YouSaid · the spoken record

Zarif

lines on the record: 520
first: 1992-01-21
most recent: 2019-09-25
sittings or episodes: 43
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

“Mr. Zarif: At this time last year, the National Security Council of Liberia endorsed the Government of Liberia's plan for the transition of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). This marked the beginning of an historic undertaking, led by the Government of Liberia, to assume full responsibility for security by 30 June 2016, in line with the deadline set by the Security Council. With less than four months remaining, the Government of Liberia has intensified its efforts to implement the plan. Last month, the Government, with UNMIL and other international stakeholders, conducted a stock-taking exercise to assess progress and reprioritize activities within the plan so as to ensure that its most important targets are met by 30 June.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7649 (2016) · source
“But Iranians are prudent enough to recognize that we should not live in the past and must engage in serious dialogue and regional cooperation, because we truly believe that the security of our neighbours is our own security. We certainly hope that the one or two left-outs in our neighbourhood will embrace this reality and respond positively to the call for responsible action, dialogue and regional cooperation.”
2015-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7527 (2015) · source
“Let me conclude by stressing that we in Iran are fully aware that extremism, terrorism, Takfiri mentality and sectarianism are common challenges that threaten all of us in the region and beyond and require our collective response. We regret that one or two of our neighbours have failed to recognize the threat and our common destiny and exhibit irresponsibility, manifested in their regional posture and, most recently, in the treatment of the victims of the recent disaster in Mecca. The world has not yet forgotten their complicity in the creation of Al-Qaida and the Taliban and in Saddam Hussein's crimes against my people and his own. Those were the major contributing factors in the dangerous emergence of Takfiri extremism.”
2015-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7527 (2015) · source
“Based on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and while providing for a readjustment in mindsets and a new paradigm, the plan of action should aim to support a cultural and ideological front against extreme ideologies, address such contributing factors as dictatorship, poverty, corruption and discrimination, counter Islamophobia and engage all regional States and international actors to deny extremists access to funds, recruits and free movement across borders. It should also address the continued occupation of Palestine and the Israeli atrocities against the Palestinian people over so many decades, which have fuelled extremism and other crises in the region and beyond.”
2015-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7527 (2015) · source
“Success requires a new mindset, away from the old paradigm of exclusion governed by a zero-sum mentality that has only produced negative-sum outcomes. Mindful of the need to address the threat globally, my President in his address to the General Assembly (see A/70/PV.13) reiterated his call for a united front against violent extremism and proposed to draft a comprehensive plan of action on how to proceed. That is imperative, especially in View of the persistence of the threat, the appalling humanitarian consequences and the fact that the present international coalition is failing to achieve its goals. The plan of action should translate the broad international consensus on the need to uproot violent extremism into targeted and effective actions, which have so far proved elusive.”
2015-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7527 (2015) · source
“In our globalized world, in which threats recognize no borders, violent extremism continues to spread and to implicate regions near and far. A tidal wave of refugees and migrants in Europe and tens of thousands of terrorist foreign fighters moving between the region's hot spots and their own societies are indicative of the rapid deglobalizing nature of this crisis. It is alarming that, according to a recent estimate, the trend of foreign terrorist fighters travelling mostly to Iraq and Syria is still upward. It indicates that international efforts to curb the flow have been far from sufficient. No member of the international community can feel safe from the fallout of the crisis in our region. As the threat is global, thwarting it too requires a serious, well-thought-out and coordinated global effort.”
2015-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7527 (2015) · source
“The next period will bring not only further challenges but also, I am confident and certain, further progress, not least due to the Council's continuing support and engagement. UNMIK, my successor and the entire United Nations presence in Kosovo will remain committed to contributing to that end.”
2015-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7510 (2015) · source
“I do, however, firmly believe that there is objective justification for cautious optimism that this process will continue and produce more tangible results in the interest of all. It has been my privilege to serve during these past four years, and I will depart the Mission with strong confidence in the leadership I have observed on each side, as well as from the people. Their future is being built around a shared stake in creating the conditions for long term peace and prosperity. I conclude my remarks today by expressing my deep gratitude to you, Madam President, and to all members of the Council for their support to the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and me. Much has been achieved, and I am confident that the positive progress will only accelerate in the time ahead.”
2015-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7510 (2015) · source
“Kosovo Serb Ministers and Parliamentarians now serve actively in key positions of the central institutions, promoting the vital interests not only of their own community, but increasingly of the electorate as a whole. Police structures are fully integrated, and thereby more responsive. Significant progress has been made towards the integration of all components of the justice system. Through a process of committed dialogue and political compromise, the concrete needs and aspirations of people - perhaps for the first time since the conflict itself- register more loudly in the public discourse than do insinuations about the past. No progress is irreversible, of course. I do not wish to suggest that the efforts made to date are yet sufficient to guarantee headway.”
2015-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7510 (2015) · source
“When I arrived in Kosovo soon after the events of July 2011, tension was extremely high on the ground. Road barricades had been erected throughout the north, and the international security presences had been forced into a strong preventive posture. Public political discourse among the communities in Kosovo, as well as between Belgrade and Pristina, was adversarial and confrontational. Few, if any, conciliatory messages could be heard from any side. Four years later, the situation differs dramatically. Kosovo Serb mayors - elected for the first time under a unified legal framework - now govern in all 10 Kosovo Serb-maj ority municipalities, including the four municipalities in the north.”
2015-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7510 (2015) · source
“During the coming days, it is my hope that dialogue will expand to include other difficult issues that continue to burden relations. Among those, I would highlight renewed effort to determine the fate of missing persons and to provide a scheme for compensating their families; to revitalize transportation and commercial links; to address the many complex issues surrounding property; to deal with issues of the return and settlement of refugees and internally displaced persons; and to discuss the status of the Orthodox Church. As Council membes are already aware, this will be my last briefing to the Council in my capacity as Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Kosovo. I therefore hope that they will permit me a few brief reflections on the trends and processes I have witnessed.”
2015-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7510 (2015) · source
“Among those issues, setting forth a detailed framework for the establishment of the future association/community of Serb-majority municipalities is of paramount importance. Several other matters are now equally ripe for conclusion. Already, the implementation of the arrangements on mutual recognition of vehicular insurance, which began just this past week, is providing evidence of the benefits accruing from the normalization of relations. It is important not to underestimate the potential of this historic process, begun under the tenure of EU High Representative Ashton and now in the capable hands of her successor, Federica Mogherini. Reaching equitable compromises that overcome legacies from the conflict and produce tangible benefit to both sides is not limited only to the terms of the First Agreement reached on 19 April 2013.”
2015-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7510 (2015) · source
“That includes but is not limited to the Assembly of Kosovo's future consideration of a comprehensive law on cultural heritage. I commend the firm assurances given to me by Prime Minister Isa Mustafa that a revised version of the draft law will not be approved by the Cabinet and submitted to the Assembly unless it fully conforms with the relevant provisions of the Constitution. The enormous strides already taken both by Pristina and Belgrade through the EU-facilitated dialogue demand continuing commitment on the part of the parties, and no less from the international community. On 25 August, the top leaders from each side will meet once again, seeking accord on issues where differences - while narrowed - still remain.”
2015-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7510 (2015) · source
“In contrast, the Appellate Panel's decision applied highly questionable legal reasoning in order to return the issue to a local court, which assuredly will reopen the dispute and potentially lead to serious new tensions surrounding that precious cultural and religious heritage site. Respect for and the protection and preservation of the Serbian Orthodox cultural heritage in Kosovo are fundamental duties and represent tests of the responsibility of Kosovo's governing institutions. Should those fail, many other important functions and responsibilities may equally fall into question. It is therefore a matter of utmost importance that the legal framework of protection enshrined in the Constitution of Kosovo be adhered to with conscientious rigour.”
2015-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7510 (2015) · source
“In June, the Appellate Panel of the Special Chamber of the Kosovo Supreme Court issued decisions that, in effect, set aside a landmark decision by the Trial Panel of the Special Chamber in December 2012. That decision concerned property within the special protective zone of the Visoki Decani Orthodox Monastery. The 2012 decision rejected claims of ownership by two socially owned enterprises against the Visoki Decani Monastery. The resolution of this outstanding dispute had been accepted by the two parties to the dispute and hailed by the international community.”
2015-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7510 (2015) · source
“As reflected in the Secretary-General's report (S/2015/579), delays in finalizing the required framework had been the subject of serious concern from various quarters. However, the passage of necessary formative acts and their promulgation yesterday by President Jahjaga stand as a sign of Kosovo's increasing determination to meet its fundamental obligations and commitments, which imply full respect for the rule of law and impartial justice, as well as accountability and equality before the law. The full establishment of the rule of law is facing other important challenges, which merit mention today. One of them is the legal protection of cultural and religious heritage sites.”
2015-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7510 (2015) · source
“Mr. Zarif: The report before the Council details the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) during the latest quarterly reporting period from 16 April to 15 July. Beyond simply presenting the report, I will also reflect briefly on the wider range of important achievements, as well as challenges, facing Kosovo at this time. I would like to begin by commending the critically important step taken by the Kosovo institutions on the third of this month, when the Assembly of Kosovo passed the requisite constitutional amendment and the laws on the establishment of the specialist court and specialist prosecutor's office. These legislative acts fully accord with the exchange of letters between Kosovo and the European Union (EU) on the matter, which were endorsed by the Assembly in April 2014.”
2015-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7510 (2015) · source
“UNMIK will continue working closely with its local and international interlocutors to support all vital processes in accordance with its mandate.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“I am pleased to note that regional leaders, including the President and the Prime Minister of Kosovo, denounced the violence and took great care not to inflame tensions. Time should be permitted for a transparent and comprehensive investigation by the relevant authorities. I conclude my remarks by expressing my deep appreciation to you, Madam President, and other members of the Security Council for your support for UNMIK. I also Wish to thank the membership of the Council for its sustained and constructive engagement with both parties. That engagement will remain essential in encouraging the full implementation of the April 2013 agreement and in supporting progress on other challenging issues, such as the establishment of the specialist court.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“Kosovo's law enforcement agencies and leaders of the religious communities have also played a key role. We have already seen concrete results of those measures, most recently in the indictment of 32 people on charges related to violent extremism, and continuing active investigation of other cases. Radicalization is a global concern, and the Western Balkans is no exception to it. I trust that outreach efforts and active regional cooperation will continue so that adequate responses to this transnational challenge are developed. 1 would like to also add my voice to those of the many regional and European leaders who have expressed deep concern with regard the deadly armed clashes with the police in Kumanovo, in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, on 9 and 10 May. The violent clashes involved several individuals from Kosovo.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“The forum should be used to facilitate agreements in the future, such as on the construction of a Nis-Pristina highway, the resumption of service on the Mitrovica- Peje/Pee rail line, and the re-establishment of a direct air link between Pristina and Belgrade. The powerful potential for efficient regional cooperation was also demonstrated in addressing the recent phenomenon of irregular migration from Kosovo. Similar efforts will be needed to tackle issues ofviolent extremism. In that respect, the substantial efforts of the Kosovo authorities, including the adoption of the law on the prohibition of joining armed conflicts outside Kosovo, in March, and the establishment of a Government anti-radicalization task force, are particularly notable.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“On 30 April, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a Stabilization and Association Agreement with Kosovo. The dynamic approach of the Government of Kosovo contributed to that development. Political leaders in Pristina have expressed their resolve to redouble their efforts so that further progress can be made in upholding the rule of law, stimulating economic development and promoting democracy. 1 should also note the regional cooperation within the Western Balkans 6 forum, in which Kosovo participates. The meeting, held at the prime-ministerial level in Brussels on 21 April, demonstrated the potential for enhanced regional cooperation and integration.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“However, the relevant General Assembly resolutions prohibit compensation by the United Nations for non-economic loss resulting from peacekeeping operations. Nonetheless, in my discussions with our local and international interlocutors, I have been advocating the establishment of a suitable mechanism to compensate for moral damages, as well as for further investigation by the appropriate judicial authorities of inconclusive cases. With regard to the preservation of cultural and religious heritage, the draft law on cultural heritage that was recently submitted to the Kosovo Assembly has generated significant controversy. I welcome the decision of the Government of Kosovo to withdraw the draft law in order to allow for broader consultations, which will lead to the early adoption of a consensual law.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“We will follow up on the investigation and look forward to the completion of due process. At the same time, I welcome the initiative to establish an interministerial group for return, led by the Minister for Communities and Return, as well as the temporary deployment of additional police officers to Kline/Klina. With regard to UNMIK's human rights-related activity, let me take this opportunity to brief the Council on the Mission's Human Rights Advisory Panel, established in 2006 to investigate individual complaints of alleged human rights violations during the early years of UNMIK's deployment. The Panel has received 527 complaints and closed 464 of them, while 63 cases remain outstanding. The Panel has consistently recommended compensation for moral damages.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)continues to support and encourage progress on this issue, which will largely depend on disclosure of further information by all sides regarding events leading to such disappearances. The pace of returns and reintegration of internally displaced persons has further slackened, while the continued occurrence of security incidents affecting returnees and their properties further undermines efforts aimed at promoting returns, reconciliation and integration. The repeated incidents in recent weeks and over this past weekend targeting returnees in Kline/ Klina municipality, in western Kosovo are particularly troubling. I have called for intensified efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, and am pleased to report that several arrests have been made.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“In that connection, I have also urged political leaders in Pristina to work diligently to promote a clearer public understanding of the importance of this matter to Kosovo's future. I am pleased to note growing public acceptance of the court as a way to deal with the past and focus on the future. In the meantime, the Chief Prosecutor, Mr. David Schwendiman, has officially assumed his functions last week. With regard to progress on establishing the fate of missing persons, a total of 1,653 persons are still listed as missing as a result of the Kosovo conflict. Swift progress on this issue is essential to help heal the wounds of the conflict and alleviate the grief of the families of the victims.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“A matter of pressing importance is the completion of necessary steps towards the establishment of the specialist court in order to try cases arising from the findings of the EU Special Investigative Task Force, in accordance with the highest standards of international justice. In my meetings across the Kosovo political establishment, I have underlined the clear expectations of the international community, as well as of those who may have been the victims of past crimes, that there shall be no undue delays in the steps required from Kosovo towards the establishment of the court. I had hoped to be able to report today that the relevant constitutional and legislative steps had been completed. The Assembly of Kosovo is seized of the urgency of the matter, which is tentatively scheduled for action this Friday.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“I commend both mayors for their prudent leadership, and believe that the success of such an inclusive approach will serve as an instructive example on the way forward for other issues that remain outstanding in that and other regions of Kosovo. The 24 May incident in the Leposaviq/Leposavie municipality, in which a regular rotation convoy of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo suffered material damage, reportedly due to gunfire, was unfortunate, and I hope the investigation into that regrettable event will be prompt and enjoy the cooperation of the local community.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“I should also note the practical cooperation that has been developing between the mayors of North and South Mitrovica, Goran Rakie and Agim Bahtiri, respectively. On 30 April, both attended the funeral held in North Mitrovica for a Kosovo Albanian boy whose body was found some three weeks after his disappearance. The two mayors, in a meeting held on 21 May with the Kosovo Ministers for Communities and Returns and Local Government Administration, as well as representatives of the Kosovo Albanians in the Kroi international Vitakut/Brdjani neighbourhood, reached agreement on addressing the long-festering issues of returns and residential construction in that area through an interministerial working group.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“Turning to developments within Kosovo, on 23 April, after some two months, the representatives of the main Kosovo Serb political platform, the Serbian Civic Initiative, resumed their participation in the Kosovo Government and Assembly. It is encouraging that Kosovo Serb leaders, together with Prime Minister Mustafa and others in his Cabinet, found ways to overcome their differences and preserve the integrity of the governing coalition. Additionally,. a member of the Serbian Civic Initiative was also appointed as Minister for Communities and Returns. After protracted disagreements, on 24 April all four municipal assemblies in northern Kosovo agreed to adopt their budgets in line with Kosovo legislation, which led to the effective unblocking of the municipal bank accounts on 15 May.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“Such direct engagements, which usefully complement and help maintain the momentum of their structured dialogue, should gradually become the norm, rather than the headline-worthy exceptional event. One of the core provisions of the April 2013 Agreement, namely the establishment ofthe association/ community of Serb-majority municipalities, however, remains unresolved. Steady leadership is required from both Pristina and Belgrade in order to enable progress during the technical discussions in Brussels scheduled for today. While fully acknowledging the complexity of issues and time required to establish a functional association/community, it will be vital to demonstrate good will in order to maintain the political momentum. Equally firm support on the part of the international community will also remain essential in this regard.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“It is also important for technical engagements at working levels to be free from polemical haggling and focus on facilitating delivery of tangible results that directly benefit people's lives. With regard to the vital processes of judicial integration, it is encouraging that the recruitment of judges and prosecutors has begun, with a number of applications having been submitted for these positions by yesterday's deadline. I trust this process will continue with flexibility and goodwill, particularly regarding educational qualifications. I applaud the initiative of Prime Ministers Vucic' and Mustafa to also communicate directly to resolve pressing issues.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“Two meetings between Prime Minister Vueic' of Serbia and Kosovo's new Prime Minister Mustafa, held on 9 February and 21 April in the framework of the Brussels dialogue, were further important milestones that will, we hope, lead to concrete achievements. Excuses should not be countenanced for procrastinating in the remaining implementation steps of the April 2013 Agreement, nor, I believe, should older issues become shackles on the stakeholders to embrace opportunities to open new ground in this dialogue. Along with our European Union (EU) and other international partners on the ground, I continue to encourage the political leaders in Belgrade and Pristina to demonstrate creativity and foresight in identifying areas of common interest.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“Mr. Zarif: The first quarter of this year has been an important one for Kosovo and for the South-East European region. I wish to begin by commending the new Pristina Government for its prudent and reasoned approach to tackling the many inherited and new challenges it faces and for its ambitious reform agenda. Both Belgrade and Pristina stand at important stages along their respective European paths. Their demonstrated ability to work together on subjects of common concern has been of fundamental importance in overcoming the legacy of hostility and conflict. An equally encouraging fact is that, over the recent months, there have been increasing direct contacts at the local level, alongside the European Union-facilitated dialogue at the higher political level.”
2015-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7448 (2015) · source
“In conclusion, I wish to express my profound gratitude to Council members for their support to the work of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. We will continue working intensively and constructively with our local and international partners, in accordance with our mandate.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“Finally, with regard to progress in the critical process of establishing the fate of missing persons, I urge both sides to muster the political will necessary to bring about a swift closure of the 1,655 outstanding cases, in order to help heal the wounds of the conflict and its aftermath, alleviate the grief and suffering of the families, bring the perpetrators to justice, provide compensation to the affected families, and facilitate reconciliation. In light of all the developments I have discussed today, I trust that leaders at all levels in both Belgrade and Pristina will courageously embrace their responsibility at this critical moment in the historic process of the normalization of relations and will not shy away from making the often trying choices they are likely to face in the dialogue process.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“Incidents of thefts and vandalism affecting religious sites across Kosovo remain too frequent and demonstrate the need for continuous efforts on the part of the authorities to promote public awareness and appreciation of the value of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of all people in Kosovo. While authorities have made efforts to react to and prevent illegal construction within special protective zones, in particular around the Visoki Deeani monastery, the sensitivity of this matter and its possible impact on intercommunity relations should warrant even swifter action by officials. Incidents between visitors to Serbian Orthodox sites and local demonstrators, such as that which took place on 6 January in Gjakove/Dakovica, need to be addressed through enhanced local dialogue, beyond simple law enforcement measures.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“These steps include a Kosovo Assembly resolution proposing, inter alia, the creation of a special fund for preventing irregular migration, as well as President Jahjaga and Prime Minister Mustafa's initiative to engage both the Government and international stakeholders in a broader discussion of this troubling issue. I urge the Pristina authorities to proceed judiciously in these matters and to continue to avail themselves of the many sources of advice the international community can offer. Notable progress has been made since my last briefing (see S/PV.7327) in respect of the protection and promotion of cultural heritage. The Council for the Protection of the Village of Hoce e Madhe/Velika Hoca was established on 30 January, some two years after the law mandating its creation came into force.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“I welcome the Government's commitment to addressing the root causes of social inequality and high unemployment in Kosovo, but am also alarmed at the growing numbers of irregular, illegal migrants to Western Europe. Many of the issues I have highlighted here trace their roots to a widely perceived dearth of economic and social prospects, especially among Kosovo's young people. In this respect, I note the steps taken by the Kosovo authorities in recent days, including the establishment of an executive commission to carry out an analysis of unpaid debts and review the possibility of debt forgiveness.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“I urge further consideration of the draft, in consultation with concerned representatives of the international community. Kosovo's security institutions have already taken active steps by arresting dozens of terror suspects and confiscating weapons and ammunition, and this legislation will help provide a more tailored legal framework for handling the problem in the future. As ever, however, it should be recognized that law enforcement measures alone are not sufficient to address the phenomenon in question. The continuous engagement of political and religious community leaders is vital to deterring youngsters from being lured into violent extremist movements. I note with appreciation that such work is already ongoing.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“I add my own voice to those of many others in the international community who have urged the Assembly and the Government to move swiftly to complete all the required steps, given the fundamental importance of this issue to justice and reconciliation in Kosovo. The new Government has taken early and prudent steps on some other immediate priorities, such as planning viable economic development and enhancing the rule of law. Both are essential to creating new and equal opportunities for all, and to building confidence in public institutions to promote good governance and protect the rights of all. I also applaud the swift action taken by the Kosovo Assembly in considering a draft law criminalizing participation in armed conflicts outside Kosovo.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“In that context, I wish to highlight the need for the Kosovo Government's early commitment to the establishment of the association/ community of Serb-majority municipalities during the coming period. That is one of the core provisions of the April 2013 Agreement. I also hope that the relations between Belgrade and Pristina will delve into new important areas as the next round of the dialogue unfolds. Both the new Kosovo Assembly and the new coalition Government in Pristina have made sensible choices in their priorities, and appear to be acting apace. The formation by the Government of a technical team tasked with preparing the necessary legislation for the establishment of the specialist court is critical.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“From its inception, the dialogue facilitated by the European Union has been about making hard choices - between the past and the future, between stagnation and progress and between consolidating political power and doing what is in the best interest of all people in the region. The meeting on 9 February presents an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to a constructive and purposeful dialogue, with a view to shaping a better future for all affected communities in the region. I welcome therefore renewed statements of determination by both Belgrade and Pristina to resolve outstanding differences concerning the implementation of the existing agreements.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“The new Government's stated objectives and resolve to undertake the serious work required at this critical juncture should not be undermined by such short-term challenges. Despite those developments in Pristina, leaders in both Belgrade and Pristina are determined to continue with their high-level dialogue, which will be resumed next Monday, 9 February, in Brussels. In fact, those who initiated and initialled the First Agreement of Principles Governing the Normalization of Relations in April 2013, Mr. Daeic' and Mr. Thaci, are in the Council Chamber today. I urge both of them to continue to be active supporters of the full implementation of the agreed provisions and of the further tough core decisions that are required for a comprehensive normalization of relations.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“While the Kosovo police had to resort to the use of tear gas and water cannons, its response was professional and proportional in the face of determined attempts by some elements among the protesters to assault the main public Government buildings, including by throwing stones and petrol bombs at the buildings and those protecting them. In that context, I appreciate the efforts made by leaders both in Pristina and Belgrade to restrain political acrimony surrounding the highly complex matter related to the future of the Trepca mining enterprise. I hope that a similarly measured approach will be adopted by all sides with regard to the dismissal of the Kosovo Serb Minister for Communities and Returns on 3 February.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“I commend the prompt and unequivocal public condemnation of those acts by responsible political and civil society leaders in Kosovo. In that context, I wish to acknowledge the decision of some political parties, unions and civil society organizations to publicly distance themselves from the violent acts that took place during the demonstrations. Unfortunately, however, a small number of other political figures, mostly from the opposition, attempted to exploit the situation and deflect their own responsibility for what happened.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“The 27 January protest was particularly violent and resulted in over 50 protesters and 100 police officers seeking medical assistance. Some 160 persons were arrested and most of them subsequently released, including the mayor of Pristina, a leader of the Self-Determination! movement. While peaceful protest is an essential right, the criminal violence and vandalism that accompanied the protests on 24 and 27 January are deplorable. Employing such methods in the guise of pressing for any particular political change or agenda is nothing less than a backward-looking choice - backwards from the voters' aspirations expressed in the elections of June 2014, which were organized throughout Kosovo under a single legal framework.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“The protests were largely organized by the opposition movement called Vetevendosjel, or Self-Determinationl, to demand the dismissal of a Kosovo Serb Minister for Communities and Returns for the controversial remarks attributed to him in reaction to the protests in Gjakove/Dakovica against visiting Serbian internally displaced persons on the occasion of the Orthodox New Year, on 6 January. The protesters in Pristina also demanded the reversal of the Government's decision to withdraw a draft law concerning the transformation of one of the largest industrial entities, Trepca Mines, into a publicly owned enterprise. In addition, the protests appear to have been fuelled by a lingering wider public discontent with the economic situation and a drastic increase in the migration ofpeople out ofKosovo in recent months.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“Mr. Zarif: This Council meets today at a key juncture in Kosovo's history. Last December, after a prolonged political impasse, a new Government was established in Kosovo as a result of an alliance between the Democratic Party of Kosovo and the Democratic League of Kosovo. The new Government, led by Prime Minister Isa Mustafa, declared its commitment to economic reforms, strengthening the rule of law, European and Euro-Atlantic integration and a continued dialogue with Belgrade. Over the past weeks, however, the Government had to focus on responding to public protests in Pristina on 24 and 27 January involving up to 7,000 people, which turned violent and caused injuries and destruction of public and private property.”
2015-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7377 (2015) · source
“UNMIK will continue working closely with its local and international partners in accordance with its mandate, helping to ensure that the progress made to date will be sustained and further advanced.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source