the past two years, Kosovo has improved its ranking by 40 places overall.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“We expect the number to grow further with countries from all continents of the world. Therefore, in this Chamber, where I have always had the satisfaction of representing a just cause, I invite other countries to recognize the Republic of Kosovo. The most recent recognitions demonstrate that this process has a global reach and further consolidates the international position of the Republic of Kosovo as a geopolitical and legal reality. Our interactions have advanced at the multilateral level, through which we aim to build bridges and make our contribution to building peace and security through foreign policy. The Republic of Kosovo has also strengthened its position in international indices.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“The Structured Dialogue on the Rule of Law between Kosovo and the EU has also continued to function, representing a long-term commitment between the EU and Kosovo to strengthening the rule of law. The dialogue between Brussels and Pristina focuses on thejudiciary and the fight against organized crime and corruption. During the reporting period, the Republic ofKosovo was recognized by four additional States Members of the United Nations - El Salvador, Grenada, Libya and Thailand - increasing the number of international recognitions to 104, representing more than half of the States Members of the United Nations. I take this opportunity to once again thank those countries for their decisions to formally recognize Kosovo. This ongoing process has proven to be based on Kosovo's consistent, positive achievements, especially this year.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“It is a process of modernization for the country and society. The Agreement is the foundation of our relations with the EU and the first formal step towards EU membership; it is the only way to achieve EU membership. Only prospective accession candidates may conclude such an agreement with the EU. The launch of negotiations on the Stabilization and Association Agreement has placed Kosovo in the formal and official process of EU membership. The institutions of the Republic of Kosovo are committed to successfully concluding the negotiations before next spring, with the aim of opening the way to Kosovo's EU accession process. The European agenda is a priority of the Republic of Kosovo that unites all political parties, communities and civil society, and reflects the desire and will of all of the citizens of Kosovo.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“The report also specifies the criteria for economic progress that Kosovo must meet, confirming that Kosovo is moving towards establishing a functioning market economy. I am therefore proud that all of these positive developments identified in the EU progress report are the results of the hard work of the institutions of Kosovo in pursuing an ambitious agenda. In this regard, the Republic of Kosovo achieved a historic milestone during the reporting period. Following the EU decision to start negotiations for the signing of a Stabilization and Association Agreement on 28 October, that decision was materialized with the onset of the first round of negotiations between the EU and Kosovo. The start of negotiations between Kosovo and the European Commission on the Stabilization and Association Agreement opens a new chapter for Kosovo and the EU.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“The progress report is positive and objective and praises Kosovo's relations with its neighbours as an achievement exemplary of peace, stability and the European perspective of Kosovo and the region in general. We have taken into consideration all of the recommendations emanating from the progress report, with the highest level of State and institutional seriousness and responsibility, and are seriously engaged in working to meet these criteria. In the context ofthe dialogue on visa liberalization, Kosovo has changed and has adopted important legislation, including on asylum and the financing of political parties and against trafficking in human beings, as noted in the report.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“However, the community, which will be established in accordance with the laws of Kosovo and will be similar to the model of the existing association of Kosovo municipalities, will have no executive or legislative functions. That means that it cannot serve as a substitute for municipal assemblies, and thus that municipal responsibilities cannot be transferred to it. No one can replace or relativize the direct power of the free vote of the citizens of Kosovo. I would like to also inform the Security Council of our progress regarding the European Union. On 16 October, we received a progress report from the European Commission for Kosovo affirming the progress of our European agenda and the challenges on the road ahead.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“The importance of the elections of 3 November was that they served as a direct test as well as a result of the direct inter-State dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, and also to legitimize our joint efforts to build an inclusive society based on the European Charter ofLocal Self-Government, in which municipalities function as the legitimate units of basic local Government. My Government is convinced that this turning point will speed up the improvement in inter-ethnic relations in Kosovo and accelerate Kosovo's progress on the road to European integration. The 3 November elections and acceptance of their legitimate results are also a prerequisite for establishing the community of Serb-majority Kosovo municipalities, based on the 19 April Brussels agreement.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“The obstruction, intimidation, blackmail and violence shown towards the people at those polling stations by certain groups in northern Kosovo was contrary to society's democratic principles, hinders the process of building an inclusive and tolerant State and affects Kosovo's path to European integration. However, the fact that the people came out to vote was the best response to the boycott, and it failed. The decision of the Central Election Commission, as an independent body, to repeat only the elections in northern Mitrovica on 17 November was welcomed and accepted by all the political stakeholders. The repeat vote was held this past Sunday, 17 November, and the entire process occurred without problems.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“We have shown in the best possible way that Kosovo is a democratic country and that we can hold an election process in the spirit of a superior political culture. I am confident that its success will be repeated on 1 December in the 24 municipalities that will hold runoffs in mayoral elections. In most of Kosovo, election day passed peacefully and calmly. Only at three polling stations in northern Mitrovica were there isolated incidents involving Serb extremist groups. They were orchestrated and organized attacks on the fundamental right of citizens.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“The Government of the Republic of Kosovo has been committed to fair and free democratic elections, as well as to encouraging broad participation by all its citizens in the 3 November elections, which were highly praised by international observers and undoubtedly constitute an important moment for Kosovo's maturing statehood, for the internal institutional consolidation of the political and constitutional system, and for meeting all the requirements resulting from the Ahtisaari Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement package. It has closed the door on all possible scenarios for partitioning Kosovo's terrritory or federalizing it on ethnic grounds. For that reason, the elections were a victory for the adherents of every political party and institution in the Republic of Kosovo.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Central Election Commission and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe for their technical facilitation of the elections in the North, along with the EU Election Observation Mission, which was strongly committed to monitoring and observing the process.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“In that European spirit, on 3 November, following laws enacted by the Assembly of Kosovo, the Republic of Kosovo for the first time organized local elections for mayors and municipal assemblies throughout its territory, which served as an inspiration to all the communities of Kosovo. With a high turnout that exceeded 50 per cent of those with the right to vote in 38 municipalities of the country, this democratic process expressing the will of the people was carried out freely and peacefully, enabling citizens throughout Kosovo to choose legitimate municipal leaders, including in four municipalities in northern Kosovo - Leposaviq, Zvecan, Zubin Potok and northern Mitrovica - for the first time since the war of 1999.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“Before sharing my views on those developments, I would like to point out, as we approach the end of the year, that 2013 has been a historic year for the region, largely for two major reasons. First, on 1 July, the European Union accepted Croatia as its twenty-eighth member State, making it a model and an inspiration for the other Western Balkan countries pursuing EU integration. The second was the first inter-State agreement reached on the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, facilitated by EU High Representative Baroness Ashton. The historic agreement between Kosovo and Serbia, reached in the early part of the year, is firm evidence of the transformative power that the European Union holds for countries that wish to join it. The EU remains the only alternative and the only hope for the people of our part of Europe.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“Mr. Thaci (spoke in Albanian; English interpretation provided by the delegation): It is a special pleasure for me to address the Council at this final meeting on Kosovo for the year, and to discuss the progress made in Kosovo during the past three months, particularly the holding of the first local elections in the entire territory of the Republic of Kosovo and the process of European Union (EU) integration, as well as the most recent results in the dialogue on the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. I would first like to express my sincere gratitude to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his continuing support ofpeace and progress in Kosovo and the region.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“The agreement between Kosovo and Serbia represents a crucial and historic moment for improving the relations between Kosovo and Serbia as two independent States with a historic opportunity to pave the way for good- neighbourly relations in the EU integration process. Both sides have had to make some compromises, which are ultimately in the best interests of the citizens of Kosovo and their future within the unitary and functioning State of Kosovo. However, the timely and effective implementation of the agreement will determine the success and normalization of inter-State relations. Good intentions should be translated into visible actions. Members of the Council and the wider international community should support the effective implementation of the agreement.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“The agreement between Kosovo and Serbia represents a significant milestone and opportunity for the Council to consider adopting a new resolution to end the UNMIK mandate in Kosovo; show support for the first agreement, mutually agreed upon by Kosovo and Serbia; provide support for the EU to monitor the implementation of the agreement, and show support for the full functioning of both parties as independent neighbours and responsible members of the international community. Let me conclude by reiterating the unwavering dedication and perseverance of the Kosovo Government and its people in continuing to make Kosovo successful and prosperous, rejecting the legacy of the past and joining the community of free and peaceful nations at the regional and international levels.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“Last but not least, following the important developments in recent months and the overall political, economic, social and inter-ethnic progress in Kosovo, it is our firm conviction that it is time for the Council to consider closing the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) in the near future, which will contribute to the process under way in Kosovo, create space for local ownership, preserve the credibility of the United Nations and its role in the past in Kosovo, and ultimately reduce unnecessary financial costs, which could be used by United Nations agencies in Kosovo for more important socioeconomic development projects or in other crisis situations.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“The EU report represents the first and most important political assessment of Kosovo's progress in its path towards EU integration. The report acknowledges that Kosovo has met all four short-term priorities in the area of public administration, the rule of law, minority protection and trade, and recommends to the EU Parliament and Council that negotiations for the signing of a Stabilization and Association Agreement with Kosovo be opened.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source