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

“Kosovo's path towards European Union integration has shown steady progress. EU integration is a national priority, representing our agenda of modernization and political transformation. As a result of Kosovo's constructive engagement in ongoing dialogue and in fulfilment of European requirements, Kosovo is on track to sign this year a Stabilization and Association Agreement and benefit from visa liberalization. On 22 April, the European Commission recommended the opening of negotiations for signing a Stabilization and Association Agreement with Kosovo, which opens the prospects for establishing contractual relations between the Republic of Kosovo and the European Union. In less than two weeks, the European Council will take a decision on approving the negotiations for signing such an Agreement between the EU and Kosovo.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“Kosovo security institutions have increased their efforts to provide additional security to Serbian Orthodox Churches and other heritage sites. In March 2013, the Kosovo Police created a special task force comprising 207 police officers, coming from all communities, who provide 24-hour security for Serb religious and cultural sites. So far, there have been no reports of incidents against the Serbian Orthodox heritage in Kosovo. Moreover, during this period Kosovo has also maintained economic stability, continued the privatization of publicly owned enterprises and expanded the scope of foreign direct investments. Likewise, the Kosovo Assembly has continued its legislative work and adopted 10 new laws regulating a range of economic, judicial and public administration issues.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“In the last few days and weeks, Kosovo has been recognized by Tanzania, Yemen and Guyana. We have also intensified regional participation and membership in various European bodies, such as the European Investment Bank. The timely and effective implementation of the agreement is essential to establishing security, the rule of law and order in the north of Kosovo, as well as to reducing the criminal activity and economic informality that have been rife in that part of Kosovo under the control of parallel structures for the past 14 years. The Government of Kosovo has upheld its commitment to protect and promote the rights of communities by providing institutional, political, economic and social support.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“We count on the support of the member States of the European Union and the wider international community in implementing the agreement in order to attain Kosovo's full international recognition and membership in the United Nations and other international and regional bodies. Over the past three months, the Republic of Kosovo has maintained political and economic stability and a safe environment for all its citizens; improved institutional performance; strengthened the rule of law; accelerated efforts and investments to protect communities and their religious freedoms; and has worked to enhance the socioeconomic conditions and social inclusion of various social groups in Kosovo. In recent months, the stream of international recognition of Kosovo's independence and statehood has continued.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“The coming months will be crucial in that regard. The Kosovo Government, public institutions and political actors of all kinds in the country are committed to implementing the agreement, which will open the way for the integration and normalization of northern Kosovo and for the improvement of relations with Serbia by opening a new chapter of cooperation, dialogue and mutual understanding. We affirm our determination to take, as a matter of priority, all technical and political steps needed to ensure the timely and constructive implementation of all aspects of the agreement. We also expect Serbia to maintain a steady course of progress in fulfilling its obligations and working closely with local Serbs in the north to persuade them to accept and implement the agreement.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“At the same time, the agreement on exchanging liaison offices between Kosovo and Serbia has led to steady progress in finding a joint solution to the issues of representation, mandate, composition, immunities and protection of personnel and communication. In that context, for the first time, the Republic of Kosovo will be represented in Belgrade at the ambassadorial level by a member of the Kosovo Diplomatic Service. That step marks a historic turning point in official communication between two countries, given the fact that the liaison offices will have a unique role in creating mutual trust beyond the institutional context. Without detracting from the historic importance of the signing of the agreement, the implementation of that agreement is essential for Serbia, Kosovo and the Serbs in Kosovo.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“Prior to the agreement, Kosovo and Serbia had signed a number of technical agreements on the freedom of movement ofpeople and goods, on applying integrated border management along the inter-State border, on customs services, and on exchanging liaison offices between capitals as the first step towards establishing diplomatic relations. Those agreements have undoubtedly improved the political, economic and social conditions in Kosovo, Serbia and the broader region. The implementation of integrated border management between the Republic of Kosovo and Serbia has continued in the recent months.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“The organization of the municipal elections and the formation of new governing structures will strengthen the legitimacy of the institutions of Kosovo at the local level. Another important provision of the agreement is the mutual agreement that neither party will block, or encourage others to block, progress by the other party on the path to EU integration. That mutual assurance is a promising provision that supports the hope that the European integration path for both countries will be smooth and swift, based on fair conditions and individual merits.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“The timely integration of Kosovo-Serb judicial authorities within the legal and judiciary system of Kosovo is essential, and we believe that the composition of the judicial system will increase community trust in Kosovo's courts, improve inter-ethnic relations, and, above all, establish the rule of law in the north that has been absent for the past 14 years. Another important aspect of the agreement is the organization of municipal elections in the north of Kosovo in October 2013 in parallel with the Kosovo- wide municipal elections. Those elections will be held in cooperation with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and in accordance with the laws of Kosovo and international standards.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“The agreement provides an implementation plan specifying that by mid-July 2013 Serbia will close all of its security premises in Kosovo and cease providing them financial support. The agreement provides that the Kosovo Police will be the only legal and legitimate police authority in northern Kosovo. A regional police commander will be nominated by the association and selected by the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Kosovo. With these provisions, the rule of law will finally be strengthened in the north of Kosovo, and law enforcement authorities will cooperate more effectively. The agreement confirms the unitary legal system of the Republic of Kosovo as the sole legal authority with jurisdiction in the country.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“One of the main aspects of the agreement is to establish an association that will perform several functions related to local economic development, education, health, and urban and rural planning. We agreed that the powers of that association will be in accordance with the Constitution of Kosovo, the Law on Local Self-Government and the European Charter of Local Self-Government. The association will be an integral part of Kosovo institutions and as such will work closely with the central Government in exercising its activities. Since the beginning of the dialogue, the Republic of Kosovo has been convinced that there can be no normalization of the situation in the north while Serbia operates illegal parallel structures, which it refuses to dismantle.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“The bilateral agreement between Kosovo and Serbia is important beyond the Western Balkans, because it has created an environment for the EU member States that enables the full recognition of the independence of Kosovo. The agreement contains 15 provisions that regulate key aspects of the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. The agreement is also in line with the Kosovo Constitution. The agreement opens the way for establishing stability in the north through a fundamental transformation of the current security situation and the political and economic conditions. The agreement also opens the way for Kosovo to attain full international recognition and membership in international bodies.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“I would also like to commend the efforts of my counterpart, Prime Minister lvica Dacie of Serbia, for his serious efforts and commitment to reaching this important landmark for our two peoples and the countries in the region. In that context, the facilitation of the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia has led to gains for both Serbia and Kosovo; they have gained and the region has gained. In that respect, the facilitation of the dialogue by EU High Representative Ashton and the agreement reached under her leadership represent a significant achievement for the EU's foreign policy, an important achievement that will serve to stabilize the entire region.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“The Republic of Kosovo has consistently offered unwavering support and commitment to political dialogue with Serbia and the agreement by taking all measures to ensure its political acceptance in Kosovo and its effective implementation. The Kosovo Parliament voted for it by a two-thirds majority. The citizens of Kosovo have also welcomed the agreement and expressed their hope that it will serve peace, stability and prosperity in Kosovo. Our Kosovo Serb partners in the ruling coalition have also been part of the dialogue process and strongly supported the agreement reached. It has also received broad support from the international community.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“In parallel, the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo have maintained political and economic stability, continued to promote and protect the rights and interests of all communities, improved the socioeconomic situation in the country and significantly advanced our European perspective. After ten rounds of high-level political dialogue, on 19 April the historic first inter-State agreement was reached between the Republic of Kosovo and Serbia, mediated by European Union (EU) High Representative Baroness Catherine Ashton. That preliminary agreement and the political dialogue had their beginning in discussions in the General Assembly in autumn 2010, and we are proud that we have managed to implement it completely.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“It is a special pleasure to address the Council again today and to describe key developments in Kosovo over the past three months, which owing to to their political importance make this period much more special. At the outset let me express our sincere gratitude to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his continuing support for peace and progress in Kosovo and the Balkans. During the past three months we have had some specific historic developments. The most important event was the signing of the peace agreement and the normalization of relations between the countries of Kosovo and Serbia with EU facilitation.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“Kosovo is in the process of integration into the European Union as a full member among all others. Kosovo has installed a democratic Government, built a multi-ethnic society and is maintaining sustainable economic growth. The Republic of Kosovo has been internationally recognized, which should be welcomed by all Security Council members. Moreover, we rightfully anticipate that in the near future, given developments in Kosovo and the region, and in particular our conviction that Kosovo and Serbia will normalize inter-State relations as a result of the dialogue process, the Security Council will draft and adopt a new resolution making Kosovo an equal, peace-loving Member of the United Nations capable of maintaining order and assuming its international responsibilities.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“The Republic of Kosovo has encoded its Constitution to reflect that it has no territorial claim against anyone. Finally, I recall that Kosovo is one of the most successful instances of State-building and peacebuilding in United Nations history and in international governance more generally. Resolution 1244 (1999) has been implemented for a long time. We have implemented the Ahtisaari plan, resulting in the successful conclusion of international supervision last September. To date, Kosovo has been recognized by more than half of the United Nations Member States and is a member of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as well as many other regional and international initiatives.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“I should like to make it clear, however, that any asymmetry that puts an additional burden on Kosovo to implement new criteria that is not required of other Western Balkan countries would hurt its image and the credibility of the process. Kosovo has not even a day to waste, because decades have already been lost as a result of apartheid and conflict. Above all, we call upon the European Union to foster internal unity in Kosovo, without further hindrance to our deserved integration. To conclude, I would like to reiterate that the Western Balkans has no room for conflict or belligerent policies aimed at violating territorial integrity at any cost since the violent break-up of the former Yugoslavia. Efforts to create frozen conflicts by destabilizing the region are doomed to failure.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“My Government is very much committed to this process being completed quickly, so that the people of Kosovo can come out of the isolation that they have been in for more than two decades and move freely, like the other peoples of the Balkans. Kosovo's Government has proved that it is able to make progress on the criteria set by the European Commission, including in the areas of readmission; reintegration; document security; integrated border management; migration management; asylum; the prevention and combating of organized crime, corruption and terrorism; international cooperation on law enforcement; judicial cooperation in criminal matters; data protection; and the fundamental right to freedom of movement.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“In particular, we consider it very important that the draft resolution encourages the five remaining EU countries that did not recognize Kosovo's independence to do so; rejects Kosovo's territorial division; affirms the spirit of the Ahtisaari package and emphasizes that that plan is an adequate platform to resolve disputes in the North; welcomes the end of the supervised independence of Kosovo in September of last year; welcomes the greater participation of Kosovo's representation in international organizations and initiatives; welcomes the Pristina- Belgrade dialogue agreements reached to date; and condemns the acts of violence in northern Kosovo and the deviant behavior of the local groups. In addition, Kosovo is advancing in the process of visa liberalization for its citizens.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“The Stabilization and Association Agreement will also enable Kosovo to have a long-term perspective for sustainable economic development, improving Kosovo's trade position and providing stability for foreign investors. That will have a significant impact on the advancement of democratic processes, the promotion of internal reforms and the deepening of mutual political and economic cooperation between Kosovo and the European Union. In that context, we welcome the European Parliament draft resolution on Kosovo dated 11 February 2013.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“The European Commission has confirmed that our country has made significant progress on the road to EU membership, emphasizing the fact that Kosovo is ready to open negotiations on the Stabilization and Association Agreement, with the short-term fulfilment of specific criteria in the areas of the rule of law, public administration, the protection of minorities and trade. That joint success was reaffirmed recently by the visit of the EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, Mr. Stefan Fule, in Pristina. Above all, the Republic of Kosovo is making great strides towards the establishment of contractual relations with the European Union. With the signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement, we are taking the first, very important step on the road to membership in and full integration into the Union.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“That process did not start yesterday; since the Thessaloniki summit of2003, Kosovo has had its own independent path in relation to EU integration. Kosovo has already entered an important period as a country, with significant advancements in many fields, bringing Kosovo into the focus of the EU enlargement policy. That has been done as a result of the reforms carried out and the comprehensive support and determination shown across the political spectrum and by the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo. I am honoured to represent a society where integration into the EU and NATO has more than 90 per cent of public support; it is maintaining that support at a much higher level in relation to other countries.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“We assure the Council that the Republic of Kosovo will play a constructive role in this dialogue, as it has done in the past, in accordance with the Constitution and our laws and with goodwill, so as to improve the lives of citizens and reach an agreement to normalize our relations with Serbia that further strengthens and consolidates our statehood and international recognition. The Republic of Kosovo has proved and continues to prove that it embraces European values. The European agenda of my country has already become a working plan for society as a whole, considering that EU integration is an incentive to achieve the most important goals of our society: political stability, respect for human rights and the development of a sustainable economy. The European agenda is a reform agenda, not just integration.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“Other issues that remain unresolved in the context of this dialogue are the fate of those persons who went missing during the war in Kosovo, with 1,700 still missing; the issue of energy and telecommunications; and the dismantling ofSerbia's illegal parallel structures in the field of security, which operate in the north of Kosovo in violation of international law. We rightfully expect dedication and determination from Serbia as concerns the full implementation of the agreements, as well as the immediate dismantling of its structures in Kosovo.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“Serbia is still trying to prevent Kosovo from participating in regional events. The agreement on free movement is hampered by the barriers placed in the north of Kosovo, which, unfortunately, are directed from Belgrade. The return of cadastral and civil registry documents is being unjustifiably delayed. The agreement on the opening of liaison offices and the exchange of liaison officers, which has not yet been implemented, represents a significant step towards the establishment of diplomatic relations between two independent countries.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“The Supreme Court of Kosovo cadastral agreement has been accepted as the final authority. Concerning vehicle registration plates, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kosovo has been accepted as the final authority, just as Kosovo customs is the final authority in the area of customs. In the current dialogue, Kosovo has proved to be more consistent, more responsible and more decisive in the implementation of the agreements reached. We have taken all of the necessary political and technical measures for the implementation of the agreements reached so far. We have also expressed a willingness to increase economic investments in this part of Kosovo. Unfortunately, Serbia has not shown the same level of readiness, as evidenced by the many delays in and obstacles to the implementation of the agreements reached.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“The agreement on the opening of a liaison office and the exchange of liaison officers opens an initial chapter in the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Kosovo and Serbia as two independent countries and good neighbours. The agreement on customs stamps supercedes informal arrangements, establishes proper governance in the area of of customs and increases the economic benefits to Kosovo and Serbia. The agreement on the return of civil registry and cadastral books will enable the resolution of property disputes. Finally, the agreement on the recognition of university diplomas allows for more youth employment. It is a fact that in this historic process, Serbia has gradually accepted the legitimacy and constitutionality of the Republic of Kosovo.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“It is important to emphasize the international commitment and determination with respect to the fact that a change of borders in the Western Balkans or any tendency towards territorial rearrangement could destabilize the region, cause ethnic divisions to flare up and create other problems. The agreements reached so far in the context of the technical and political dialogue are very important, because they address issues that have preoccupied us for a long time and made the lives of our citizens difficult. The regional cooperation agreement allows for Kosovo's independent representation in organizations and at regional events, and does away with ambiguities and indirect representation.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“We are very concerned that such proposals are aimed at creating a new Republika Srpska in Kosovo, which would make Kosovo non-functional and unstable, complicate the internal political consensus, cause the process of our European integration and the integration of minorities in Kosovo to stagnate, undermine the process of successful decentralization in Kosovo, antagonize the majority population and undercut all of the international political and economic investments made in the past 14 years. That idea cannot be put into practice in Kosovo. We are witness to the fact that such arrangements in the region have become structural obstacles to peace and ethnic reconciliation, democracy, a multi-ethnic citizenry and effective governance.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“Similarly, Serbia later proposed an association, or community association, in Kosovo Serb municipalities that would have legislative and executive powers and be the result of direct elections. That proposal is another failed effort to create a third level of government in Kosovo. That is against our constitutional order, which has been built together with our international partners.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“The Ahtisaari plan is thus a very liberal and generous plan that offers a wide range of self-governance capacities to minorities, as has been proven by effective decentralization since our independence five years ago, which resulted in increased political participation of Serbs in Kosovo, growing inter-ethnic stability and improved social welfare. In the dialogue process with Serbia, we have held seven rounds ofmeetings since October2012. Significant results have been achieved so far, which gives hope for a successful conclusion of the process. We are now nearly at the final stage of the process. Unfortunately, over the past three months the Serbian side has come up with a platform that demands territorial autonomy for Kosovo Serbs and the creation of a separate entity in Kosovo.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“There is no doubt that the Ahtisaari plan sponsored by the United Nations remains the most generous offer possible, providing the Serbs in Kosovo with a broad space for self-governance and the ability to exercise their political, socioeconomic and cultural rights. The Ahtisaari plan provides the Serbs in the north, inter alia, with broad local self-governance, the right to use their mother tongue in all public affairs, freedom of media, freedom of education at the primary, secondary and university levels, the opportunity for an overhaul of the health-care system, financial and local fiscal management, and the right to select local police leadership, establish associations in Kosovo Serb majority municipalities, and maintain special ties with other municipalities in Serbia.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“We are also engaged in dialogue to heighten our international profile by obtaining more recognitions of our Statehood and memberships in international organizations, including our legitimate request for membership in the United Nations. Our commitment to dialogue with Serbia is in accordance with General Assembly resolution 64/298 and the relevant resolution of the Assembly of Kosovo, and in full compliance with the Constitution and laws of Kosovo. In the dialogue with Serbia, there can be no negotiation on the sovereignty, political status or territorial integrity of Kosovo. The international support for those inviolable red lines is very important to us.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“But let me assure the Council that the process could succeed with a minimum ofpolitical will coming from Serbia. I therefore once again invite Serbia to be reasonable and rational and seize the opportunity before us to reach an agreement for normalization of relations between our countries. Success in such a dialogue would benefit both countries and above all our citizens. Ifthe dialogue succeeds, there will be no losers - only winners. At the same time, Kosovo intends to make progress in its relationship with the European Union by accelerating its process of European integration and coordinating joint efforts to fulfil the requirements for membership.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“The dialogue is aimed at normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia, and is considered to be the main tool for integrating the Serb population in northern Kosovo into the country's social and institutional life of Kosovo by offering them opportunities to improve their lives and providing them with security, public services, the rule of law, economic stewardship and democratic governance. Based on the current rate of normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, I remain reservedly optimistic that by resolving practical, technical and inter-State issues, we are fulfilling key prerequisites that will lead us to the next stage of mutual recognition. Of course, this is not at all an easy process; indeed, it is extremely difficult for Kosovo and Serbia because the bitterness of the past remains fresh.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“However, we also believe that the signing of a peace treaty regulating relations between Kosovo and Serbia would have to include a Serbian apology, compensation for war damages, and truth on the issue of missing persons and other issues related to the war. That would help create an environment more condusive to facing the past and dealing with outstanding issues. The Republic of Kosovo has entered into a political dialogue with Serbia brokered by the European Union, which has been brilliantly managed by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Catherine Ashton. Of course, the process has been strongly supported by all the world's democracies, which are interested in contributing to peace and stability.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“The formation of the group had been postponed until such time as we felt that our society was capable of dealing with the past in one way or other, in order to restore relations, seek and face the truth, and demand reparations for war damages as is generally provided for by criminal justice systems. Because we do not have normal relations with Serbia, the process of dealing with and facing the past has become even more difficult. Nevertheless, the Government of the Republic of Kosovo believes that we have to deal with the past, taking into account the rights and status of each victim of the war.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“His admission constitutes an important recognition that violence was acceptable to and orchestrated by the Serbian authorities at the time, a fact which had already been recognized and documented by the United Nations. We encourage other institutions in Serbia to acknowledge the crimes committed in Kosovo and allow for the telling and documenting of the truth. That would obviously be a strong foundation and a breakthrough moment for reconciliation and coexistence. In that context, on 18 March my Government created a working group to address the past and reconciliation.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“As to the allegations of war crimes in Kosovo that are contained in the report of the Secretary-General, we are sure that addressing those charges will confirm the purity and justness of the war waged by our people in their quest for freedom and independence. While the Serbian State has so far failed to issue a formal apology for its regime-sponsored human rights abuses and ethnic cleansing in Kosovo, we welcome the statement made by Yugoslav army general Dragoljub Ojdanie to the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in January, in which he admitted to having committed war crimes against Kosovo Albanians in the 1990s.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“After the removal of the Albanian martyrs monument in the Presevo valley on 20 January by numerous Serb gendarmerie forces, an emotional and violent reaction broke out, with unidentified individuals demolishing Serbian Orthodox cemeteries and Second World War memorials in eight locations in Kosovo. The Kosovo Government, local civil society and the international presence condemned those incidents, and the Kosovo police arrested a number of suspects and is committed to pursuing an effective investigation of those cases. My Government has allocated â‚¬97,000 for the swift repair of damaged graves and monuments. I assure the Council that we are not dealing with coordinated actions here. I am also pleased by the immediate response of law enforcement officials and the public condemnation of the acts by the Kosovo leadership.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“The action was thus taken for the security of the Serbian official. Despite the tendency to politicize the case and allow the media to echo allegations of ethnic abuse, the decision of the Kosovo police was fair and legitimate. In connection with the occurrence, I would refer the Council to the accurate and constructive reporting by the European Union Rule ofLaw Mission in Kosovo, contained in one of the annexes to the report of the Secretary-General, "No complaints about their treatment by Kosovo police were made on either occasion" (S/2013/72, annex I, p. 14).”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“In that context, on the occasion of the Orthodox New Year this January, there was an incident between the Kosovo Police - as the only legitimate and legal force - and 10 members of illegal structures - the so-called Civil Defence Corps - who were supposedly engaged to protect a Serbian Government official, Alexander Vulin, during his visit to the municipality of Gracanica. In that case, the Kosovo Police was hampered in the performance of its official duty to protect public order and severely provoked. As a result, they accompanied the 10 individuals to the police station in Gracanica on suspicion that they had ignored lawful orders of the police. Those individuals had been escorted to the police station in order to enable the police to carry out their security duties and responsibilities.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“I have full confidence that the physical barricades that are set up on various roads in the north to prevent free movement will be removed voluntarily by the citizens who live there. Self-isolation does not bring about progress; obstruction of the freedom of movement should not be a value promoted by Serbia. Unfortunately, the role of Serbia continues to be destructive by unlawfully using and operating illegal structures in Kosovo, thereby further aggravating the political and security situation.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“The freedom of movement remains one of the main challenges in that part of the territory of Kosovo. Not only are orchestrated barricades physical barriers but, above all, they send political messages about ethnic divisions. Even the international presence - the Kosovo Force and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) - are denied the freedom of movement, leaving them unable to fulfil their missions. We witnessed similar scenarios in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia during the war in the 19905. I would like to reassure the Council, however, that Kosovo will not be a place of divisions and barricades. We will not allow the building of a new Republika Srpska.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“Our offer to every citizen, regardless of ethnicity, is simple and clear: our State is our common future, and we will build it for our common good and for the benefit of those of our citizens in the municipalities in the north of Kosovo whose lives continue to be held hostage by certain groups. The establishment ofthe rule of law and order in the northern part of the territory of the Republic of Kosovo is essential for its development within the framework of the Constitution and the laws of the country, and for peace, safety and welfare of our citizens of the Serb community. I want to believe that my counterpart from Serbia, Prime Minister Dacie, is deeply concerned for the rule of law in the north of Kosovo and that the Serbian community living there develops normally and without fear.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“In addition, on 19 March a Kosovo police officer was attacked in the municipality of Leposavic'. A powerful explosion occurred near the gate of the police station, causing considerable material damage. Such orchestrated attacks are intended to keep the security situation tense, not giving a chance to peace and the rule of law. I must again draw the Council's attention to the fact that, as reflected in the report of the Secretary-General, the situation in the three northern municipalities continues to be a serious source of instability in Kosovo, as well as a serious threat to the entire security structure of our region. This difficult situation, which aims to destabilize the functioning of the State of Kosovo, is in complete violation of international norms and resolution 1244 (1999). This situation must be stopped as soon as possible.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“We are not alone in making that call, which is supported by a large number of countries that have invested a great deal for the sake of peace and stability in Kosovo, as well as by the United Nations. In addition to dividing Serbs in the south from those in the north, the use of fear tactics in the situation in the northern municipalities is preventing the north's integration into Kosovo's institutions. That criminal tendency reminds me of a terrible case just a couple of years ago where the current Deputy Chairman of the Assembly of Kosovo, Petar Miletic', was shot and injured, and, due to that violent pressure, was forced to migrate from northern Mitrovica. Therefore, for the past 13 years, all the communities in that part of Kosovo have been at constant risk due to the absence of the rule of law and the resulting anarchy.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“Recently, violent attacks against senior officials of Serbian nationality at the institution have increased, leaving the operation of the office vulnerable to threats and acts of violence, which prevent it from carrying out its daily administrative services. In addition, at least 20 other incidents have occurred in the north during the past three months. We have evidence to suspect that Serbian parallel structures are behind those criminal acts, which aim to intimidate officials working at the office and to prevent the Serbs from the north from taking advantage of the services offered to them. We call on Serbia to dismantle those illegal security and justice structures and to stop trying to create tensions in Kosovo.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source