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

“Despite the incidents, the visit of the Albanian Prime Minister to Serbia in November, the first of its kind in 68 years, was a welcome step in the right direction. Likewise, the 23 October informal regional meeting between the EU and Western Balkan foreign and economic affairs ministers in Belgrade, with the participation of Kosovo ministers, was a clear signal of the improved atmosphere for regional cooperation. The joint ministerial statement issued by the participants also holds promise for much needed economic development in the Western Balkans. Finally, I wish to express my deepest appreciation to all Council members for maintaining their engagement with the parties, particularly in the light of the many other pressing matters that demand the Council's attention.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“I urge the Kosovo Assembly, once it is fully constituted, to prioritize the adoption of the required legislation, so that a specialist court can become operational early next year and begin tackling the cases that will be brought before it, in order to swiftly follow up on the work conducted by the Task Force. Turning to regional developments, the ethnically motivated incidents that occurred in various parts of the Western Balkans in the wake of the interrupted football match between Albania and Serbia held in Belgrade on 14 October, demonstrated that both the authorities and the public must act responsibly, so that the momentum towards enhanced regional cooperation is not reversed.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“On 10 November, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms. Federica Mogherini, appointed an independent expert to review the implementation of the EULEX Kosovo mandate, with a focus on the handling of the corruption allegations. I would like to emphasize that, regardless of speculation, there should be no room for questioning the integrity of EU rule-of- law principles or indeed their central importance for future progress in Kosovo. At the same time, the work of the EU Special Investigative Task Force also remains critical to the process of justice and reconciliation in Kosovo.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“I commend the commitment and professionalism of both the Belgrade and Pristina teams of experts, who conducted that sensitive process without politicization. I urge both sides to demonstrate greater political will and to be more proactive in addressing the cases of the remaining missing persons, allaying the terrible anguish suffered by their families, contributing to further conciliation and thereby bringing that painful chapter to a close. As the Council is aware, the allegations ofcorruption made recently against current and former members of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) have drawn a considerable amount of public and media attention. The new EULEX Head of Mission, Ambassador Gabriele Meucci, has confirmed that investigations into the allegations have been and remain ongoing since 2013.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“However, the continued occurrence of security incidents affecting returnees and their properties can only undermine confidence. I welcome the prompt and clear condemnation of such incidents on the part of the relevant Pristina institutions. It is imperative that both local and central authorities demonstrate greater political will in effectively addressing the issues that are of most concern to current and potential returnees. With regard to the progress made in the process of establishing the fates of persons still missing from the 1998-1999 conflict and its aftermath, I welcome the conclusion, on 13 October, of the repatriation of the bodily remains recovered from the Rudnica stone quarry in Serbia's Raska municipality.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“I have also noted the 12 November visit of 32 Kosovo Albanian primary and high-school students to the Monastery as part of an awareness project of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe promoting cultural heritage preservation among young people. Such initiatives are vital to instilling mutual respect and appreciation for the value of cultural heritage in all communities in Kosovo. The pace of the returns and reintegration of internally displaced persons has remained slow. The matter is of wide concern for both local and international stakeholders. In the light of that issue, I note the initiative of the Serbian Office for Kosovo and Metohija to create a new consultative body that includes the Kosovo Minister for Communities and Returns as well as the United Nations and other international organizations.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“Recent developments reflecting improvements in community and religious interactions have also been encouraging. Members of the Islamic community of Kosovo and the Serbian Orthodox clergy at the Visoki Decani Monastery exchanged visits and publicly emphasized the importance of dialogue for promoting religious tolerance in Kosovo. Additionally, on 24 November a delegation from the Islamic community of Kosovo attended the patron-saint day liturgy at the Monastery, at which the Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church conveyed messages of tolerance and appealed to all Kosovo Serb displaced persons to return.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“The protection of the religious and cultural heritage in Kosovo remains an issue and a concern. I welcome the cooperation between local authorities and the International Security Force in Kosovo in addressing illegal construction in the special protective zone surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage site of Visoki Decani Monastery. Instances of offensive graffiti in the vicinity of the Monastery in early October are a clear indication that reconciliation efforts must be sustained and strengthened further on the ground. In that respect, I note with appreciation the prompt and strong condemnations of those incidents by President J ahjaga and other Pristina leaders, as well as by representatives of other religious communities of Kosovo.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“It is also essential that momentum be sustained towards the administrative integration of the four northern Kosovo municipalities. In that context, advancing the establishment of a community/association of Serb-majority municipalities, in line with the 19 April 2013 agreement, remains vital. I commend the Kosovo police and security bodies for their contribution to containing transnational violent extremism. The police operations of this past summer have been followed by more investigations and arrests in the months since. I also note the continued responsible guidance on those sensitive issues provided by the Islamic community of Kosovo and its leaders, as well as the public stance of other religious and secular leaders, unanimously denouncing extremism.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“Nonetheless, I reiterate that new momentum must be generated and high-level meetings must resume as soon as possible, so that both sides can fulfil the promise of that process and avail themselves of the opportunities presented by the European Union integration process. I welcome the cooperation and coordination demonstrated by the municipal structures functioning in northern Kosovo during the preparation of the 2015 municipal budgets, despite the complexity of the current municipal setup in the northern municipalities. I trust that all sides have now been convinced of the value of dialogue at the local level for delivering better governance. It is high time that the issues relating to construction in the ethnically mixed North Mitrovica suburb of Kroi i Vitakut/Brdjani were resolved through mutually agreeable steps.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“The six months' delay was damaging for Kosovo and led to increased public dissatisfaction with political leaders and further delays in bringing about pressing institutional reforms and the resumption of the political dialogue with Belgrade facilitated by the European Union (EU). In the interim, however, technical meetings have continued under the aegis of the EU, and I note with appreciation the consistent efforts of the Belgrade and Pristina technical teams and welcome their agreements, which enhance the implementation of previously reached agreements on energy, the integrated management of crossing points, and the freedom of movement. I also wish to highlight, as an indication of further progress, the new arrangements for administering official visits agreed on between Belgrade and Pristina, which took effect on 1 December.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“The two parties are now in negotiations on the structure and programme of a new Government with the participation of the Kosovo Serbs and other communities in order to reconvene the Kosovo Assembly. President Jahjaga played a key role in that respect by engaging with the leaders of the political parties in encouraging a solution. I urge Kosovo's political leaders to complete the process of constituting the new Government and institutions, and to focus their efforts on establishing good governance. It is also imperative that a spirit of inclusiveness and collective responsibility prevail at this critical time.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“Mr. Zarif: Almost six months ago, on 8 June, legislative elections were held in Kosovo that saw the politically courageous participation of Serbian majority municipalities of northern Kosovo, and now the Kosovo Assembly and Government are finally expected to be formally constituted in the coming days. On 18 November, the Democratic Party of Kosovo, led by Mr. Hashim Thaci, who is with us in the Chamber today to represent the Kosovo institutions, and the Democratic League of Kosovo, led by Mr. Isa Mustafa, reached a power-sharing agreement in principle. That compromise between Kosovo's two largest political parties excluded other parties, which had previously formed a post-election bloc.”
2014-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7327 (2014) · source
“UNMIK will continue working closely with local and international partners to support all vital processes in accordance with its mandate, exerting its efforts in support of the political progress being achieved and helping to reduce and redress the short- term challenges as and when they appear.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“The commitment to the EU path being shown throughout the region continues to be a driving force for positive political, institutional and socioeconomic changes. This is essential as well to fulfil the Council's objective of finding a peaceful settlement of the Kosovo issue. UNMIK remains wholly committed to performing its mandate in the furtherance of this objective. I conclude my remarks by expressing my gratitude to you, Mr. President, and to all members ofthe Council for your continuous support of UNMIK's work. The period ahead will bring further challenges that will require your continuing active engagement with both parties to encourage full implementation of the 19 April 2013 Agreement and to support the work of the Special Investigative Task Force and the establishment of the specialist court.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“I also welcome the recent decision to postpone the eviction of around 50 Kosovo Serb IDPs from a collective centre in Sht'e'rpce municipality, and I continue to encourage the authorities in Pristina and in the municipality to find durable solutions for this problem. Overall, greater and proactive efforts are needed to address the rights of IDPs before and after their return. UNMIK fully supports the commendable work of the EU and High Representative Ashton in facilitating the high- level political dialogue and the implementation of its historic agreements, which has significantly enhanced the EU strategic perspective ofboth Belgrade and Pristina. In this light, I wish to note the initialling of the Stabilization and Association Agreement between the EU and Kosovo in Brussels on 25 July.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“Since the last report, little progress has been observed with regard to the returns and reintegration process of internally displaced persons (IDPs), with 35 percent fewer IDPs returning to Kosovo between January and July 2014 compared to the corresponding period last year. The hostile local protest of yesterday against an approved visit of IDP pilgrims to Mushtisht in order to mark the 28 August Orthodox feast was deeply disappointing. I was grateful, however, to note the strong and prompt public response was issued by the Minister for Communities and Returns in the immediate aftermath of this incident.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“Despite numerous announcements made by the municipal authorities, the council for the protection of the historic village of Hoca i Madhe/Velika Hoca has not been established yet. In addition, the illegal construction in the special protective zones - including that surrounding the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage site of the Visoki Decani monastery - continues to undermine our reconciliation efforts on the ground. Resolute and effective enforcement measures against such activities have yet to be taken by the concerned Kosovo authorities.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“I also wish to commend the close engagement of the Islamic community of Kosovo and its leaders, as well as the public stand taken by other religious and secular leaders, to distance themselves entirely from such extremism. During the reporting period, UNMIK has continued to focus its resources on strengthening reconciliation efforts among the communities throughout Kosovo. The Mission successfully completed its 2013-2014 confidence-building measures programme and is now taking further initiatives on the foundations of the implemented projects. We are engaging our international partners to facilitate and support similar initiatives throughout Kosovo, in particular in the north. However, I must sound a note of concern regarding the protection of cultural and religious heritage in Kosovo.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“As we prepare to commemorate the International Day of the Missing Persons tomorrow, I reiterate my call on all parties to continue the work in this same manner and to respect the suffering endured by the families of the victims. The reporting period showed that the interconnectedness of ongoing crises throughout the world is also affecting Kosovo. I wish to applaud the initiative by President Jahjaga and the effective action taken by the Kosovo police and security bodies to tackle trends of violent extremism and prevent participation of some Kosovars in the conflicts in Syria and Iraq. During this summer, large-scale police operations resulted in a significant number of arrests of persons suspected of supporting extremist organizations or participating in these foreign wars.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“Once fully functional, the Assembly of Kosovo is expected to move expeditiously to pass the necessary legislation to ensure the court becomes fully operational early next year. With regard to further progress in determining the fate of missing persons, exhumation works at the Rudnica stone quarry in Serbia's Raska municipality were concluded on 22 August in the presence of Kosovo Government forensic observers, supported by EULEX, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Commission on Missing Persons and the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). I wish to acknowledge with great appreciation the efforts of both Belgrade and Pristina to ensure a non-politicized professional operation.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“Ofgreater and long-term importance for the process ofjustice and reconciliation in Kosovo was the 29 July statement of findings (S/2014/558, annex II) made by the Chief Prosecutor of the Special Investigative Task Force. Although the filing of further indictments will await the establishment of a specialist court, the statement itself represents another milestone in strengthening the rule of law and an historic opportunity for further healing of the scars of war. Immediate responses from all quarters to the Chief Prosecutor's statement have been encouraging. The Kosovo authorities have recently reiterated their commitment to continuing full cooperation with the Special Investigative Task Force.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“Although critical of those recent developments in their joint statement of today, the mayors and members of the four northern municipal assemblies have expressed their readiness to continue cooperating with EULEX. As I continuously stress the crucial importance of respecting judicial independence, I cannot but note that public confidence in the system will be enhanced greatly when justice is perceived to be conducted professionally and expeditiously. In that respect, I am pleased to see that the trial of five Kosovo Serbs charged with war crimes and murder began its proceedings on Tuesday at the Basic Court in Mitrovica after an extended period marred by unhelpful speculations.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“The 8 July and 11 August meetings on the subject between Kosovo's Minister for Environment and Special Planning and the mayor of North Mitrovica, as well as the 22 July meeting of the EU-facilitated working group on the matter, marked such constructive steps. Alongside these, all local channels of communication and contacts should be fully utilized in order to address the issues on the ground that directly affect the everyday lives and perceptions of local communities. In northern Kosovo, arrest warrants recently requested by a EULEX prosecutor and issued by a EULEX pre-trial judge in the Basic Court of Mitrovica against the current and former mayors of Zubin Potok have significantly added to the unease in local sentiments against EULEX.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“Unfortunate acts of violence and lawlessness, committed during the demonstrations on 22 June in South Mitrovica, highlighted the volatility which still characterizes the north-south divide in the Mitrovica region. Misguided behaviour in this case did not inflame wider tension, thanks in great measure to the professional and effective intervention by the Kosovo police, as well as the Kosovo Force, with the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) on stand-by as a reserve capacity. Yet close vigilance remains necessary to safeguard the achievements and continuing progress of the dialogue. I take this opportunity once again to urge all parties to address issues related to the main bridge of Mitrovica - and any other disputed construction work - through respectful dialogue.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“In May, the adoption of municipal statutes by the Serb-majority municipalities in northern Kosovo marked a significant step forward. Both sides are aware that commitment to full implementation on the ground of the First Agreement of Principles Governing the Normalization of Relations of 19 April 2013 can be validated only through their concrete and visible actions. In that context, making progress on the formation of the association/community of Serb-majority municipalities will serve as an essential factor for sustaining the positive momentum and promoting the prospects for further normalization. I hope that members of the Council will unanimously encourage both parties to resume their high-level meetings as soon as the next government is in place in Pristina.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“The Constitutional Court, in its decision published on Tuesday, has ruled as unconstitutional the election of the Assembly President on 17 July, and asked the Assembly to complete its constitutive session and to elect, as soon as possible, an Assembly President and Deputy Presidents in compliance with the Constitution and the Assembly's rules of procedure. Moving forward expeditiously in the wake of that decision will best serve the interests of the people of Kosovo and will be a further manifestation of their maturing political processes. As the Council is aware, Belgrade and Pristina have made great strides since last year towards normalization of relations, including through their constructive participation in the EU-facilitated dialogue.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“I also wish to acknowledge the constructive role played by the leadership in Belgrade in encouraging Kosovo Serb voters to fully participate in the elections. I commend the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the European Union (EU) for the important role they played in facilitating the organization of the elections and in enhancing their overall transparency and accountability. In order to capitalize fully on the success of that process, I have joined many others in urging political leaders in Kosovo to treat the formation of Kosovo's next Government as the most pressing imperative.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“However, in sensitive areas such as the location of those incidents, great care should be taken not to give reign to speculation of political motives, so that professional agencies may do their work and those who commit such crimes and violence are brought to face justice. I wish, in this same light, to express my deepest sympathies to the family of the Serbian police officer who fell in the line of duty. Turning to the latest report (S/2014/558) before the Council today, I Wish first of all to congratulate the Kosovo voters, institutions and political leaders on the successful conduct of the general elections on 8 June, which were held for the first time throughout Kosovo under a unified legal framework and in a peaceful and well-organized manner.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“Mr. Zarif: It is with great regret that I feel obliged to begin my remarks today by addressing briefly the incidents that took place in and around Kosovo during the past 36 hours, near the villages of Orlovac and Kushtove, resulting in at least three fatalities, including a Serbian police officer, and gunfire injuries to three others. While law enforcement agencies and international presences are still determining the details, preliminary information suggests that armed persons involved in illegal wood-cutting were likely responsible for the incidents. Such tragic outcomes unfortunately occur when serious criminal activities are being pursued.”
2014-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7257 (2014) · source
“Equally important are coordinated efforts to make the best use of European and other multilateral and bilateral assistance to local programmes and projects in Kosovo, so that the people of Kosovo can fully benefit and build a better life. In that regard, the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK) will continue to engage fully in Kosovo, in cooperation and coordination with other international, regional and local partners, within its status-neutral framework, with the aim of making the best use of its resources and relations with all communities. I would like to conclude by thanking you, Mr. President, and all the members of the Council for their valuable engagement with both parties and their continuing support for the work of UNMIK.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“Stefan Fiile, visited Pristina, where he discussed with Kosovo leaders key issues on the European Union-Kosovo agenda, including the normalization process with Belgrade, the rule of law and other areas that have been identified for reform. A day before his visit to Kosovo, Commissioner Fule was in Belgrade, just after a visit by the European Union High Representative, Ms. Catherine Ashton, to meet with Serbia's President Tomislav Nikolic' and Prime Minister Vueie. Given that dynamic, and the current dialogue process between Belgrade and Pristina, it is apparent that the European perspective will continue to be a key determinant and incentive for Kosovo's political, institutional and socioeconomic progress. It is essential that Belgrade and Pristina stay on track to achieve full implementation of the agreement of 19 April 2013.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“Several other young Kosovo Albanians have been reported killed while fighting in Syria and Iraq in recent months. We encourage the Kosovo authorities to build on the measures they have already taken in cooperation with international stakeholders in order to ensure that such events cease once and for all. On 2 May, Kosovo concluded negotiations with the European Commission on its Stabilization and Association Agreement.The negotiations began last October, and the Agreement should help Kosovo advance its European integration agenda further. On 6 May, the European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, Mr.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“Some Kosovo Albanian officials have referred to this church as a "Milosevic-era monument", asserting that it should be demolished for having allegedly erected without the requisite building permits. An unfortunate exchange of statements involving political and religious leaders followed. We strongly encourage the leaders in Kosovo communities, as well as the leaders in Belgrade and Pristina, to take a constructive, prudent and forward-looking approach in addressing such a sensitive public issue. Despite strong condemnation against participation of Kosovo residents in foreign conflicts, including by the Islamic Community of Kosovo, the matter remains a concern. On 9 April, international attention was drawn to reports of suicide bombing by a 22-year-old Kosovo Albanian in Fallujah, Iraq.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“A common appreciation of the benefits of cultural heritage for all communities in Kosovo will also be an important step forward towards coexistence and reconciliation among the communities. Despite the efforts of the Kosovo authorities, regrettably, such awareness has yet to reach adequate levels. Similarly, efforts to promote inter-community reconciliation should be significantly strengthened. This will also contribute to further reducing ethnic-related incidents and to accelerating the return of internally displaced persons. In the run-up to the elections, the issue of the unfinished Serbian Orthodox Church structure on the campus of the University of Pristina became a political issue.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“In this regard, we welcome the official launch, on 7 March, of the national council for the survivors of sexual violence related to the war, which we trust will focus on the plight of all affected persons, regardless of their ethnicity, religion or language. With respect to missing persons, we welcome the continued efforts of both the Pristina and Belgrade delegations alike in the Working Group on Missing Persons. Exhumation work at the mass grave site in Raska, in south-central Serbia, has resumed under the auspices of the Serbian Government, with the involvement of international observers and Kosovo representatives. We encourage all efforts to ensure the transparency and professionalism of this work and particularly welcome the inclusion of visits by the family associations of missing persons to the site.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“The individuals were among the group of former members of the Kosovo Liberation Army, whose trial began on 23 May in the Basic Court of Mitrovica. Subsequently, a court order was issued for their detention, and the individuals were apprehended and sent to a high security prison. We have persistently encouraged the various communities in Kosovo to continue working towards greater reconciliation and integration. Progress has been noted on some important issues, such as missing persons and the recognition of the survivors of sexual violence during the conflict. We commend Ms. Atifete Jahjaga for her leadership at the helm of Kosovo's efforts to raise public awareness of such issues.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“There were a series of violent incidents in northern Kosovo, including an ambush on Kosovo police in Zubin Potok on 31 March, which resulted in injuries to three police officers, and an assault against EULEX in the same municipality on 25 April, in which EULEX vehicles were hit by bullets but fortunately no one was injured. The fatal attack on EULEX on 19 September of last year remains under investigation. We have condemned such criminal attacks and have urged all sides to strengthen their efforts to uphold law and order and bring the perpetrators to justice. In Pristina, on 20 May, three defendants charged with war crimes in the case known as the Drenica group escaped custody in a medical clinic where they were receiving treatment.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“Discussions on the key issues of electoral reform and extension of the provision of reserved seats for ethnic minority communities in the Kosovo Assembly have been deferred to the next Assembly. Over recent months, a great deal of efforts was made to overcome challenges related to the finalization of municipal assembly statutes of the four Serbian- majority municipalities of northern Kosovo. On 15 May, the municipal assemblies in northern Kosovo approved amendments to their statutes, bringing them into compliance with relevant Kosovo legislation, as required by the Ministry of Local Government Administration. This is an important step forward in the implementation of the 19 April 2013 Agreement and the process of establishing the future association/ community of Serb-majority municipalities.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“On 22 April, the Assembly of Kosovo ratified the exchange of letters between the Kosovo authorities and the European Union on the extension of the mandate of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) until 15 June 2016 and on the creation of a special court in relation to the allegations contained in the 2010 Council of Europe report on inhumane treatment and illicit trafficking of organs. The establishment of such a court should help strengthen the rule of law in Kosovo and ensure accountability. On 6 March, the Kosovo authorities approved recommendations resulting from the strategic security sector review, including on the transformation of the Kosovo Security Force into the Kosovo armed forces. However, the Assembly of Kosovo has not taken a conclusive decision in this regard.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“The total number of former Serbian Interior Ministry personnel integrated into the Kosovo Police under the terms of the 19 April Agreement has now reached 284. Other elements are continuing to be discussed between technical representatives and experts from each side. It is hoped that, once the forthcoming electoral process in Kosovo is complete and the new Government is in place, the dialogue will resume without delay and a crucial pending matter - the establishment of the association/ community of Serb municipalities - will be tackled expeditiously, along with other issues of mutual interest and concern. The Kosovo institutions have taken some important decisions since my last briefing.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe will provide technical assistance in the preparation and conduct of the elections. The European Union will deploy an election observation mission. I take this opportunity to call on all Kosovo residents, particularly members of the Kosovo Serb community, to take part in the forthcoming elections and exercise their democratic franchise. Despite a slower pace of implementation of the First Agreement of Principles Governing the Normalization of Relations of 19 April 2013, the parties have narrowed their remaining differences, including on the structure and staffing of the judiciary in northern Kosovo. An additional indicator of progress is the operational capability of the Kosovo Police in northern Kosovo.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“During the reporting period, the pace ofimplementation of last year's historic agreements was somewhat affected by the holding of early parliamentary elections in Serbia and the preparations for the forthcoming early legislative elections in Kosovo. I congratulate Serbia on the successful conduct of the elections, on 16 March, and the formation of a new Government, on 27 April, led by Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucie. The Assembly of Kosovo, in an extraordinary session held on 7 May, decided to dissolve itself with a vote of more than two-thirds of its members, including a majority of the representatives from the Kosovo Serb and other non-majority communities. The new elections for the Kosovo Assembly are scheduled to be held on 8 June, less than two weeks from now. The election campaign will start tomorrow, 28 May.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“Mr. Zarif: At the outset, I would like to express my solidarity with the people and authorities of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, who are facing an unprecedented natural disaster caused by widespread flooding. I also extend my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their beloved family members, friends and colleagues as a result of that tragedy. I hope that the current rescue operations and assistance, including the efforts undertaken by the United Nations, will help alleviate their plight. Let me now turn to recent developments in Kosovo and relations between Belgrade and Pristina. I should like to note the continuing commitment demonstrated by both sides to the European Union-led political dialogue.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“Acknowledging the substantial progress achieved and encouraging further steps will greatly strengthen the resolve of both sides in overcoming the remaining challenges to building a stable and peaceful future. Allow me to conclude by thanking you, Madam President, and all members of the Council for your valuable engagement with the parties and for your continuing support to the work of UNMIK.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“In that regard, United Nations agencies, programmes and funds are a ready and able partner to add value to that effort. On its part, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) welcomes those processes and will continue to be fully engaged in a coordinated effort, applying its resources and relations with all communities to build up confidence on the ground. It will be essential for Belgrade and Pristina to consolidate the historic progress achieved thus far and to overcome, gradually but steadily, the many outstanding issues through dialogue. It is also my hope that members of the Council will, individually and collectively, welcome the pragmatic steps being taken by the parties towards the normalization of their relations.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“In December, the Council of the European Union noted the opening of negotiations for a stabilization and association agreement with Kosovo and took note of the intention of the European Commission to conclude the negotiations in the course of 2014. The Council also adopted the general EU position for the opening of accession negotiations with Serbia, and the first intergovernmental conference with Serbia was launched on 21 January. Within the broader context of progress by both parties in their respective relations with European institutions, major European assistance to local projects and programmes in Kosovo will also clearly remain central. Moreover, bilateral donor assistance projects should be carefully coordinated with all other efforts on the ground.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“Progress on that important matter, as well as finding an appropriate mechanism for compensating the aggrieved families, will certainly go a long way towards facilitating greater reconciliation and integration among Kosovo communities, as well as furthering the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina. Major developments have taken place during the past year, several of them breakthroughs on issues outstanding since the end of the conflict. The European perspective, as well as the effective facilitation led by the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, have emerged as key instruments for political progress and for encouraging the gradual reform and modernization of Kosovo's public institutions.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“As noted in the Secretary-General's report (S/20l4/68), some progress is being made in the clarification of the fates of missing persons from the conflict, with the discovery of human remains at a suspected mass grave site in southern Serbia. Excavations, which were suspended for the winter, are due to resume in the spring. However, far too many families on both sides still have no word on the fate of their missing loved ones. It is imperative that individuals and institutions with any knowledge of the fate of the missing persons come forward and help to achieve closure of that painful chapter.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“Those discussions have not concluded at the present time, but their results will be crucial in paving the way for a broader participation of Kosovo Serbs and other minorities in Kosovo's legislative elections. Speaking in the broader context of international peace and security, as the issue was raised within the Chamber, I wish to mention that a debate also took place within Kosovo on the participation of local residents in conflicts in other regions, such as Syria. Last week, the Kosovo authorities proposed to the Kosovo Assembly a draft law that would prohibit and criminalize the participation of Kosovars in armed conflicts abroad.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source