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

“Looking ahead, international engagement will be critical in enabling Kosovo Serbs to exercise their franchise in the early Serbian parliamentary elections scheduled for 16 March. Extensive discussions have also taken place among local Kosovo political actors on possible elections for the Kosovo Assembly and on the issue of electoral reform, with a view to ensuring greater transparency, simplicity and inclusiveness, including the updating of the electoral lists. Some exchanges have also taken place on possible constitutional amendments, in particular those related to the so-called reserved seats for representatives of the minority communities.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“In order to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability, the new municipal administrations should be supported, both in terms of resources and political engagement, by all local and international stakeholders, through a well-coordinated assistance mechanism. The deep prevailing concerns among the local public in the north over the implications of the ongoing political transitions on their daily lives should be met by determined efforts to achieve visible progress in improving local infrastructure and delivery of public services and in ensuring reliable and responsive law enforcement. High demands and expectations from the population are directed to the newly elected mayors and members of the municipal councils. They will need early and firm support in order to fulfil reasonable expectations.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“In addition, the arrest, on 27 January, of a prominent local Kosovo Serb political leader and a candidate for the position of mayor in northern Mitrovica, Oliver Ivanovie, on charges of war crimes and aggravated murder, triggered local tensions, leading to protests and public calls for his release pending trial. That situation is indicative of the challenges and delicacy of the implementation of 19 April Agreement. While an important milestone will be reached with the full constitution of the municipal administrations, the establishment of a community/association of Serb-majority municipalities will represent another major step in the full implementation of the 19 April Agreement.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“Despite the overall successful conduct of Kosovo local elections, we have witnessed a slow pace in the establishment of new administrations in northern Kosovo municipalities. Indeed, the inaugurations of newly elected municipal councils were finally held on 11 January, the last day of the official deadline, after a series of postponements. At this very moment, during the last hours of the deadline, municipal assemblies of the four northern municipalities are in session to discuss and adopt the statute of their respective municipalities. In the North Mitrovica municipality, the decision ofthe mayor-elect not to take the oath of office has necessitated a new mayoral election, which is now scheduled for 23 February.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“Meanwhile, the implementation of other agreements has moved forward in several areas. In November, regular information exchange started between the respective revenue authorities via the European Commission's System for Exchange of Excise Data, fulfilling a joint commitment made by the parties. On 14 December, the collection of duties commenced at the two main northern crossing points. That followed further agreement on the management of funds collected there through a special account. More recently, on 24 January, Belgrade, through the European Union, handed over a first batch of digitized cadastral records to Pristina. That marked the start of a comprehensive comparison and reconciliation of Kosovo property records - the first since the end of the conflict.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“On 16 January, one of the newly elected members of the North Mitrovica Municipal Assembly, Dimitrije Janieijevie, was killed near his home. Although the motives remain unknown, the murder followed repeated violent attacks on the same individual and his property in recent years. The deplorable killing, last September, of a Lithuanian European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) official, Audrius Senavicius, in a cowardly attack on a EULEX convoy remains unresolved. Regardless of the circumstances and background of those and other major crimes, as long as they remain unsolved, they will continue to negatively affect perceptions of insecurity and impunity for the perpetrators and those who support and protect them. Active cooperation by all in resolving those cases is essential for normalizing the situation in northern Kosovo.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“The implementation of the terms agreed regarding the judiciary in northern Kosovo has not been completed yet, although some progress was made during the most recent high-level discussions in Brussels, on 27 January. Both parties should be urged to move expeditiously to bring the discussion to a conclusion, hopefully during their twenty-second round of high-level talks, scheduled for the day after tomorrow in Brussels. Flexibility should be demonstrated by both sides on such future arrangements as would ensure maximum access to justice and promote broad public confidence in the system. Building greater confidence in the police and judiciary throughout Kosovo is of the highest importance, especially as implementation proceeds in northern Kosovo. Two recent as yet unresolved cases only underscore that importance.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“I once again wish to recognize the two Prime Ministers for their ongoing efforts at reconciliation and confidence-building, commendably facilitated by European Union (EU) High Representative Catherine Ashton. Since my last briefing to the Council (see S/PV.7064), several additional concrete steps have been completed successfully. By the end of this reporting period, some 80 former Serbian police officers had completed their induction and transition to the Kosovo police. In just the few weeks since then, the number has grown to a total of 142 officers, who have already been deployed for active duty in the northern regional command. It is expected that some 100 additional officers will complete their induction and assume duties in the north by the end of this week.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“Mr. Zarif: I wish to take this oportunity to extend my congratulations to the President and all the new members of the Security Council for having been elected to this body. In my statement today, I must take note of the remarkable progress achieved during 2013. It was a year of significant changes, as well as political progress, in particular through the historic achievement, in April 2013, of the First Agreement of Principles Governing the Normalization of Relations between Belgrade and Pristina. The essential basis for that progress has been an increased level of mutual confidence and direct communication between the parties, which have been sustained regardless of disagreements and disputes over the details of implementation.”
2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source
“I wish to express my deep appreciation to the members ofthe Council for their continuing engagement with the parties in that regard, despite the number of other pressing matters that demand their attention. Such engagement is indispensable to keep the process moving forward. For our part, UNMIK continues its close engagement to the same ends, both at political and ground levels. The Council's continuing support for the work of UNMIK is deeply appreciated.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“It is incumbent upon political leaders in Pristina and Belgrade to engage one another in the same spirit, as well for international partners to ensure the adequate resources and other support needed for the parties to persevere along the path they have so wisely chosen. The period ahead will be essential in consolidating the positive outcomes of the Kosovo elections and the important progress achieved in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. Sustained engagement by the two parties will also be important in securing the advancement towards European integration, the normalization of relations and inter-community reconciliation and lasting stability in Kosovo.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“This encompasses not simply the provision of resources adequate to safeguarding the progress achieved, but also continued political engagement with the parties to ensure that their commitments hold fast through future challenges and occasional setbacks. Besides the difficult and often complex issues involved in the direct implementation of the 19 April agreement, attention must be focused on pressing economic issues, as well as some fundamental humanitarian issues. Recently, it has proved significant that Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serb family associations of missing persons - those who have suffered so deeply - have been able to lead the way in working together to pursue progress.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“We welcome these developments as they are fundamental to the further consolidation of peace and security in the region. These steps are much more than formalities. Both Pristina and Belgrade have committed themselves to the institutional steps required for a closer future association with the European institutions. The myriad reforms demanded for closer association must be carried out alongside the dialogue process and in harmony with the provisions specified in that process. In Kosovo, this means, among other things, significant reforms of public practices, not just in the crucial area of the rule of law, but across the full range of Kosovo's public services and institutions. The members of the Council continue to play a key role in supporting the long-term prospects of the process under way in Kosovo.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“The aspirations of the people to fuller association with the institutions of Europe continue to be a crucial factor underpinning the current process of normalization agreed between the leaders of Pristina and Belgrade. At the top level, the European Union is poised in one month's time to take important decisions regarding the further integration of States of the Western Balkans. In late October, talks commenced on a Stabilization and Association Agreement between the European Union and Kosovo, which, when completed, will mark the first contractual relationship established between these two parties. Serbia is expecting detailed consideration of its accession negotiating framework at the forthcoming European Council meeting scheduled for December.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“Influential actors on every side should pursue a more sustained engagement with the local stakeholders in northern Kosovo. Effective partnerships and cooperation with newly elected municipal leaders, along with the provision of appropriate resources and support, will be some of the critical elements; improving the extent and quality of communication and dialogue at local levels throughout Kosovo will be another, and one which we believe demands closer attention. UNMIK has committed its own resources to supporting such comprehensive dialogue, including through a range of local initiatives. We hope that this same commitment will run across the board of all stakeholders; the process demands combined and mutually reinforcing effort.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“The municipal elections were an indispensible step forward towards securing fully legitimate and fully empowered representation of the local communities in Kosovo, both in the North and the South. At the same time, no one involved can afford to close their eyes to the deep uncertainties that persist among significant parts of the population. Enthusiasm over the considerable success achieved through these local elections must be tempered. This success marked an essential but still preliminary step in translating progress at the high political level into local confidence and ownership on the ground. Achieving this latter result will necessarily be a gradual process. To succeed, it will demand the continuous effort and attention of all those in a position to assist.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“In particular, the mission is making this support available to the newly elected municipal authorities, especially in the North, where significant tensions still persist and where the high demands and expectations of the population will accordingly be directed to newly elected municipal presidents and councils. The formation of the future association/community of Serb-majority municipalities, a key component of the l9 April agreement, will require major efforts during the forthcoming period, demanding the close attention not only of the parties, but of the international community as well. UNMIK intends to play its role as part of a carefully coordinated collective effort, drawing on the comparative advantages and resources of all those who are ready to contribute.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“The perpetrators of the crimes committed in northern Mitrovica on election day need to be brought to account. Equally, it is important to observe that these deplorable incidents were isolated ones, and did not reflect the positive conduct ofthe elections overall. The results of the 3 November vote clearly demonstrated the growing maturity of Kosovo's polity, as well as a strong public desire and motivation for participation in the democratic process. The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) is continuing to focus its greatest efforts and resources in support of the EU-led political process and towards the fulfillment of its mandate.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“Due to some procedural irregularities, the Electoral Complaints and Appeals Panel has recommended to the Central Electoral Commission a re-vote for two polling centres in Zvecan municipality in northern Kosovo. I have commended both parties to the Brussels negotiations, as well as participating political entities and the public at large, for their conduct during a largely peaceful electoral process, which produced unprecedented turnout in many areas. I take this opportunity to commend the very close mutual coordination carried out among the international presences during the elections, and to express special gratitude for the efforts undertaken by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to ensure timely registration and voting procedures in the northern municipalities and to facilitate the voting outside Kosovo.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“A full investigation into the break-ins was launched by the Kosovo Police, with the support of EULEX. On 6 November, a principal-level meeting of the political dialogue was held in Brussels by European Union (EU) High Representative Catherine Ashton in order to jointly assess the situation. Taking into account the irreparably damaged integrity of the voting materials in northern Mitrovica, a repeat vote at the three affected polling centres was subsequently ordered by the Central Election Commission. Thanks to extensive additional security measures, the re-vote at all three centres was successfully organized two days ago. The re-vote proceeded peacefully, without significant incidents or problems. Where required, the second round of the elections of mayors will take place on 1 December.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“In municipalities north of the river, turnout was comparatively lower, yet significant, despite a frequently contentious atmosphere and numerous practical challenges. On election day, serious problems occurred in northern Mitrovica, which unfortunately drew the greatest part of attention from the international media. Towards the end of the day, masked persons forced their way into three major polling centres and managed to destroy or otherwise contaminate many boxes of cast ballots. Instances of voter intimidation and the stoning of some vehicles belonging to the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe was also witnessed. These reprehensible criminal acts were universally condemned by local and international actors.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“Mr. Zarif: Since my last briefing to the Council in August (see S/PV.7026), the implementation of the 19 April first agreement on principles governing the normalization of relations between Pristina and Belgrade has passed an important milestone. It has entered a critical and broadly more challenging phase. The milestone was reached through the extensive preparations and successful conduct of Kosovo-wide municipal elections on 3 November. Despite the brief window opened for the preparation of these elections, a significant number of Kosovo municipalities recorded substantially higher turnout than was the case in the most recent local elections, held in 2009. For example, turnout in the Serb majority municipalities south of the Ibar River was far higher than during previous local elections over the past decade.”
2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source
“I wish to express deep appreciation to the Council members for their continued political engagement in that regard. I close by thanking you, Madam President, and all members of the Council for their support for UNMIK's work as we continue to promote progress and reconciliation on the ground.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“Our local mediation role and capacity continue to be drawn upon throughout Kosovo, providing an effective communication link in support of resolving practical public and social service issues. We are contributing to building local confidence, which helps keep residual tensions low and, in turn, broadens the space for further progress in the political dialogue. The implementation of the 19 April agreement requires concentrated efforts and the avoidance of distractions related to issues that are yet to be tackled through direct dialogue. Through its ongoing support to the parties as they pursue solutions by making necessary compromises, the Council continues to play a key role in supporting the long-term success of this process.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“Accordingly, the parties should persevere with a high degree of creativity and flexibility and redouble efforts to address the substantive and detailed questions emanating from the population in the north. For our part, UNMIK continues to actively adapt its activities in the field to most effectively support the political process and related work on the ground. UNMIK's facilitation and mediation roles have been enhanced by additional experienced personnel in the north, while the UNMIK Administration in Mitrovica has continued its active engagement in local mediation and conflict prevention. Preparations are currently under way for the implementation of confidence-building and reconciliation projects in a number of key areas throughout Kosovo, mostly through the United Nations Kosovo team and other international partners.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“Among the greatest challenges is building confidence in the process in the north, where little such confidence presently exists. I wish to acknowledge efforts being made in that respect by the parties and, equally, to note the significant gap that is yet to be closed. The formation, outside the framework of the 19 April agreement, of a provisional assembly for Kosovo and Metohija is a sign of the still predominant apprehension in northern Kosovo concerning the implementation of the agreement. The political challenge involved is difficult to over- estimate, not least in view of the ambitious time lines foreseen in the implementation plan.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“Her recommendations focused, in particular, on remedies for weak legislation, more vigorous implementation of the law and tougher responses to instances of hate speech and ethnic intolerance. On 28 June, the European Council issued important decisions on its enlargement, including the decision on the start of the accession negotiations with Serbia and the opening of negotiations for a stabilization and association agreement with Kosovo. Those major steps are, in great measure, attributable to the visionary leadership demonstrated by both sides during the European Union-led political dialogue. Helping the parties sustain momentum is now the shared and central goal of all the international presences in Kosovo and beyond.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“Of similar importance are the further steps being taken to safeguard religious and cultural sites in Kosovo, both in the context of the high-level dialogue and work at the municipal level. Successful preparations by the Kosovo police have enabled it to take over from KFOR the responsibility for the protection of the Pec' Patriarchate, in early August. It is important that such efforts do not falter, as is threatened, for example, by the procedural delays in the establishment of the cultural heritage council in Rahovec/Orahovac. An important and timely visit in June by Ms. Navanethem Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, served to underscore many of the same issues and outline a range of areas in which institutions responsible for the rule of law and human rights protection in Kosovo could be made more effective.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“While EULEX is prepared to undertake new investigations, within its mandate and means, to support comprehensive reviews of legacy cases, and to support new police investigations when and wherever new evidence can be uncovered, it cannot succeed in that task without additional information from all concerned. Achieving greater success in that regard requires foremost the exertion of renewed political will to encourage more information to be brought forward and to afford adequate witness protection. The affected families rightly demand justice, reparation and closure on the cases of their missing loved ones. On the eve of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, I call upon the parties to rededicate their commitment to that end.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“That is a shared responsibility of political leaders at all levels and will also require continuing international support. Accordingly, long-standing issues of vital importance for reconciliation should also receive renewed attention and vigor during this period, alongside bolstering the political process. The determination of the fate of persons missing since the time of the conflict has made little new progress in recent months, despite the joint efforts of the Kosovo-Albanian and Serb family associations of missing persons to encourage more effective and collaborative action.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“To achieve that result, steadfastness and flexibility will be required from each side, in particular to address effectively the concerns of the local population and overcome the uncertainty that currently prevails in the north. As I have previously stated in the Council, the implementation of the historic 19 April agreement and each of its elements is a delicate process that demands sustained efforts and focus. In that light, it is essential for the parties to keep their focus on the implementation of what has been agreed, without introducing additional fundamental issues that are, at present, outside of the political dialogue agenda. Doing otherwise may put at risk the progress achieved so far. Of equal importance for success is a sustained effort to improve confidence and promote progress in inter-community reconciliation.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“The registration of political entities for the elections is also an intensive exercise in the short time window. Although registration has begun, it remains a challenge that requires a flexible, confidence-building approach from all quarters, as does finding other mutually acceptable voting arrangements and material. It is crucial that elections succeed in delivering Viable local authority able to properly represent and defend the interests of local communities, as foreseen in the agreement. To that end, it is important that full participation in the election be encouraged, particularly in the northern municipalities, where local authority has long lingered under dispute and controversy.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“During the fifteenth round of meetings in Brussels on 27 August, Prime Minister Dacie and Prime Minister Thaci discussed the complex subjects of telecommunication and energy - on which progress has been slow - and agreed that discussions would continue at the technical level. The parties also took stock of progress in the implementation of the 19 April agreement, including preparations for holding local elections in Kosovo on 3 November. Given the short time frame, organizing local elections throughout Kosovo has presented particular challenges. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe responded swiftly and garnered necessary resources to facilitate voting in the northern municipalities, as well as by eligible internally displaced persons.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“While the local population remains wary of changes in the status quo, the initial stages of implementation in the police area have been met with broad public acceptance. On 17 June, Serbia's High Judicial Council instructed the three operating Serbian courts in Kosovo to cease receiving cases in anticipation of the full implementation of the court-related components of the 19 April agreement. The provisions on the functioning of a unified justice system in Kosovo - detailed in both the agreement and its integral implementation arrangements of 22 May - will require substantial additional work by the parties in order to be fully realized. It is commendable that each side has demonstrated full awareness of the importance and delicacy of the subject and has proceeded with further talks on implementation in a cautious and deliberate fashion.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“On 11 July, the Kosovo Assembly approved a revised version of a draft law on amnesty in order to facilitate the transition of qualified personnel from police offices of the Serbian Ministry of Interior in northern Kosovo to the Kosovo Police. However, that law, along with two others essential for implementation, faces challenges raised by the opposition in Kosovo's Constitutional Court. In early July, Serbia's Interior Ministry completed the closure of its police offices in the four northern municipalities, subsequently verified by the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), the International Security Force in Kosovo (KFOR) and the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“Mr. Zarif: During the latest reporting period and since, important progress has continued to be made towards the implementation of the agreement reached between the parties on 19 April. Leaders in Pristina and Belgrade have upheld their commitment to work towards the implementation of the agreement in a timely and constructive manner, notwithstanding some complications in the process. Such progress remains fundamental to building mutual trust and realizing the key aspirations of both parties, the population in Kosovo and, indeed, the region. Following the appointment in June of a Kosovo- Serb from the north as commander of the northern regional police directorate, his leadership team was announced on 20 August, including a Kosovo-Albanian deputy from the south.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) is making efforts to ensure that its activities, including its own supporting role on the ground, contribute to the creation, in close coordination with international partners, of an enabling environment for the implementation of the Agreement. I wish to express deep appreciation to the members of the Council for their continuing political engagement with the parties, as well as my hope that such an engagement will remain steadfast throughout the coming delicate and challenging period. I conclude by thanking you, Mr. President, and all members of the Council for your support to UNMIK and for promoting the shared objectives of political progress, peace and reconciliation on the ground.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“The agreement sets a course that will be neither sure nor swift. In that respect, my sincere hope is that the membership of the Security Council, indeed the international community as a whole, will continue to provide its resolute support to progress. The situation on the ground, including the domestic political situation on both sides, remains fragile, and it cannot be taken for granted that the progress being achieved now is irreversible or that it is simply assured. The implementation of the agreements reached in the EU-facilitated process will require continued hard work by the parties and the active support of the international community.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“More serious efforts to locate and provide such information are needed from each side, which in turn requires a more substantial commitment at the political level. Without such commitments, progress on an issue crucial for reconciliation will continue to be unacceptably slow. The 19 April agreement represents a major achievement and a decisive step forward for both Belgrade and Pristina, which should contribute to the peaceful solution of issues that have long divided the parties. Energetic and cogent facilitation by the High Representative of the European Union has been fundamental to obtaining that result. No less fundamental have been the political will and leadership demonstrated by the parties, who, in their aspirations to join Europe, have assumed historic responsibility for difficult but necessary compromises.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“That important addition followed active advocacy efforts by civil society organizations, together with the United Nations and other international actors on the ground. I wish to take this opportunity simply to highlight one additional crucial area in which progress could and, in my view, should accompany that being made through the ongoing political processes, namely, determining the fate of persons missing since the time of the conflict. Although the Joint Working Group on Missing Persons continues to meet regularly and reflects a spirit of increasing mutual respect and cooperation, much information vital to the resolution of missing persons cases from both sides is still lacking.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“Publicly funded repairs and reconstruction of the Orthodox gravestones damaged or destroyed in a wave of attacks across Kosovo this past January is progressing. A majority of the affected gravestones have been repaired by now, and work is continuing. At the end of May, the Kosovo authorities, in cooperation with the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, organized a broad-based inter-faith conference, which included leaders of all faiths in Kosovo, including the Serbian Orthodox Church. In compliance with resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security, the Kosovo Assembly recently envisaged legislation recognizing the status and rights to benefits of survivors of sexual violence during the conflict.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“Regardless of those ongoing concerns, there were also some encouraging efforts on the ground alongside developments at the political level. In that context, I should like to make particular mention of President Atifete Jahjaga, who has been addressing some of the inter-ethnic issues in Kosovo. The Kosovo police has established ethnically mixed special units in four regions for the protection of Serbian religious and cultural heritage sites. The unit covering the Pee Patriarchate was constituted on 16 May and is now working together with the Kosovo Force and church leaders to gradually assume greater security duties there. In the same time frame, the implementation of the Law on the Historic Centre of Prizren moved forward with the establishment of a Council tasked with monitoring progress and compliance.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“Those discussions have been taking place against the backdrop of the upcoming consideration by the EU Council of Serbia's and Kosovo's progress on their respective EU accession tracks. We continue to witness the symptoms of tension and uncertainty in various parts of Kosovo with respect to the translation of political agreements into practice on the ground. As reflected in the Secretary-General's report (S/2013/254), the threat of instability remains present in sensitive areas, both north and south of the Ibar River. Too often, local leaders still appear to be reticent to speak out clearly and firmly and to ensure an effective response to acts of ethnic intolerance or intimidation directed at members of any of the communities in Kosovo.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“All share responsibility for achieving better communications with the population of the north and for taking action that addresses - rather than exacerbates - the concerns and legitimate interests of the people there. Public protests in northern Mitrovica, including a mass rally of several thousand Kosovo Serbs on 22 April and a subsequent demonstration organized by university students on 25 April, indicate the level of continuing apprehensions, as well as the paramount importance of better communication to all groups and stakeholders in the north. Over the past week, joint working groups have been focusing on the implementation details and other issues, such as energy and telecommunications and the exchange of liaison officers.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“A generous investment internationaln resources and efforts will preserve the peace dividends in the region, and support for an integrated and coordinated implementation process will be crucial. Among others, a key factor in the successful implementation of the 19 April agreement will be support for it from the Serbs of northern Kosovo. I appreciate the Belgrade leadership's courageous and continuing efforts to reach out and raise understanding and support for the agreement among the leaders and people of northern Kosovo. Those efforts have included proactive exchanges with and visits from senior Government officials in order to address the concerns of Kosovo Serbs about the impact of the agreement on their future. I also wish to stress that such support cannot and should not be seen as Belgrade's sole responsibility.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“On 22 May, as a sign of their commitment, the parties agreed on an implementation plan for the provisions contained in the 19 April agreement. It provides timelines for implementation that will require both sides to move ahead expeditiously. It is clear that a high degree of commitment, flexibility and creativity will also be required to meet those ambitious timelines. I believe that the international community's support and resourcefulness will also be needed to help ensure that positive momentum is sustained in the face of inevitable challenges. While the international community has regularly committed a strong level of political engagement and resources to promoting progress, that may be even more crucial in the coming period for all international presences in Kosovo.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“An implementation committee made up of representatives from both sides is to be established under the facilitation of the European Union. Importantly, both sides also affirmed the importance of continuing to engage in a political dialogue. The Secretary-General welcomed the agreement and encouraged the parties to conclude this historic process and to take concrete measures aimed at faithfully implementing the agreement. I wish to congratulate the leaders of both sides, who are present today in this Chamber, for the wisdom, prudence and political foresight they have shown in jointly taking this fundamental step forward. That determination and persistence will also be needed to sustain this spirit of compromise and mutual respect as they carry their agreement forward.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“Mr. Zarif: On 19 April, following difficult political negotiations personally facilitated by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union (EU), Ms. Catherine Ashton, a historic first agreement on principles governing the normalization of relations was initialled between Belgrade and Pristina. The agreement, consisting of 15 points, provides for the establishment of an association/community of Serb municipalities that would encompass a range of competences related to the people's day-to-day life. It also envisages holding local elections in 2013 in northern Kosovo municipalities with the facilitation of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Each party also undertook not to block the other side's progress in their respective European Union integration paths.”
2013-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6979 (2013) · source
“Far too much is at stake to permit short-term political challenges, anxieties and setbacks to put at risk the fundamental and historic opportunity that now stands before the parties. Effective, efficient and coherent work by all international presences is needed to promote and sustain the conditions in which political talks may achieve their true potential. I wish to conclude my remarks today by thanking you, Sir, and all members of the Security Council for your close attention and support for the work of UNMIK, including for our efforts to correctly tailor our contributions to the evolving circumstances on the ground.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“As I have outlined today, and as also detailed in the report, incidents and tensions continue to arise on the ground, underscoring the need for energy and effort to be rededicated by all international presences, alongside the negotiations. Simply put, it is imperative that the inevitable problems and setbacks on the ground, however difficult they may be for those affected, not be permitted to undermine the atmosphere and the potential for progress in the vital political talks. I ask that the Council pursue opportunities to make use of its authority and influence with political leaders on all sides in order to send clear and unified signals regarding its high expectations and of its readiness to support and reward constructive actions.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source