YouSaid · the spoken record

Zannier

lines on the record: 198
first: 2008-07-25
most recent: 2019-07-16
sittings or episodes: 14
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

“On the part of my institution, I remain willing and committed to assisting the new leadership and the new Government in the development of a pragmatic and forward-looking policy, including in the area of education, that would comply with Ukraine's international commitments and lay a solid foundation for the development of a well-integrated and cohesive society.”
2019-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8575 (2019) · source
“Beyond that stated commitment, however, the law on the State language, as it stands, does not ensure sufficient legal clarity or guarantees for the protection of the linguistic rights of persons belonging to national minorities. Therefore, pending the adoption of that prospective law on the rights of national minorities, the protection of their linguistic rights remains unclear. Ideally, Ukraine's language policy should be supplemented by a modernization of the overall legal framework safeguarding the rights of national minorities, including in the linguistic sphere, through the introduction of a comprehensive law. All relevant stakeholders, in particular the representatives of national minorities, should be effectively consulted on the development of that legislation.”
2019-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8575 (2019) · source
“I welcome the fact that the State language law extends the transition period for the implementation of article 7 of the law on education until 2023 for European Union (EU) languages. However, the distinction between EU and non-EU languages, as highlighted by the Venice Commission in reference to the law on education, remains a concern. Elements of a punitive approach remain. The law establishes the Office of the Plenipotentiary, not only with a mandate to monitor the implementation of the law on the State language, but also with the power to issue warnings and fines. I also took note of the reference in the law and the commitment of the authorities to adopting legislation to realize the rights of national minorities within six months, which I assess as a positive intention.”
2019-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8575 (2019) · source
“I also shared my considerations with regard to Ukraine's language policy in an op ed piece published on the eve of my visit, as well as in my letter to President Zelenskyi following my visit, outlining possible ways forward and pointing out that the language question should be addressed in a way that unites rather than divides Ukraine's diverse society. I also noted that President Zelenskyi had made the same point in his own inauguration speech. Concerning the text of the law, the following are the main considerations to which I would like to draw the attention of the Security Council. Compared with the text adopted in the first reading, the promulgated version introduces differentiated transition periods for the implementation of language provisions in various spheres of State language use.”
2019-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8575 (2019) · source
“The opinion and input from relevant international institutions, including the Council of Europe's Venice Commission, can help to ensure that language-related legislation is in line with international standards. Legislation related to language and national minorities should be developed in a comprehensive way to ensure consistency and avoid gaps in the legislative framework related to national minorities. The law on ensuring the functioning of Ukrainian as the State language was promulgated during my visit to Kyiv in May. I therefore discussed that and prospective legislation regulating the use of languages in the country with the outgoing presidential Administration and several ministries, as well as with the Chairpersons of all the relevant Committees of the Verkhovna Rada.”
2019-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8575 (2019) · source
“Accordingly, minority rights, including in the sphere of language and education, should be taken into account and respected, in line with Ukraine's OSCE commitments and international standards. A balanced and pragmatic linguistic policy should ideally be achieved through positive means and incentives rather than penalties, as well as take regional specifics into account, also with a view to facilitating progress with the resolution of the conflict in and around Ukraine. That would help to establish an enabling environment for increasing the use of the State language as a tool for integration. Thorough consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including national minorities, should take place at every stage of the process to reach a broad societal consensus, increase ownership and arrive at a mutually acceptable and inclusive policy.”
2019-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8575 (2019) · source
“Since I took office, I have closely followed the adoption of the law on education of 2017 and every stage of the process of drafting the law on ensuring the functioning of Ukrainian as the State language. In that connection, I have visited Ukraine a number of times to engage with the authorities, representatives of national minority communities and other relevant interlocutors. As Ipointedoutonanumber ofoccasions in my interaction with the Government and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ukraine has indeed every right to strengthen the role of the State language to enhance a shared sense of belonging. Steps in that direction, however, should be balanced with concerted efforts to accommodate the ethnic and linguistic diversity of the country.”
2019-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8575 (2019) · source
“Over the years, my Office has developed a set of guidelines and recommendations addressing important issues, such as education and the use of language, and those recommendations are at the basis of our engagement with all relevant States members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe States (OSCE). It is also based on those guidelines and recommendations that successive High Commissioners on National Minorities have cooperated for more than two decades with the authorities of Ukraine on various sets of policies related to the integration of Ukraine's diverse society, in particular on issues related to language and education.”
2019-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8575 (2019) · source
“Mr. Zannier: Following your invitation to brief the Security Council, Mr. President, I am glad to share some of my considerations on the issue at hand, in line with my conflict-prevention mandate and to the extent permitted by its confidentiality clause. Later this week, in the margins of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, my Office will convene a meeting with other regional organizations to examine how successful integration policies can help strengthen the coherence of diverse societies and their resilience to conflicts and crises. In particular, we will focus on the role of youth and the importance of balanced policies in the field of education as tools to promote the full participation of every member of society in public life.”
2019-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8575 (2019) · source
“During my tenure as OSCE Secretary General, I have strived to operationalize United Nations- OSCE cooperation, not only in mediation, conflict prevention and resolution, but also in other equally important areas, such as the fight against transnational threats or in the economic and environmental sphere. The establishment of the United Nations Liaison Office for Peace and Security in Vienna is a tangible outcome of these efforts. Looking ahead, I would like to encourage the Secretary-General to pursue the practice of retreats with heads of regional organizations. In this connection, we could look into ways to establish a follow-up mechanism to exchange best practices and promote cooperation among regions in the field of conflict prevention and resolution.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“The OSCE has already established a joint strategic work plan with the Department of Political Affairs, including an exchange of experts from our mediation roster and the United Nations Standby Team of Senior Mediation Advisers. There will certainly be lessons we can learn and share from the experiences of the United Nations and OSCE as we try to close the gap between early warning and early action. The OSCE will continue to nurture and bolster this valuable relationship with the United Nations by making full use of the potential of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, which continues to be underutilized.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“Effective conflict prevention and resolution require building strong coalitions, not only among international organizations, but also with civil society and the private sector. The inclusion of women in all stages of the conflict cycle is key. The OSCE has developed structures and policies to help its membership implement resolution 1325 (2000) and to ensure that women form a natural part of its peace-building efforts. We appreciate Secretary-General Guterres' interest in mediation and share his view of it as a priority. In particular, I look forward to his launch of the mediation initiative to enhance capacities both in the field and at Headquarters. We have pursued the same goals, within our modest resources, and I look forward to further developing cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations in this area.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“However, the OSCE's track record of strong relations with the United Nations and its agencies provides a solid basis for further development of our relationship. We work closely together with the United Nations and the European Union as co-chairs of the Geneva international discussions, and as co-facilitator of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism meetings in Ergneti. The OSCE also contributes to confidence-building in the region through targeted initiatives on the ground. Secretary-General Guterres has sought to launch a surge in the diplomacy for peace and to adopt a comprehensive approach in conflict prevention that marries peace and security, sustainable development and human rights. I strongly support his initiative and look forward to working with him to achieve that.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“So far they have not been able to secure agreement to implement even modest confidence-building measures. Their work keeps a space open for discussions and helps to manage the conflict, but it is for the parties to choose to use that opportunity to take a step forward towards peace. The Transnistrian settlement process may be less fraught with the risk of violence, but in this too we need a fresh determination to move forward. Last year Germany, as Chair of the OSCE, achieved renewed activity in the 5+2 format. The Berlin Protocol last June marked an encouraging commitment by the sides to work for agreements. We need to maintain and build on this momentum. Following the conflict in 2008, we have not managed to return to our presence on the ground in Georgia.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“As we step up efforts to prevent further crises and facilitate the resolution of protracted conflicts, the readiness of the parties to conflicts to take responsibility for resolving them remains key to breaking out of the current stalemates. The Nagorno Karabakh conflict has seen a worrying deterioration on the ground. The hostilities that erupted in April 2016 contributed to the highest number of soldiers and civilians killed and wounded in a single year since the May 1994 ceasefire. The use of heavy weapons and the clear targeting of villages set a disturbing precedent. And the risk of further fighting remains high. The OSCE Minsk Group co-Chairs continue to seek a way to retreat from violence and work towards a negotiated settlement.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“Currently, we are in negotiations with the Department of Field Support to conclude an agreement in order to utilize United Nations system contracts and to purchase from the strategic deployment stocks in Brindisi. That agreement will be modelled on similar arrangements with the African Union, and we intend to conclude it soon. Although the crisis in and around Ukraine continues to dominate the OSCE agenda, we should keep in mind the other protracted conflicts in the OSCE area. The OSCE has played an active role in their negotiating processes since the 1990s. We support and facilitate contacts through institutional support and the work of representatives of the annual OSCE chairmanship. That role is bolstered by the inclusive and consensus-based nature of the OSCE.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“cannot prevent ceasefire violations or force the withdrawal of weapons that have returned to the line of contact, with a view to ensuring the security and freedom of movement it needs to do its job. For that, we need the political engagement of the various sides and the international community. We are now monitoring the recently announced ceasefire, and we are ready to observe the much-needed withdrawal of heavy weapons - a key step towards de-escalation. More generally, we are drawing on lessons from our current operation in Ukraine to develop a framework for future missions and crisis response. As the SMM. moves into areas of work new to the OSCE, we have also appreciated the expertise and advice of the United Nations, not least on the use of technology, including unmanned aerial vehicles.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“On a number of occasions, both the Chief Monitor in Ukraine, Ambassador Apakan, and the OSCE representative in the Trilateral Contact Group, Ambassador Sajdik, have briefed the Council. However, progress towards a peaceful resolution continues to elude us. Despite the tremendous efforts to work for peace, recent increases in fighting remind us of the very real risk of escalation, and we are looking at the suffering of the populations affected by combat. The SMM. remains closely involved in supporting adherence to a ceasefire and the implementation of the Minsk Agreements. In that connection, I must say that I am concerned by the recent announcement concerning Russian recognition of documents issued by the self-proclaimed republics, as this complicates implementation of the Minsk agreements. The SMM.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“Our swift and flexible response to the unfolding crisis in and around Ukraine in 2014 is the most visible example of the OSCE's ability to live up to its Chapter VIII responsibilities and to take collective action to address a crisis at both the political level and on the ground. We established and continue to run the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) in Ukraine, that is larger than any mission we have run before. Although unarmed and civilian, the Mission is performing quasi-peacekeeping functions, such as monitoring and verifying the ceasefire and the withdrawal of heavy weapons. As such, it has broken new ground in the area of peace operations. I am pleased to highlight that the Mission has established productive working relationships with various United Nations bodies, including the Security Council.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“The OSCE will continue to work with a wide range of partners to support our participating States in confronting this challenge. The crisis in and around Ukraine continues to be a major source of tension and instability in Europe. Sadly, it has marked the return of geopolitics on the OSCE agenda, and it is challenging our model of cooperation. Inter-State relations are now more than ever before governed by a zero-sum mentality that we hoped we had left behind. In too many parts of the OSCE region, we still find conflicts and competition continuing, re-emerging and developing, both locally and regionally.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“This remains the region where the OSCE continues to maintain its largest field presence, which, along with the OSCE institutions, is operating for stability, dialogue and security. We have long focused on supporting election systems in which people have confidence, and on promoting peaceful inter-ethnic relations. Today the OSCE also focuses on new areas, including youth. We need a new generation able to act as a positive force for change and stability; to question old, divisive messages; and to call for accountable and transparent Government and institutions. In south-eastern Europe, as elsewhere across the OSCE region, we face increasing threats from violent extremism, radicalization and terrorism. The challenge of countering these threats transcends old dividing lines and national interests.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“In some cases the relationship with United Nations structures has been explicit. The OSCE Mission in Kosovo was linked to resolution 1244 (1999) and was assigned the lead role in matters relating to institution-building and human rights, as a distinct but constituent component in the framework of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. It had a clear lead in establishing key democratic institutions such as the Kosovo Judicial Institute, the Central Election Commission, the Ombudsperson and the Kosovo Police Service School. And it continues to play an active role today. Since the first OSCE field operations were established, the Organization's role in south-eastern Europe has adapted and changed in response to changing needs and persistent challenges.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“The organization was transformed in the wake of the optimism of the early 1990s and evolved again in response to the ensuing conflicts. It continues to change today in response to both traditional and emerging challenges, but the fundamental characteristics of the OSCE remain the same. It offers a genuinely holistic view of how different elements of security interact and must be addressed together. It can provide a bridge between sides that sometimes have radically different visions of what security means, and it continues to invest in efforts to prevent destabilization and conflict, and to deal with the consequences when they appear. Throughout its history, the OSCE has played a clear and active role as a regional arrangement under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“Borders shifted and re-emerged, dividing peoples and minorities, engendering crisis and human suffering, sowing mistrust and creating different threat perceptions. The dire consequences of those conflicts are still with us today. Looking back, we must recognize today that the order that materialized after the end of the Cold War failed to bring about full stability or balance. Trust and confidence in East-West relations quickly faded. Where trust is lacking, it becomes difficult to predict State behaviour. That is especially true in times when uncertainty and lack of transparency are intentionally used as political tools. The OSCE has been a primary actor in addressing conflicts in Europe throughout the last two decades.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“I am glad to say that both organizations are united in their shared priority to address conflict situations in a complementary and mutually reinforcing manner. After the end of the Cold War, the promise of a common and indivisible security space from Vancouver to Vladivostok, outlined in the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, as well as in the Istanbul Charter, seemed within reach. The vision ofa cooperative and rules-based order on the 01d continent appeared irreversible. Many across the Euro-Atlantic space looked to the OSCE with high hopes and great expectations. But the conflicts that followed the violent break-up of Yugoslavia and the dissolution of the Soviet Union shattered that emerging security paradigm.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“Mr. Zannier: Let me start out by expressing my heartfelt condolences to the Russian delegation for the passing away of Ambassador Vitaly Churkin. Ambassador Churkin, who I knew well from my time as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo, will be remembered and missed by many inside and outside this Chamber. I would like to thank the Ukrainian presidency of the Security Council for the invitation to address members during today's open debate. As the Secretary- General pointed out, ensuring lasting peace and security in Europe remains a major objective of the United Nations. But it is also at the core of the mandate and activities of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“Pristina and Belgrade have indicated their willingness to go along with a loosely defined formula for the conduct of the meetings during this chairmanship year that focuses on making progress on issues of mutual interest, rather than on attempting to derive political advantage from the issue. It is important that this constructive approach should continue with a View to resolving a number of important outstanding issues, such as the use and acceptance of Kosovo customs stamps. In this, as well as in other instances, the Pristina authorities have recently taken a more pragmatic approach to interaction with UNMIK. In conclusion, on behalf of all UNMIK staff, I wish to thank the Council for its continued support and to assure it of our full commitment to the implementation of the mandate with which it has entrusted us.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“On 3 May, KFOR Commander Major General Erhard Biihler, informed me that a German military police investigation had determined, based upon photographic evidence and witness statements, that the lead sheeting was in fact most likely removed between April and July 2008, when the church was guarded by a private security company. Kosovo Police assumed responsibility for guarding the church in February 2009. Finally, UNMIK continues to play a key role in facilitating Kosovo's participation in regional and international forums where non-recognizing States are present. These have most recently included meetings on justice, regional integration and transport. As reported, the 2011 UNMIK/Kosovo chairmanship of the Central European Free Trade Agreement has gotten under way with a first meeting held in Brussels.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Following further progress in the so-called unfixing of Kosovo Force (KFOR) protection of a number of key Serbian Orthodox Church sites, the Kosovo Police has taken over protection responsibilities, thus far without incident. However, the Secretary-General's report mentions the discovery of the theft of 13 square metres of lead sheet roofing from the Virgin Ljeviska church in Prizren. Events such as this could seriously undermine the Serbian Orthodox Church's confidence in the protection offered by the Kosovo Police. For this reason ,I requested KFOR, which was initially in charge of protection for this church, to provide information on the matter.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“It is essential for these allegations to be subject to a thorough, impartial and independent investigation, conducted promptly, for the sake of the victims and their loved ones, as well as for the sake of those whom it is alleged were responsible for the crimes. As noted in the Secretary-General's report, EULEX has stated that it has the ability to handle the case, while the Serbian Government has proposed the establishment of an ad hoc mechanism under the authority of the Security Council. In any event, UNMIK remains fully available to cooperate with such an investigation, in the awareness that while these allegations are pending, it will be even harder for reconciliation to take root.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Nevertheless, the continuing efforts being made to clarify the fates and locations of missing persons and to identify their bodily remains - an essential part of the overall process of reconciliation - are resulting in slow but steady progress. As I have noted in past addresses to the Council, UNMIK supports efforts by Pristina, Belgrade, EULEX and the International Committee of the Red Cross to identify all of Kosovo's missing persons, as well as to investigate their disappearance and bring those responsible to justice. In this regard, allow me now to turn to the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly resolution 1782 (2011), calling for an investigation of allegations of inhuman treatment of people and illicit trafficking in human organs in Kosovo, which was based on a report by the Parliamentary Assembly's Rapporteur, Dick Marty.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Although in 2010 minority returns were greater than at any other time in the past six years, totalling 2,275 individuals, the first quarter of 2011 shows a 53 per cent decrease in voluntary returns compared to last year, with Kosovo Serbs constituting fewer than one in four returnees. While the policy of the Kosovo authorities remains open to encouraging returns, we have witnessed persisting problems at the local level, where economic pressures and lack of reconciliation have created tensions between receiving communities and returnees. The lack of reconciliation is in fact another key impediment to returns. Despite the dialogue and occasional attempts by various bodies, mainly non-governmental organizations, reconciliation remains an issue that has been insufficiently tackled.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Moreover, inflation is rising, and in March the consumer price index was 10.8 per cent higher than it had been one year before. 11-33372 The IMF and some recognizing States have offered advice and support to the Kosovo authorities in developing more realistic economic programme. It is now expected that the Kosovo authorities will focus their energies and attention on carrying out the necessary adjustments. The lack of economic prospects is also one of the main obstacles to the returns process, which remains disappointingly slow and in some instances unsustainable.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Without the proper collection of data on the dimension and composition of the communities, it will be more difficult to plan the much-needed interventions to promote the economic and social development of the region. Looking more generally at the state of the economy in Kosovo, referred to in some detail in the Secretary-General's report, the situation remains of concern due to high unemployment and heavy public spending, notably on public sector wages and transport infrastructure, which has led to the suspension of substantial external budget support by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and the European Commission. Although there are expectations of significant economic growth, there is still a lack of foreign investment.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), as a status-neutral entity, agreed to conduct the census in northern Kosovo, and UNMIK supported this process by facilitating meetings between UNOPS and local institutions in the north and by providing support through the UNMIK-run administration for north Mitrovica. It was expected that the census in northern Kosovo would begin in early May but, regrettably, as of today there is no start date. The process has been unduly politicized, and UNOPS reports that cooperation from local institutions on a number of operational aspects has not been forthcoming, in particular with regard to the formation of local census commissions and the recruitment of field staff. This situation, if not rectified, will be detrimental for everybody.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Since those events, only a small group of international judges and prosecutors - a first UNMIK staff and now European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) staff - have been working in the courthouse intermittently. Nonetheless, the issues that led to the occupation remain unresolved and still contentious. In order to restore a fully functioning administration of justice in northern Kosovo, which should not be further delayed. There needs to be progress in the engagement between the sides and with the communities that the court will serve. Another controversial issue related to the north of Kosovo is the census, which was held in the rest of Kosovo last month.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“In general, allow me to point out that it is essential, particularly during this phase, for the parties to approach the situation on the ground cooperatively and with due respect for the concerns of all the communities. Solutions that foster trust between Kosovo's communities stand a much greater chance of serving the interests of long-term peace and stability. One area where relations between the communities are particularly difficult is the north of Kosovo. Work has largely concluded on renovating the courthouse in northern Mitrovica, which was the scene of an occupation and action to regain the court just 11-33372 over three years ago that resulted in the death of an UNMIK police officer and scores of injured.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“I am hopeful that both Pristina and Belgrade will demonstrate the resolve needed to find solutions to all relevant issues in a constructive spirit so as to solve problems for all communities, as well as to create better conditions for progress on reconciliation and for the further advancement of the entire region towards a common European future. I consider particularly positive the fact that today there was a meeting in Pristina between local senior Government officials and the Serbian chief negotiator, and I hope that this may pave the way for future progress in the engagement between the two sides. On a less positive note, however, I regret to inform the Council that a street protest against the visit escalated into violence that resulted in a number of injuries. Such violence undermines the dialogue and needs to be firmly condemned.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“The dialogue has gotten off to a positive start with three face-to-face meetings between the Serbian and the Kosovo representatives to date, during which discussions have focused on issues of importance to the day-tO-day lives of Kosovo's inhabitants, including civil registration, freedom of movement, and telephony. UNMIK, though not physically present in the discussions, has been supporting the dialogue process and cooperating both with the European Union facilitation team and with the two sides, and will continue to support the process in any way that is helpful.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Mr. Zannier: The report before the Council (S/2011/281) describes the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) from 16 January to 15 April 2011. Today, I wish to update members on recent developments and, more generally, on the key current issues concerning Kosovo. In the wake of the latest constitutional crisis, which was resolved with the election by the Kosovo 2 Assembly of Ms. Atifete Jahjaga as President, Kosovo now appears to be heading towards a period of increased political stability. This in turn should be conducive to further progress in the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, which is key to finding solutions to the unresolved issues that hamper Kosovo's development.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“On behalf of all UNMIK staff, I wish to thank the Council for its continued support, and to reiterate our assurance that we will continue to implement the mandate with which it has entrusted us. For our part, we remain firmly committed to continue operating to the best of our ability so as to ensure lasting peace and stability in Kosovo.”
2011-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6483 (2011) · source
“Issues of missing persons and sustainable returns of internally displaced persons and refugees can also be most effectively addressed through dialogue between the parties. Belgrade has stressed its readiness to begin the EU-facilitated dialogue called for by the General Assembly, the beginning of which has been delayed as a result of the political instability in Kosovo over the past few months. Now that the formation of a new Government appears imminent, I welcome statements that the authorities in Pristina will also be ready to engage in this important process. We in UNMIK remain committed to continue working closely with the EU in bringing this process forward.”
2011-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6483 (2011) · source
“However, in recent weeks there have been calls by representatives of the Serbian Ministry for Kosovo and Metohija for Kosovo Serbs to boycott the census. In my view, such calls risk harming the long-term welfare of Kosovo's residents, regardless of ethnicity. I urge all parties to recognize the value that a long- overdue census can contribute to the wellbeing of Kosovo's inhabitants, and ensure that the census takes place on the basis of procedures fully compatible with resolution 1244 (1999). There will be no long-term stability and development of Kosovo without a successful process of reconciliation among the communities. There is therefore a pressing need to launch the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and to work towards establishing viable cooperation and lasting peace and security.”
2011-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6483 (2011) · source
“In addition, Pristina-based media have continued to single out members of my staff in northern Kosovo on the basis of their nationality, thereby exposing them to potential security risks. Nevertheless, UNMIK will continue to attempt to engage in proactive mediation between the communities and to act as a link between the leaders in northern Kosovo and the Pristina authorities, along with promoting economic development and stability in close cooperation with the United Nations Kosovo Team, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and our other partners on the ground. We hope that the planned census in Kosovo will be able to proceed as scheduled. The United Nations Office for Project Services, as a status-neutral entity, has agreed to conduct the census north of the Iber/Ibar River.”
2011-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6483 (2011) · source
“Recently, protesters gathered to prevent the inauguration of a newly renovated park and playground in northern Mitrovica, sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development and the Kosovo authorities' northern Mitrovica municipal planning team, forcing the cancellation of the ceremony. UNMIK continues to engage closely on a daily basis with northern Kosovo's communities. Such engagement, and continuing consultation and coordination with all relevant stakeholders, are essential in northern Kosovo. However, I have to point out that, contrary to last year, the municipality in southern Mitrovica has chosen not to engage in a process of consultations to manage the next phase of the reconstruction of houses for Kosovo Albanian returnees to northern Kosovo. That may lead to instability on the ground.”
2011-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6483 (2011) · source
“While security incidents have largely involved damage to property, this period was marked by the murder of a Kosovo Bosniak whose home in northern Kosovo was to be used as a polling station for the elections called by the Kosovo authorities. While police have yet to conclude their investigation, including in respect of alleged connections with organized crime networks, speculation that the murder may also have been intended to intimidate those who cooperate with the Kosovo institutions heightened tensions. Opposition by northern Kosovo Serbs to engagement with the Kosovo institutions continues.”
2011-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6483 (2011) · source
“The weak economic situation is doubtless one of the primary impediments to the returns process, but I am concerned regarding the chilling effect on returns of recent incidents of attacks on minority community returnees, including the recent assault on a Kosovo Serb in Istog/Istok municipality on 28 January, and the attack on a Kosovo-Egyptian couple by two Kosovo Albanian males in Decan/Deeani municipality on 23 January. The municipal authorities have condemned these incidents, which Kosovo police are investigating. Still, every such incident can dissuade others from returning. Unresolved issues in northern Kosovo continue to be a key challenge facing Kosovo's long-term stability, with the potential to influence the security and stability of the region.”
2011-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6483 (2011) · source
“As signatories on behalf of Kosovo, our presence is required at CEFTA meetings; accordingly, UNMIK will engage to facilitate Kosovo's participation and ensure that the CEFTA process is not blocked. I urge all stakeholders to work towards finding solutions to the pressing economic problems facing Kosovo, and to rethink Kosovo's budget projections as quickly as possible in order to ensure that the population will not face undue and potentially destabilizing hardship.”
2011-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6483 (2011) · source
“A recent UNDP study found that one in five households in Kosovo receive remittances from abroad, which amount to approximately 11 per cent of GDP. Unresolved political issues are also contributing to Kosovo's economic challenges, as the Kosovo authorities seek to find a way of participating in regional economic mechanisms with non-recognizing States without UNMIK. In fact, UNMIK continues to facilitate Kosovo's presence in a variety of such regional forums, including the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEF TA). This year UNMIK/Kosovo has the rotating chairmanship of CEFTA, and intense consultations 11-23603 have taken place with all key stakeholders to find appropriate modalities to ensure the participation of all CEFTA members in this year's meetings.”
2011-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6483 (2011) · source
“However, the relatively low level of tax collection is just one of a number of economic difficulties facing the Kosovo authorities. The low level of foreign direct investment and high unemployment are also cause for concern. Kosovo faces a â‚¬1.8-billion trade deficit, and its exports amount to just 14 per cent of the value of imports. To add to Kosovo's economic troubles, the agreement with the European Union (EU) on preferential treatment of Kosovo goods has not yet been renewed. Kosovo also suffers from the highest unemployment in the West Balkans, estimated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at almost 45 per cent, coupled with the lowest per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in the region. Dependency on the Kosovo diaspora, particularly among low-income members of the rural population is high.”
2011-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6483 (2011) · source