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

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“Unfortunately, obstacles to agreeing on the modalities, including who should or should not participate in this dialogue, have so far stymied my efforts to bring the two sides together on the issue, politics once again prevailing. My staff and I will continue our efforts but, ultimately, the effort and good will must come from the 3 local leaders on both sides, as well as from Pristina and Belgrade. The issue of returns continues to be a source of tension in other parts of Kosovo as well, with this period having witnessed a serious display of local resistance to returns in the Village of Zallq/Zac in north-western Kosovo.”
2010-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6314 (2010) · source
“We have made efforts to assist the families in addressing the infrastructure needs of the neighbourhood through UNMIK- facilitated technical working groups, and I am pleased to report that both communities have been constructive and cooperative and that the building season in Kroi i Vitakut/Brdjani has recommenced peacefully this year. The everyday problems facing the communities here, as in so many other locations throughout Kosovo, do not discriminate; they affect all ethnicities and are best addressed through joint efforts. Intent on opening new channels for direct dialogue between the northern and southern parts of Mitrovica, particularly on the pressing issue of returns - which leaders on both sides have raised with me - I have repeatedly visited Mitrovica over the past few months to meet with the key players.”
2010-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6314 (2010) · source
“Similarly, progress towards the establishment of full-fledged customs facilities at gates 1 and 31 is also proving difficult. I mentioned at the outset the particular potential for volatility and instability in northern Kosovo. The situation in northern Mitrovica remains politically delicate, and the experience of past years shows that the reconstruction and returns activities in the inter-ethnic Kroi i Vitakut/Brdjani neighbourhood need to be adequately shepherded. So far, 17 Kosovo Albanian families and 40 Kosovo Serb families have moved into reconstructed and newly constructed homes in the neighbourhood, and UNMIK wishes to see this process continue unhindered.”
2010-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6314 (2010) · source
“In this light, I warmly welcome the, announcement by 10-36420 Serbia's war crimes prosecutor's office on 10 May of the discovery, in cooperation with the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), of a mass grave near Raska in Serbia. The site is believed to contain the remains of some 250 Kosovo Albanians. The prompt identification and return of the remains to surviving family members will help the bereaved to achieve closure and start the healing process. Regrettably, direct practical cooperation between Belgrade and Pristina has not extended to areas other than those I have just mentioned. The efforts of EULEX to re-establish a fully functioning multi-ethnic court in the northern part of Mitrovica have produced mixed results so far.”
2010-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6314 (2010) · source
“While we have seen encouraging progress in the area of cultural and religious heritage with the welcome appointment of the head of Greece's liaison office in Pristina as a European Union (EU) facilitator, the problem of missing persons remains a major challenge to the process of reconciliation between the communities. ICRC estimates that, as of 27 April this year, 1,862 individuals were still missing across Kosovo. On 8 April, when the Working Group on Missing Persons met in Pristina with delegations from Pristina and Belgrade, representatives of Kosovo-Albanian and Kosovo-Serb families expressed dissatisfaction with the progress made to date and demanded that the issue be depoliticized. Their call should be heeded.”
2010-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6314 (2010) · source
“In this context, I have continued to engage with both Belgrade and Pristina, as well as with regional leaders, holding consultations on the margins of international events, as well as meetings in capitals both within and outside the region. With UNMIK's facilitation, Belgrade and Pristina continue to have direct dealings on missing persons issues through the Working Group on Missing Persons chaired by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and on religious and cultural heritage issues through the Reconstruction Implementation Commission for Serbian Orthodox Religious Sites in Kosovo, chaired by the Council of Europe.”
2010-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6314 (2010) · source
“However, while there are no standardized procedures for the participation of the Kosovo institutions in regional or other international forums, UNMIK'S facilitation has in most cases allowed the seemingly incompatible demands of the two sides to be reconciled, thus providing a concrete contribution to the development of regional cooperation initiatives. Indeed, particularly at the technical level, we have had considerable success in facilitating Kosovo's participation in regional and international encounters, although the Kosovo authorities appear to believe that UNMIK's facilitation role is not in the interest of their declared sovereign status. As long as it is needed and helpful, UNMIK will continue to play its status-neutral role with all stakeholders in order to foster regional dialogue and cooperation.”
2010-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6314 (2010) · source
“While there has been some encouraging movement in the cultural heritage sphere and in UNMIK's efforts to address practical inter-ethnic issues in Mitrovica, progress in other areas is still heavily conditioned by the prepositioning of the sides in relation to the upcoming International Court of 10-36420 Justice advisory opinion on the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence. In particular, regional cooperation, which is key to badly needed economic development, has suffered notable setbacks due to status-related considerations.”
2010-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6314 (2010) · source
“UNMIK is devoting close attention to issues affecting relations between the communities to facilitate regional cooperation, including through its presence at meetings; to focus on northern Kosovo, including by exercising administrative responsibilities in northern Mitrovica; to engage with all interested parties on issues relating to cultural and religious heritage; and to offer its good offices for the resolution of practical issues between Pristina and Belgrade in the expectation that more direct channels of dialogue for the resolution of such issues can be activated between the parties.”
2010-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6314 (2010) · source
“Mr. Zannier: The report before the Council today (S/2010/ 169) details the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) from 16 December 2009 to 15 March 2010. Today, I intend to highlight key issues and update the Council on events that occurred after 15 March. Overall, since my most recent address to the Council in late January (see S/PV.6264) the situation in Kosovo has remained stable, although the potential remains for volatility and instability, especially in northern Kosovo and a number of significant developments have taken place. The absence of a significant process of reconciliation between the communities continues to be a challenge, and that, coupled with economic difficulties, continues to pose a risk of social unrest.”
2010-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6314 (2010) · source
“The contributions of EULEX in mentoring, monitoring and advising the Kosovo authorities in the area of the rule of law, and of EULEX and the Kosovo Force in providing security and stability in Kosovo, remain of critical importance. UNMIK is also working in close coordination with the United Nations Kosovo team to promote a shared vision of United Nations strategic objectives for peace consolidation in Kosovo. In this regard, we are focusing on enhancing our collaboration for the benefit of Kosovo and the entire region. As always, my staff and I are grateful for the support of the Security Council and hope to be able to count on its continuation. The Council can count on our full commitment to the implementation of the tasks with which it has entrusted us. 10-21617”
2010-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6264 (2010) · source
“I hope that Belgrade and Pristina demonstrate by their actions that the well-being of the population of Kosovo will not be sacrificed on the altar of political agendas. In my previous briefing to the Council (see S/PV.6202), I said I detected that the Kosovo authorities tacitly acknowledge some areas where UNMIK can complement and supplement their efforts in the context of Kosovo's economic development and stability, and I am pleased to report that the Kosovo authorities now appear to show a greater understanding of our role. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and EULEX continue to perform important functions that complement those of UNMIK, within the framework of resolution 1244 (1999). The OSCE continues to effectively monitor community- related issues through its network of field offices.”
2010-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6264 (2010) · source
“I firmly believe that Kosovo's participation in regional and international coordination mechanisms is in the interests of the development and stability of Kosovo, as well as of the entire region, and I therefore hope that Belgrade and Pristina will find a way to put status considerations aside in furtherance of this goal. The longer-term stability and development of Kosovo lies in a successful process of reconciliation between the communities. I therefore welcome President Tadie's message, on the occasion of his visit to the Visoki Decani monastery to celebrate Orthodox Christmas, that all people, regardless of their identity, should reconcile their differences. I have heard similar statements from the Kosovo authorities.”
2010-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6264 (2010) · source
“UNMIK stands ready to assist and work with the EU envoy in order to bring about progress in an important area of common interest. In another area of common interest, regional development, UNMIK has continued to facilitate Kosovo's participation in regional and international forums. This reporting period has seen a particularly active schedule of meetings of international and regional mechanisms, and UNMIK has made possible the participation of Kosovo's institutions whenever it would otherwise not have been possible due to the non-recognition of Kosovo by some Member States involved in the mechanisms.”
2010-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6264 (2010) · source
“In the meantime, detainees remain in prison, civil cases remain unresolved, and the population is denied effective access to justice. I hope that a constructive approach will be adopted by both sides in the re-establishment of multi-ethnic courts, which is in the interest of all, regardless of ethnicity. Equally, an agreement on re-establishing a fully-functioning customs regime in northern Kosovo has proven elusive. In the area of cultural heritage, there has been progress since my last presentation to the Council. I expect an early agreement on the long-awaited appointment of a European Union envoy, who will provide the parties with a mechanism for cooperation in matters related to the protection of the cultural heritage of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo.”
2010-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6264 (2010) · source
“Once again, I appeal to all of those who have any pertinent information to come forward. The implementation of the Secretary-General's report of 24 November 2008 (S/2008/692) has also seen less progress than we would have hoped for. The finalization of the terms of reference for the Kosovo Serb deputy director general of the Kosovo Police, which include functions related to the coordination and integration of police personnel from the communities, is a positive sign and I welcome it. Regrettably, however, there has been little progress in setting up multi-ethnic courts in northern Kosovo. The Government of Serbia's recent appointment of judges for Kosovo has prompted the Kosovo authorities to renew their calls for the dismantling of Serbian judicial structures.”
2010-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6264 (2010) · source
“The European Commission Liaison Office in Pristina has launched a project to facilitate the sustainable resettlement and reintegration of 90 families, and the United States Agency for International Development is funding the building of housing units for 50 more families. Both projects are to begin this year. On the issue of missing persons, I would have wished for something more positive to report today. Over the past 12 months, 33 sets of bodily remains have been identified and returned to the deceased's families. Clearly, more needs to be done to persuade those with information on the fates and locations of the 3 missing to come forward and share their knowledge with the ICRC, the European Union (EU) Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), and the Pristina- Belgrade Working Group on Missing Persons.”
2010-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6264 (2010) · source
“In this context, I would also emphasize the need to reopen the Kosovo Property Agency offices in Serbia, which are key to the efficient processing of property claims filed by IDPs and are therefore important for creating the conditions needed to encourage returns. I am pleased, however, to be able report some positive news relating to a particularly vulnerable group of Kosovo IDPs. There has been encouraging progress in the matter of the relocation of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian residents of the Osterode and Cesmin Llug/Cesmin Lug camps in northern Mitrovica to more suitable residential accommodation.”
2010-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6264 (2010) · source
“While rising significantly in comparison to previous quarters, returns nevertheless continue to be low in absolute numbers due to a variety of factors, including the absence of economic prospects and concerns about freedom of movement, which have been raised by Serbia following a recent incident involving the Serbian Minister for Kosovo. UNMIK has been working closely with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and stays in contact with the authorities in Belgrade and Pristina to encourage returns. Kosovo's leadership states that it is committed to a multi-ethnic Kosovo and open to returns. Nevertheless, more needs to be done to make this objective a reality.”
2010-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6264 (2010) · source
“At the end of October, tensions over the supply of electricity to northern Kosovo arose between the Kosovo Energy Corporation and the Electric Power Industry of Serbia, which has taken over the distribution of electricity in the area. This situation has the potential to precipitate a crisis. I hope that agreement between the sides can be reached 10-21617 expeditiously in order to avoid destabilizing the security situation in northern Kosovo. Over the years, we have learned that dealing with the situation in northern Kosovo requires sustained effort, constant engagement with the communities on the ground, and continuing consultation and coordination with all relevant actors. A stable security situation is, of course, one of the key elements needed to encourage returns of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.”
2010-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6264 (2010) · source
“For instance, earlier this month a group of Kosovo Serbs, suspecting that Kosovo Albanians were engaging in construction beyond what had been agreed upon in UNMIK-facilitated negotiations, threw rocks at construction workers and set a truck ablaze. It is clear that UNMIK must continue to shepherd the reconstruction process and monitor the situation closely to ensure that all communities respect existing arrangements to preserve stability, and that effective communication is maintained at all times. The UNMIK administration in northern Mitrovica has proven to be a useful tool in this regard. A recent, particularly worrying development in northern Kosovo is related to the provision of electricity. The issue is very complex and involves technical, commercial, legal and political aspects.”
2010-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6264 (2010) · source
“Leaving status considerations aside, these developments allow communities to play a meaningful role in their local administration, which increases confidence levels among the population and creates a climate more conducive to increased returns and a more multi-ethnic Kosovo. Northern Kosovo however, remains a flashpoint. Relations between the Kosovo Serb and Kosovo Albanian communities there remain tense, although a greater understanding now appears to prevail in the matter of the reconstruction of houses by the communities. During this reporting period, eight Kosovo Albanian families moved into their newly reconstructed houses in the Kroi i Vitakut/Brdjani area without incident. However, even this peace remains tenuous.”
2010-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6264 (2010) · source
“While Kosovo Serbs living in the northern municipalities of Zvecan/Zveean, Leposaviq/Leposavie 10-21617 and Zubin Potok did not participate in the elections conducted by the Kosovo authorities, participation by Kosovo Serbs living south of the Ibar River, although relatively low in absolute numbers, was substantially higher than in recent elections and resulted in the establishment of three new Kosovo Serb-majority municipalities. In all three, as well as in the existing Kosovo Serb-majority municipality of Shterpce/Strpce, the balloting resulted in the election of Kosovo Serb mayors and Kosovo Serb-majority municipal administrations.”
2010-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6264 (2010) · source
“As was the case during the previous reporting period, Kosovo has remained largely peaceful and stable, although tensions and the possibility of flare- ups remain in northern Kosovo. The past three months have been politically eventful, with both the Kosovo authorities and the Government of Serbia conducting municipal elections. While UNMIK was not involved in the organization or calling of any of these elections, their peaceful and mostly orderly conduct was an encouraging sign.”
2010-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6264 (2010) · source
“Mr. Zannier: I would like to begin with a thought for the victims of the catastrophic earthquake that has devastated Haiti and so cruelly struck down so many, including our colleagues and friends, some of whom had previously served with the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). We are sorely diminished by their loss. The report before the Council today (S/ZOlO/S) contains details of UNMIK's activities from 16 September to 15 December 2009. During this period, UNMIK continued to perform its functions under resolution 1244 (1999). Our overriding objective remains to ensure lasting security, stability and respect for human rights in Kosovo and the region. We are pursuing our objective by supporting Kosovo's communities, encouraging reconciliation, and facilitating dialogue and regional cooperation.”
2010-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6264 (2010) · source
“Kosovo continues to present both challenges and opportunities for UNMIK. UNMIK aims to help restore full normality in Kosovo so that all of its people may have better lives in a stable and peaceful region. While that goal is ambitious, I am convinced that, together with Pristina and Belgrade and our international partners, as well as with the support of this Council, UNMIK can meet it.”
2009-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6202 (2009) · source
“In fact, UNMIK is inextricably caught between the differing perceptions of Belgrade and Pristina. While Belgrade expects a robust UNMIK role, the Pristina authorities believe that UNMIK's job is done, although I detect some acknowledgement that there are areas where we can usefully work together, and UNMIK continues to enjoy cooperation at the working level with representatives of the Kosovo institutions in many relevant areas. Nevertheless, not having been able to obtain the closure of the Mission, members of the Government in Pristina have avoided any official contact with me during the past few months. I am pleased to report, therefore, that immediately prior to my departure for New York, I was invited by President Sejdiu for a long and cordial meeting. I was encouraged by this contact and hope that it will continue.”
2009-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6202 (2009) · source
“The last time I addressed this Council, I noted that the Kosovo and Serbian authorities alike were increasingly concerned as to how their actions might influence the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence. Actions by Pristina and Belgrade continue to be aimed at bolstering their respective legal positions before the Court. As a consequence, our role, although aimed at promoting pragmatic solutions to existing problems, has not been an easy one to play. For instance, most recently, the Kosovo Ministry of Justice has announced that it is taking over the processing of international legal assistance requests involving non-recognizing countries and institutions, a task being performed by UNMIK as part of our own facilitation efforts.”
2009-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6202 (2009) · source
“In a broader context, I am pleased that UNMIK's facilitation has enabled Kosovo's participation in important international and regional forums and processes, which would not otherwise have been possible. Resolution 1244 (1999) requires Kosovo's representation under the United Nations banner. It is clear that the Kosovo authorities would prefer to participate on their own, without UNMIK having to facilitate their presence. On the other hand, there are significant benefits accruing to Kosovo by participation, without prejudice to their stand on status and in line with our own status-neutral stance. Accordingly, UNMIK does not attend without the participation of the representatives of Kosovo's institutions, nor does it speak on their behalf.”
2009-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6202 (2009) · source
“Similarly, both Belgrade and Pristina need to work harder so that the technical dialogue working group on missing persons, chaired by the International Committee of the Red Cross, can meet the expectations of the families whose loved ones are still missing. Ten years after the conflict, the bodily remains of more than 3,000 individuals have been identified and returned to their families, but the fate of 1,885 missing persons is still unknown. People with knowledge of the facts need to heed the repeated calls to come forward 3 and divulge this information so that families can achieve closure and Kosovo's communities can continue the process of reconciliation. In this regard, I also urge the international community to ensure that there are sufficient resources available to continue this important work.”
2009-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6202 (2009) · source
“I am disappointed, however, that efforts to develop cooperation in other practical areas between Pristina and Belgrade have been less successful. Kosovo authorities have distanced themselves from an agreement on police cooperation between EULEX and the Serbian Interior Ministry. I therefore urge pragmatism and compromise so that fully functioning multi-ethnic courts and customs points in northern Kosovo can be re-established and life for all of Kosovo's communities normalized. In particular, cooperation in the important area of cultural heritage has been greatly reduced since Kosovo's declaration of independence. UNMIK stands ready to play a role with Belgrade, Pristina and the European Union to help protect and preserve the cultural heritage of Kosovo and the patrimony of the Serbian Orthodox Church there.”
2009-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6202 (2009) · source
“While there has been little, if any, support for decentralization or the 15 November vote among the Kosovo Serb leaders in the three northern municipalities, a number of Kosovo Serb community leaders south of the Ibar River have openly called for participation in the upcoming elections. Putting status considerations aside, I personally believe that greater participation in Kosovo's local structures could benefit all of Kosovo's communities and foster the development of multi-ethnic local institutions, leading to stronger protection of minority rights and encouraging returns. In this regard, the return of Kosovo Serbs to their posts within the Kosovo Police Service has been a welcome development, reinforcing the multi-ethnicity of and promoting community confidence in the police.”
2009-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6202 (2009) · source
“The Kosovo political landscape is currently dominated by decentralization and the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for 15 November. Kosovo Serb views on these two issues range from outright rejection to engagement. Since the Secretary- General's report before you was drafted, the Kosovo authorities have decided that, as part of their 09-55956 decentralization programme, four new municipalities with Kosovo Serb majorities are to be established following these municipal elections. These elections will be the first organized by the Kosovo institutions since the declaration of independence in February 2008.”
2009-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6202 (2009) · source
“Pristina authorities insist that they are committed to a multiethnic Kosovo and I encourage them to develop incentives for sustainable returns and address security concerns relating to internally displaced persons (IDPs). And they can count on UNMIK's support and assistance. In that regard, I have met with local authorities and the Kosovo Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian (RAE) leadership in Mitrovica on the long pending issue of the RAE IDP camps located there. To support the plans of the Kosovo institutions to address the issue, I have established a Coordination Group, which I am chairing, composed of UNMIK experts and the United Nations Kosovo Team, with the participation of the European Commission Liaison Office. Our aim is to speed up the closure of the camps and ensure the sustainable relocation of their residents.”
2009-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6202 (2009) · source
“Over the summer, I visited Mitrovica twice to meet with local leaders and emphasized that returns should not be politicized, but should be the result of a balanced and properly regulated process that does not create new tensions and resentments. In spite of a modest increase in the overall numbers, returns remain far below the level we would hope to see. We know that displaced families from all communities wish to reclaim their lost lives and begin anew, and I believe the United Nations can play an even more active role in supporting them. I have therefore tasked our Office of Community Support and Facilitation to work closely with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and develop contacts with Belgrade in order to further returns.”
2009-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6202 (2009) · source
“In this regard, I am pleased to report that UNMIK's presence and efforts, together with those of the Kosovo 09-55956 Force (KFOR), the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), have so far contributed to preserving a fragile stability. Notably, in August, when the situation threatened to get out of hand, UNMIK helped the parties in the northern Mitrovica suburb of Kroi i Vitakut/Brdjani to reach a compromise on the issue of reconstruction of Kosovo Albanian houses damaged in the conflict, and construction of new Kosovo Serb houses.”
2009-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6202 (2009) · source
“Consequently, the Mission has concentrated its efforts on crucial tasks that we are well suited to perform: addressing the concerns of minority communities in order to foster confidence; promoting dialogue in order to foster reconciliation; and addressing external relations issues with non-recognizing States, including facilitating Kosovo's participation in regional and international processes, in order to foster economic development and regional cooperation. Our guiding principle is to ensure Kosovo's lasting security and stability and the security and stability of the region. Although conditions remained generally stable during this period, the situation in northern Kosovo remains an issue of concern, with the potential to destabilize other parts of Kosovo if not kept in check.”
2009-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6202 (2009) · source
“Mr. Zannier: The report you have before you today (S/2009/497) details the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) from 1 June to 15 September 2009. The period following the conclusion of the Mission's reconfiguration on 30 June has been one of consolidation and readjustment for UNMIK, reflecting the evolving realities on the ground. UNMIK has now become a more compact and more politically focused mission within the remit of its mandate under Security Council 1244 (1999). As this Council is aware, political realities have substantially affected the implementation of UNMIK's administrative role.”
2009-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6202 (2009) · source
“A founding purpose of the United Nations is to harmonize the actions of nations in the attainment of peace and the resolution of economic, social, cultural or humanitarian problems and to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. This goal has been foremost in our minds during these past three months, while we completed the reconfiguration of UNMIK. Our goal, with the support of EULEX, OSCE and the international military presence, remains to ensure stability, foster reconciliation and allow for the return of internally displaced persons. I am confident that the reconfigured Mission, enhanced by the significant OSCE field presence and by the EULEX police and justice components, represents a well-honed tool for performing these functions on behalf of the Council and the Secretary-General.”
2009-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6144 (2009) · source
“It has been a year of intense activities, and with the cooperation of all, we managed to ensure that the delicate phase of transition did not produce instability or crisis. However, as I have outlined, much remains to be done, and this means that we will need to continue to work towards the resolution of the remaining issues. Looking ahead, the reconfiguration of UNMIK also presents us with an opportunity to enhance cooperation between the various United Nations actors operating in Kosovo, improving the overall coherence and effectiveness of United Nations action and promoting greater interaction in pursuit of our shared objectives.”
2009-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6144 (2009) · source
“Timely OSCE reporting earlier this year on the disputed reconstruction of Kosovo Albanian houses north of the Ibar river and on the electricity cuts in Serbian enclaves south of the river are just two examples of how OSCE fulfils this important role. With its main focus on ensuring that the human rights of Kosovo's diverse ethnic communities are protected, OSCE is well-placed to play an even greater role as a mediator in disputes between the communities, a role I have strongly encouraged it to play, as it builds the capacities of local institutions and fosters democratic principles and practices. I assumed the duties of Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of Mission a year ago.”
2009-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6144 (2009) · source
“EULEX is engaged in monitoring, mentoring and advising Kosovo's rule of law institutions and exercises certain executive functions. EULEX has also engaged in discussions with the Government of Serbia, including meetings in Belgrade with the Serbian Deputy Prime Minister/Minister for the Interior, and the Ministers for Kosovo and Metohija for Finance and Justice. UNMIK has remained fully involved in these consultations. With the process of reconfiguring UNMIK nearly completed, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) continues to carry out its mandated responsibility for comprehensive monitoring throughout Kosovo through its extensive field presence.”
2009-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6144 (2009) · source
“The number of voluntary returns remains disappointingly low and, despite repeated calls by the Kosovo authorities for Serbs to return to Kosovo and reclaim their homes, the response has been negligible. To their credit, the Kosovo authorities, supported by the international community, are making efforts to ensure that the conditions exist for sustainable returns. Throughout the reporting period, UNMIK has been cooperating closely with the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX). EULEX continues to operate throughout Kosovo under the overall authority of the United Nations and within the status-neutral framework of resolution 1244 (1999). As noted in the annex to the Secretary-General's report, EULEX declared itself to be at full operational capability on 6 April and now has a staff of 2,569.”
2009-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6144 (2009) · source
“A solution has recently been agreed upon by all stakeholders to request that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) provide for an arrangement that would allow for the operation of KPA offices in Serbia under the umbrella of the United Nations. Such a solution would allow for the constructive engagement of Pristina and Belgrade to ensure restitution of the property rights of internally displaced persons within the framework of resolution 1244 (1999). I have therefore asked UNHCR to consider entering into such an arrangement, and I take this opportunity to acknowledge the continued cooperation of UNHCR and its valuable contributions in ensuring the protection of the rights of the displaced communities of Kosovo.”
2009-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6144 (2009) · source
“The Working Group agreed that the positive momentum achieved must be continued and developed further, but here too much remains to be done, and it is key that the issue remain non-politicized. Further positive steps have been taken over the past few weeks towards restoring the effectiveness of the Kosovo Property Agency (KPA). As members may recall, following the entry into force of the Kosovo constitution, KPA offices in Serbia that had facilitated the collection of claims, the gathering and verifying of information and the delivery of decisions were closed, thus hampering the process leading to the final adjudication of a significant number of claims.”
2009-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6144 (2009) · source
“In coordination with other key stakeholders, UNMIK finally succeeded in overcoming a year-long stalemate, and last month was able to reactivate the Reconstruction Implementation Commission, which deals with rebuilding Serbian Orthodox Church sites. The reconstruction of cultural patrimony is one of the few areas in which representatives of Belgrade and of Pristina interact directly at the technical level. 3 Another such area is that of missing persons, where Pristina and Belgrade continue to meet, putting status-related concerns aside. The Pristina and Belgrade delegations of the Working Group on Missing Persons met on 3 June at an open session in Belgrade. Both delegations provided information on potential sites that could contain the remains of people considered missing and pledged to do more to address the problem of missing persons.”
2009-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6144 (2009) · source
“With UNMIK'S active engagement, an agreement was reached in principle between the communities, to the effect that Kosovo Serbs would be allowed to build homes on newly acquired land in the same area without opposition from Kosovo Albanians. While the issue of reconstruction is inherently linked to the right of return, the Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serb communities still perceive matters in more political and strategic terms, and the situation remains fragile. Another step forward during this period, on a technical issue of importance for the peaceful coexistence of Kosovo's communities, occurred in the area of protecting the Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo. UNMIK is engaged in strategic cooperation in that area with other actors, such as the Council of Europe.”
2009-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6144 (2009) · source
“After a decade of refusing to pay for the electricity they consume, for political reasons, and following targeted blackouts by the electricity provider, the engagement of the international community, including that of UNMIK where and when warranted, and the support of senior representatives of Serbia's Ministry for Kosovo and Metohija, have resulted in at least 98 per cent of the Kosovo Serb enclaves agreeing to a payment scheme, which has resulted in their receiving a regular supply of electricity. During this period a crisis was also averted north of the Ibar River, where attempts by Kosovo Albanian displaced persons, backed by the Kosovo authorities, to rebuild a number of houses in the northern Mitrovica suburb of Kroi i Vitakut/Brdjani, met with opposition from the Kosovo Serb community, which held daily protests.”
2009-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6144 (2009) · source
“While efforts to address specific problems tend to be perceived by one side or the other as a potential threat to its perceived interests, making it often very difficult to move the process forward, we have found that engagement at the technical level, such as in the cultural heritage or in the missing persons areas, is constructive and produces results. We therefore urge both Belgrade and Pristina to find more ways to engage at the technical level to deliver what both clearly 09-37195 advocate, which is a better life for all the people of Kosovo. In that regard, the period covered by this latest report has been marked by some tangible progress in a number of areas. One such has been progress in finding a solution for the decade-old problem of electricity supply to the Kosovo Serb community south of the Ibar River.”
2009-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6144 (2009) · source
“Regrettably, our ability to promote status-neutral solutions to practical issues is being affected by the positions taken by the parties in anticipation of the issuance of the advisory opinion requested by the General Assembly from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Kosovo's declaration of independence. Whether justified or not, Belgrade and Pristina have been viewing every action they or we take through the prism of how it may be perceived or interpreted by the ICJ as potentially either weakening or strengthening the case of one side or the other. In spite of those difficulties, UNMIK continues to engage with the various stakeholders on matters affecting the lives of all of Kosovo's communities, as a facilitator of a process in which opportunities exist for the sides to engage and resolve differences.”
2009-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6144 (2009) · source