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

“The United Nations remains uniquely situated to play a useful role for both sides, inter alia by facilitating the resolution of problems as an intermediary between parties that are not ready to deal with each other directly. This may involve mediating between the communities or facilitating Kosovo's engagement in external affairs, which is key to ensuring the functionality of such regional processes as, for instance, the Central European Free Trade Agreement. Our status of neutrality allows us to use our efforts to nurture the reconciliation of Kosovo's communities and foster regional cooperation, for the benefit of all of Kosovo's people and for the stability and development of the region as a whole.”
2009-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6144 (2009) · source
“The newly reconfigured UNMIK will continue to perform its functions under resolution 1244 (1999), with the overall aim of ensuring peace and stability in Kosovo. UNMIK's proposed budget for the upcoming 2009-2010 budget cycle amounts to $47,082,000 and provides for 507 staff members. This reflects the new 09-37195 role taken on by the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) in that field, as well as the continuing role of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in monitoring respect for human and minority rights through their extensive field presence. UNMIK's resources and skills, combined with those of the other organizations, provide the full panoply of expertise and staff needed to implement our mandate while promoting synergies and avoiding duplication of efforts.”
2009-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6144 (2009) · source
“Moreover, it has served to enhance UNMIK'S effectiveness, in View of the prevailing circumstances on the ground, which have increasingly limited the scope for performing administrative functions. The reconfiguration took place in a transparent manner vis-a-vis all stakeholders. It was also consonant with the United Nations position of strict neutrality on the question of Kosovo's status. Under the guidance of the Secretariat, UNMIK has adhered strictly to the guidelines that provided for reductions in its budget, which took into account the role of other actors on the ground and the valuable synergies of the joint international effort. UNMIK's role today is different, but no less relevant or vital.”
2009-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6144 (2009) · source
“Mr. Zannier: The report (8/2009/300) members of the Security Council have before them today details the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) during the period from 10 March to 31 May 2009. With the conclusion of UNMIK's three phases of reconfiguration, following the report (S/2008/354) of the Secretary-General of 12 June 2008, UNMIK has progressively shifted its focus towards an increasingly diplomatic and political role focused on facilitating dialogue and external relations and fostering minority rights. As set out in the Secretary-General's report (S/2008/692) of 24 November 2008, which was welcomed by the Council in a presidential statement (S/PRST/2008/44), UNMIK's reconfiguration is both timely and necessary.”
2009-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6144 (2009) · source
“Yet, much remains to be done. The situation in Kosovo has remained relatively peaceful during the past eight months and, while both Pristina and Belgrade have made noteworthy attempts to maintain the peace in the face of potentially destabilizing situations, both have also stopped short of where we need to be in order to feel confident that Kosovo is well and truly launched on the path of lasting peace and prosperity. That goal will only be reached if both Pristina and Belgrade look first of all to the interests of all of Kosovo's communities, and beyond their own legitimate larger political considerations. For its part, counting on the continued support of the Council, UNMIK will carry on working together with Belgrade and Pristina, and with the international community, to ensure that this goal is reached.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“When I first addressed the Security Council in July 2008 (see S/PV.5944), one month after assuming my duties as Special Representative of the Secretary- General for UNMIK, I stated my fervent hope that the path we had taken to ensure the continued effectiveness of UNMIK would allow the United Nations to protect its legacy in Kosovo while adapting to the changing needs on the ground in order to ensure conditions for a peaceful and normal life for all the inhabitants of Kosovo, as required by UNMIK's mandate under resolution 1244 (1999). I am satisfied that UNMIK has managed to recalibrate its structure and profile in line with the new challenges posed by the situation in Kosovo and pleased by the progress that has been made towards advancing the European perspective of the Western Balkans with the deployment of EULEX.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“For this purpose, the Pristina-Belgrade technical dialogue working group on energy, which has largely been dormant for the past two years, should re-engage. Over the past few weeks, a number of Belgrade officials have been denied entry into Kosovo by the Kosovo authorities. This is an issue that, if left unresolved, is bound to unnecessarily increase tensions. Constructive engagement by all is necessary to address and resolve this matter without delay.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“The problem is mainly due to non-payment by many consumers, including wholesale non-payment by the Kosovo Serb community. Recently, in an effort to induce payment, the Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEK) has allowed breakdowns in the electric power supply to go unrepaired for periods of a week or more. Although this policy is affecting all ethnic groups to different degrees, the issue has been politicized, leading to demonstrations by angry residents of Kosovo Serb-inhabited villages, who have recently clashed with the Kosovo Police when protesters tried to block traffic on main thoroughfares. UNMIK and OSCE staff personnel have actively engaged with village leaders, with municipal officials and with KEK to calm the situation and promote dialogue, but a viable and sustainable solution must be found.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“Notwithstanding our continuing efforts, the pace of identifications has considerably slowed over the past few years, from a high of 722 cases in 2005 to 43 cases last year and just one missing person case closed so far this year. Clearly, much more must be done. The Pristina-Belgrade technical dialogue working group on missing persons, chaired by the International Committee of the Red Cross, is one of the very few forums where Pristina's and Belgrade's experts meet regularly face to face in an effort to move a painful and difficult issue forward. However, cooperation must improve, and politics should be put aside with the common goal of fulfilling the right of the families of all missing persons to know the fate of their loved ones. The issue of electric power supply continues to plague the everyday lives of all of Kosovo's residents.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“Positive practical steps have also been registered in the area of policing. However, while progress is continuing on many fronts, a number of challenges remain. The process of return of internally displaced persons saw a very sharp decline in the number of voluntary returns by members of minority communities in 2008, with only 664 persons belonging to minority communities returning to Kosovo last year. While the international community has been fully supportive of the returns process, the role of authorities in Pristina and Belgrade in this respect remains key. There are still too many missing persons from the conflict.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“For instance, during the past three months, UNMIK representatives have met formally and informally with relevant stakeholders to discuss cultural and religious heritage issues. These meetings revealed that, while Pristina and Belgrade have different understandings of the nature of the mechanisms that should serve to protect and preserve the cultural heritage and patrimony of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo, their objectives largely coincide. UNMIK has also engaged, together with EULEX, in further technical consultations with other stakeholders on issues related to the functioning of the justice system in northern Kosovo. Opportunities for reintroducing local judges in court proceedings have been identified, beginning, in the first instance, with judges who had been appointed by UNMIK.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“Furthermore, following the assumption of operational responsibilities in the rule of law area by EULEX acting under resolution 1244 (1999), by 1 July 2009, UNMIK will have refocused its staff on the tasks set out in the Secretary-General's 12 June report (S/2008/354). I owe a special debt of gratitude to all of UNMIK's staff - those who will continue to work for UNMIK after the 30 June and, in particular, those whose tenure with UNMIK has ended or will end during the next three months - for the dedication, professionalism and commitment they have demonstrated during their tenure with UNMIK. A centrepiece of UNMIK's reconfigured role, in line with the Secretary-General's report on Kosovo, has consisted of consultations with the various stakeholders on matters affecting the lives of all of Kosovo's communities.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“As anticipated in the November report of the Secretary-General (S/2008/692), a central element of the reconfigured UNMIK remains the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Mission in Kosovo. After the downsizing of UNMIK in the field, the OSCE, through its extensive field presence, assumed the responsibility for comprehensive monitoring throughout Kosovo. In particular, the OSCE's role in building capacities of local institutions is crucial in contributing to the effective protection of 09-27620 all people living in Kosovo and thus to fostering Kosovo's multi-ethnic character. I am pleased to report that UNMIK has succeeded in effecting the reconfiguration of its rule of law elements as envisioned in the Secretary-General's November report.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“With EULEX having assumed responsibility for the police and justice functions under resolution 1244 (1999), UNMIK will now be able to effectively carry out its reconfigured functions with a much lighter footprint. Out of a total of 1,288 UNMIK police personnel on the ground at the beginning of December, 49 UNMIK police officers currently remain in Kosovo, handling liaison and external representation functions. There are no longer UNMIK judges or prosecutors exercising functions in Kosovo courts. However, UNMIK staff remains actively involved in supporting the talks regarding the Mitrovica courthouse, which currently continues to operate on a limited basis with EULEX international judges and prosecutors.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“Thanks to the close cooperation with UNMIK and EULEX staff, the deployment of EULEX police throughout Kosovo and the concomitant stand-down of UNMIK police was completed smoothly and efficiently so as to avoid potential conflicts of competencies. On 9 December, as EULEX police deployed throughout Kosovo, they started to exercise their policing functions. EULEX judges, prosecutors and other justice personnel also took on operational responsibilities as of the same date. As a result of the deployment of EULEX, UNMIK was able to step up its reconfiguration and adjust its structure and profile to allow for an efficient use of resources in the implementation of its mandate in the light of the changed circumstances on the ground.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“The last time I was before this Council, on 26 November (6025th meeting), the Council issued a presidential statement (S/PRST/2008/44) welcoming the Secretary-General's 24 November report (S/2008/692), which envisaged the deployment of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) throughout Kosovo under a status-neutral United Nations umbrella; the reconfiguration of 09-27620 UNMIK's rule of law functions and continuing consultations with all relevant parties on technical issues of importance for the peaceful coexistence of Kosovo's communities. Accordingly, EULEX assumed full operational responsibility in the rule of law area on 9 December, within the framework of resolution 1244 (1999) and under the overall authority and within the status-neutral framework of the United Nations.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“Fortunately, those incidents have so far only resulted in property damage, but there is reason for serious concern. While UNMIK has continued its efforts to mediate between the communities, local community leaders need to make greater efforts to defuse tensions and promote coexistence and reconciliation.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“Mr. Zannier: The report that the Council has before it today (S/2009/149) details the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) during the period from 1 November 2008 to 9 March 2009. This has been a very dynamic period for UNMIK and for Kosovo, one rife with challenges and milestones. In general, I am pleased to be able to report to the Council that the situation in Kosovo remained substantially stable in spite of the potential for volatility presented by the developments of the past quarter. Nevertheless, ethnic tensions persist at several traditional flashpoints, particularly in and around northern Mitrovica, and the past few weeks have seen an alarming escalation of incidents involving the use of firearms and explosive devices.”
2009-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6097 (2009) · source
“As we look for practical solutions through the ongoing process of dialogue - a process requiring great patience, persistence and good will - I will continue to be guided by the basic principles of inclusion, integration and protection of the most vulnerable elements of Kosovo society. In conclusion, let me say that UNMIK has constantly adapted itself to change, but the Mission has always sought to carry out its mandate under Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). That mandate has to be interpreted in the light of events. We are no longer engaged in relief work, for example, and have not been for a long time. By focusing on the fields where there is still some room for intervention and where we can still make a difference, UNMIK can best discharge its responsibilities to the Security Council under its mandate.”
2008-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6025 (2008) · source
“Although the authorities in Pristina are firmly committed to a multi- ethnic society, including on the basis of their constitution, Kosovans - Albanians and Serbs - live apart, in parallel worlds. To a certain extent this happens peacefully, but the potential for conflict is always there, and recently, we have seen an intensification of small incidents in the north. Although the questions regarding Kosovo's status contribute to this situation, the international community should redouble its efforts to promote better conditions for safe and sustainable returns, which are currently at the lowest level since 2000, and for unimpeded freedom of movement throughout Kosovo for all communities.”
2008-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6025 (2008) · source
“Those arrangements, which have been accepted by the Serbian Government, will largely translate into a more focused dialogue between the sides to address the issues identified in the six areas. In view of the strong objections by the Pristina authorities to those temporary arrangements and taking into account an alternative four-point plan put forward by them, the Secretary-General has asked me to reassure the authorities in Pristina that implementation will proceed on the basis of close cooperation and coordination. Before concluding, I would like to offer a personal observation. Nearly a decade after the end of the conflict in this region, Kosovo fundamentally remains an ethnically segregated society.”
2008-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6025 (2008) · source
“The Council is aware of the European Union's willingness to launch its own rule of law mission in Kosovo within the framework provided by resolution 1244 (1999). European Union Rule of Law Mission Kosovo (EULEX) staff are now deploying at an increasingly accelerated rate. Once EULEX has deployed throughout Kosovo, under the umbrella of the United Nations, in the police, justice and customs sectors, UNMIK will review its own presence accordingly. The report presented by the Secretary-General describes the conditions under which EULEX is to be deployed and the acceleration of UNMIK's reconfiguration that that will entail. The report also describes the results of the dialogue with Belgrade mandated by the Secretary-General's letter of 12 June (S/2008/354, annex I).”
2008-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6025 (2008) · source
“We are now taking steps to better integrate our common efforts, especially at the field level, in the spirit of resolution 1244 (1999) and in a status-neutral mode. The next phase, which involves essentially the administration and support services internal to the Mission, cannot be completed until reconfiguration in the area of the rule of law is under way, because the size of the support services depends on the total size of the Mission. Our broad target is a reduction in staff of approximately 70 per cent, including the rule of law elements, but that will not be achieved until all three phases are complete. For now, UNMIK remains the 3 principal international guarantor of the rule of law in Kosovo.”
2008-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6025 (2008) · source
“The plan during that phase was based on the premise that, although resolution 1244 (1999) remains in force and still provides a mandate, recent actions by Kosovo's institutions have made it no longer possible or practical for UNMIK to function as an administrator. As a result, we are reorienting our field presence to concentrate on areas occupied by non-Albanian communities, with a mandate to monitor the interests of those communities and retain a supporting and mediation role. In my previous address to the Council, I indicated the intention to enhance our interaction with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) pillar. I have since made the explicit suggestion at the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna for the OSCE to consider strengthening and focusing its activity in Kosovo.”
2008-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6025 (2008) · source
“If we can build up trust and cooperation through the constructive engagement of all sides, there is hope for progress in other areas. Maintaining the momentum requires the good faith and the necessary political will of all concerned. I would now like to say something about how UNMIK is adapting in order to maintain its relevance and usefulness in Kosovo in implementing resolution 1244 (1999). We have planned the process in three phases. The first phase is almost complete. It is intended to enhance the political and diplomatic elements of the Mission, joining the residual elements of the civil administration with political affairs and with more modest adjustments to the public information office and other departments.”
2008-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6025 (2008) · source
“I consider particularly important the recent reopening of the courthouse in northern Mitrovica, which had not functioned since the public disturbances there in March. That step, in its initial phase, with the court being operated by UNMIK under resolution 1244 (1999), appears to be acceptable to both Belgrade and Pristina. Complex negotiations are continuing on seeking agreement on the next phases, with the objective of fully normalizing the operation of the court. However, those negotiations are proving very difficult, especially 08-62041 on issues such as the future jurisdiction of the court once there has been a transition. I urge all parties to continue acting responsibly and constructively and to accept the current transitional arrangements until those issues are resolved.”
2008-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6025 (2008) · source
“UNMIK has since undertaken a thorough review of its size and functions, in order to be able to operate in the most appropriate way in this environment of change. We need to concentrate on the fields where we can still make a difference for good, rather than attempt to continue functions that are neither relevant nor needed. UNMIK's role is becoming much more political. For example, it is providing an interface for the process of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. Since it has not yet been possible to establish conditions for the two sides to talk to each other, UNMIK has a role as an interlocutor for both, although each side interprets that role in a different way. I have visited Belgrade several times during the reporting period and seen some progress towards resolving some very controversial issues.”
2008-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6025 (2008) · source
“Assisted by many of the United Nations Member States that have recognized Kosovo, the Government, the presidency and the Assembly have continued to consolidate their control and authority over Kosovo's institutions. In any case, it has been encouraging that the overall atmosphere in Kosovo was generally calm throughout the summer, that there have been no major security incidents and that a series of minor problems have been managed and contained by low-level intervention. As far as UNMIK is concerned, it is now entering a new phase of its nine-year existence. In his report of 12 June (S/2008/354), the Secretary-General indicated to the Council his intention to reconfigure the international civil presence in Kosovo, since basic consent to direct administration by UNMIK has, in practice, disappeared.”
2008-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6025 (2008) · source
“In fact, that transition is proving to be more complex than many observers expected. Against the expectation that Kosovo would be recognized quickly by a large number of United Nations Member States, in fact, the pace of recognition slackened over the summer and it has now reached the number of 52. The slower than predicted process of recognition is hampering Kosovo's ability to forge ties with external actors, obtain membership of international organizations and reinforce the institutions of self- government. Nevertheless, Kosovo expects to become 08-6204] a member of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank next year.”
2008-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6025 (2008) · source
“Mr. Zannier: The report that the Council has before it today (8/2008/692) describes in detail the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) for the period 26 June to 31 October 2008. The overall security situation has remained calm and stable throughout that time. However, the political situation and the institutional landscape remain complex. I first addressed the Council just over a month after my arrival in Kosovo (see S/PV.5944). Since then, I have had the opportunity to gain a more nuanced reading of the situation on the ground. Kosovo is undergoing a period of transition and adaptation to the new circumstances created by its declaration of independence on 17 February and the subsequent entry into force of its constitution.”
2008-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6025 (2008) · source
“Mr. Zannier: I would just like briefly to refer to one issue raised by Foreign Minister Jeremie in his statement, which has to do with the findings concerning allegations that excessive force was used on 17 March against Kosovo Serb demonstrators in the town of Mitrovica. I wish to inform him that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations will organize a briefing for concerned Member States on that issue next week.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“I am also optimistic that UNMIK can continue to have an important role in facilitating dialogue among the different parties on matters affecting the lives of all communities in Kosovo.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“I consider my role in 08-43933 that regard as that of a facilitator for eventual direct dialogue between the parties. I intend to engage in the process in good faith, in a spirit of transparency and openness, with the aim of promoting the resolution of outstanding issues within a realistic timeframe and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo. In conclusion, let me express my hope and trust that the path we have taken to ensure the continued relevance and effectiveness of UNMIK will allow the United Nations to protect its legacy in Kosovo, while adapting itself to the circumstances and maintaining the monitoring and mediating capacity that is still essential, in full cooperation with the other international actors.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“Just two days ago, on my way to New York, I had an initial meeting with the new Government of Serbia in Belgrade on organizing dialogue in the six practical areas of mutual concern outlined by the Secretary- General in his 12 June letter to President Tadie: customs, police, courts, transportation and infrastructure, boundaries and Serbian patrimony. I am very encouraged by the expressed willingness of Foreign Minister Jeremie to engage in fruitful, constructive dialogue. I consider that to be a promising beginning to the dialogue with Belgrade, which will continue next week with a meeting with Serbia's Minister for Kosovo, Mr. Goran Bogdanovic, in Pristina. That process will require the consultation and support of all interested parties.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“It is my firm belief that every effort must be made to keep open all available channels for constructive dialogue and cooperation. Since my arrival in Kosovo, I have held discussions with a number of local interlocutors, undertaking several field trips and meetings, at which I have been able to talk to representatives of most political groups and communities. In the last two weeks, I have met with political leaders in the north, judicial officials in both Prishtine/Pristina and Mitrovice/Mitrovica and leaders of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Decan/Decani.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“This will be crucial for the promotion of democratic values and the protection of all community interests. In fact, as a part of UNMIK's reconfiguration, the role of OSCE as an UNMIK pillar will be enhanced, particularly at the field level. For this reason, I expect a closer interaction with OSCE in future. NATO has also expressed its continuing commitment to support both the people of Kosovo and the international civil presence in accordance with resolution 1244 (1999). I am most encouraged by the level of constructive cooperation between UNMIK and the Kosovo Force (KFOR) on the ground. This is essential for safeguarding peace and stability in the region. A key continuing role for UNMIK will be to lead the process of dialogue with Belgrade and to consult with all affected parties in a number of practical areas.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“In principle, UNMIK continues to retain executive authority for rule of law functions, such as the police, judiciary and customs, throughout Kosovo for the time being. Discussions on future cooperation have taken place with representatives of the European Union's Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) at the technical level. We are close to concluding an agreement encompassing, inter alia, areas such as transfer of assets, privileges and immunities of staff, and exchanges of information. We expect the European Union Rule of Law Mission to be deployed and operate under United Nations authority and in accordance with resolution 1244 (1999). In addition, I expect the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mission in Kosovo to continue its work as part of the reconfigured UNMIK.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“An initial reconfiguration plan has been developed and forwarded to Headquarters outlining a number of measures that will reduce UNMIK's capacity in areas where it can no longer effectively function, for example, in civil administration, and enhancing it in others, with particular attention to minorities. For example, I am particularly conscious of the ongoing need to ensure that the rights of all communities in Kosovo are fully protected. In the area of external relations, UNMIK is willing and able to continue assisting with Kosovo's participation in international forums, in line with the requests from the inviting organizations, thus ensuring that the people of Kosovo can fully benefit from interaction with the international community and with regional cooperation processes.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“Large numbers of Kosovo-Serb police officers, who refuse to work within and take instruction from the leadership of the Kosovo Police Service, continue to be suspended with pay. UNMIK Customs has no presence at the two northern gates on the Administrative Boundary Line with Serbia, with the resulting loss of revenues and increases in smuggling. As a result of this situation, UNMIK has been engaged in planning for a reconfiguration of its presence that takes into account these circumstances and refocuses its operations, so as to maximize the value it can add in the areas where its role remains key. The planning has been based on the instructions of the Secretary-General and maintains a strictly status- neutral posture, in full compliance with the provisions of resolution 1244 (1999).”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“Nevertheless, in areas where ethnic minority issues are more strongly felt, UNMIK effectively remains the only actor that can attempt to mediate between both sides in practical disputes. In addition, the decision of the European Union to end funding for the operations of UNMIK's economic reconstruction pillar has left UNMIK as from 30 June without the technical capacity or budget to operate in most economic areas, which is a further factor that is forcing UNMIK to reassess its ability to carry on as before. With respect to the rule of law, like my predecessors, I am concerned that key institutions are 3 not functioning as they should. As the Secretary- General's report indicates, a number of judicial institutions in northern Kosovo remain closed.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“These disputes have included disagreement over the siting of a new mosque in the Kamenica municipality, a water distribution dispute in a multi-ethnic neighbourhood of Mitrovice/Mitrovica and a complaint by the Serbian Orthodox Church about actions taken by the Gjakove/Djakovica municipality in covering over the foundations of a destroyed church to make a public park. While UNMIK has monitored these situations and sought to facilitate dialogue between the communities, the Kosovo Serbs deal only with UNMIK and Kosovo Albanians prefer either to attempt to deal with such issues themselves or involve the European Union or other representatives of the international community and it is becoming increasingly difficult for UNMIK to broker solutions.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“Therefore, these powers can only be exercised if and when they are accepted by all parties, as is the case, for instance, in the rule oflaw area. Consent to direct administration by UNMIK has disappeared in the majority areas and is greatly diminished in practice; it has also disappeared in areas inhabited by minority communities, regardless of claims that resolution 1244 (1999) is being upheld. Recent local-level disputes demonstrate the more complicated situation which now prevails for the international community as it attempts to resolve them.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“Attempts to impose my legal authority are simply not heeded by the Kosovo Albanian majority, which now sees the Constitution of Kosovo as the fundamental document from which legal authority derives. Moreover, the relationship between the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Prime Minister has altered significantly. Regular working meetings to decide on key governance matters - a 08-43933 standing fixture since the inception of UNMIK - no longer take place. While I and my staff continue to monitor the work of the Kosovo authorities and to mediate and facilitate in disputes between communities, my power to impose solutions has in practice disappeared throughout much of the territory. While I am still formally vested with executive authority under resolution 1244, I have no tools to enforce such authority.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“Recently, the Serbian Government also sanctioned the formation of an Assembly of the Union of Serbian Municipalities and Settlements in Kosovo and Metohija, on the basis of the results of these elections. As a consequence of this stark divergence of paths taken by Kosovo's Serbian and Albanian communities, the space in which UNMIK can operate has changed. Since the entry into force of the Kosovo Constitution, exercising my legal powers under resolution 1244 (1999) has become increasingly difficult in practice. As the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, I am not in a position any longer to promulgate legislation that has an undisputed binding effect.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“Kosovo Serbs have, on the other hand, continued to oppose cooperation with the Prishtine/Pristina authorities, stressing that they will cooperate only with the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). At the same time, the Serbian Government has consolidated its control of structures in Serb-majority areas, particularly in northern Kosovo. On 11 May, local municipal elections were held in 23 out of the 30 municipalities in Kosovo in which Kosovo Serbs live. UNMIK neither hindered nor supported the elections and declared the results invalid. As a result of the Serbian local elections, new parallel municipal authorities are now operating in all Serb- majority municipalities in Kosovo, and the Serbian Minister for Kosovo has noted publicly his expectation that UNMIK will eventually recognize them.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“Since then, the Kosovo authorities continue to seek to assume the powers and 08-43933 responsibilities of a sovereign State. For example, the Kosovo Assembly recently approved an allocation of funds for the establishment of a Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a minister has been appointed and is present here today. The Prime Minister has also announced his intention to establish embassies in a number of European States and in Washington, DC. The Assembly of Kosovo continues to pass legislation, which is now promulgated by the President of Kosovo without reference to my powers under Security Council 1244 (1999) or the constitutional framework.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“Considering that the latter report covers only very marginally my period in office - as I took up my duties in Pristina as new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for UNMIK on 20 June - I would like to supplement it with my own assessment of the developments on the ground since my arrival in Kosovo. During the reporting period, the ability of UNMIK to perform the vast majority of its tasks as an interim administration has been fundamentally challenged, owing to actions taken by the authorities in Pristina and by the Kosovo Serbs. As my predecessor reported previously, the Kosovo Assembly adopted on 9 April What it described as the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo. This act came into force on 15 June.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source
“Mr. Zannier: Since my predecessor addressed you on 21 April, the situation in Kosovo has changed fundamentally. The Secretary-General's special report on Kosovo (S/2008/354), discussed by the Security Council on 20 June (see S/PV.5917), demonstrates that events on the ground have contributed to creating a profoundly new operating reality for the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). The report before the Council today (S/2008/458) describes in further detail UNMIK's activities during the period 1 March to 25 June 2008.”
2008-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5944 (2008) · source