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

“Alongside this, stability on the ground remains fragile and is likely to remain so while these talks delve into topics that are both the most sensitive and the most essential. I trust that the progress being achieved will be welcomed by the membership of the Council, and that they will moreover offer unequivocal support to the parties to remain steadfast, regardless of the inevitable challenges and setbacks along the way. Likewise, the international community should be well prepared to place its collective weight and support behind all agreements reached mutually by the parties, and to fully support their implementation.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“Too many serious crimes in northern Kosovo, as well as those affecting communities in the rest of Kosovo, continue to go unsolved and remain a matter of very sober concern. Judicial performance in Kosovo continues to be another significant stumbling block, aside from the political disputes. These issues were amply highlighted in the most recent report of the European Commission to the European Parliament and Council on progress in fulfilling requirements for a visa liberalization road map. Unsolved cases inevitably become subject to political manipulation and lead to the build-up of public frustration. The political dialogue is now at a critical stage, and the parties are poised to make fundamental progress.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“After summarily suspending relations with the monastic community, municipal leaders not only did far too little to restrain aggressive reactions against the court's decision, but also effectively condoned them. Such reactions included an attempt by a handful of demonstrators to enter the grounds of Visoki Deeani on 8 February, as well as several attempts to place offensive placards on its walls. Supported by KFOR, the Kosovo police have so far been able to prevent harm coming to the monastery; however, much stronger leadership from politicians and public officials is needed to demonstrate that universal values and respect for the rule of law will be defended in practice.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“Understandably, the Serb community and the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo remain deeply concerned by the expressions of hatred and intolerance that accompanied these and other acts targeting Orthodox sites and symbols. Regrettably, the level of attendance at Orthodox Christmas services in some parts of Kosovo fell significantly following public threats and a few protests organized by some radical groups in Kosovo. The international community is particularly concerned over the continuing rejection by the municipal leadership in Deeani of a decision taken by the Special Chamber of the Supreme Court of Kosovo on 27 December. The decision rejected the claims over a parcel of land by two socially owned enterprises against Serbia and the Visoki Decani Monastery.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“These reprehensible actions were unbefitting Kosovo, as were some imprudent efforts to justify them in the press by making reference to actions undertaken elsewhere. In this respect, however, I was gratified by an unambiguous and timely statement issued by the Kosovo police. Representatives of the international community unanimously condemned such wanton acts and, together with UNMIK staff, were instrumental in encouraging more proactive public responses from local and central political authorities. Further appropriate and welcome actions have been taken by the Kosovo authorities, including the allocation of public funds for the repair and reconstruction of the graves and monuments.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“It is very unfortunate and unacceptable that the personnel of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) continue to be constrained in their access to all areas necessary to fully discharge their mandate, particularly given that EULEX is now intensifying its focus on improved investigative practices. We were deeply distressed by the wave of vandalism and destruction that took place across Kosovo between 13 and 22 January, during which around 200 gravestones in several Serbian Orthodox cemeteries were damaged or destroyed, in some cases by use of explosives or firearms. During this same period, a monument dedicated to Kosovo Serbs and Kosovo Albanians killed during the Second World War was destroyed by earthmover in broad daylight before an applauding crowd.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“As I have detailed in previous briefings, ending budget allocations to the UNMIK administrative office in Mitrovica has undermined the most functional channel available to address such problems through consensus. Despite that development, my international staff continue to carry out the important non-executive functions of the United Nations administration in the areas of local facilitation, conflict prevention and mediation. Coordinated preparations are under way - involving the EU Special Representative, the Organization for Security and Cooperation, the International Security Force in Kosovo (KFOR), ourselves and other mandated actors - to respond appropriately and collectively so as to prevent any adverse developments in that area.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“Sadly, however, on 4 February one such incident, in Mitrovica's mixed Three Towers neighbourhood, resulted in light shrapnel injuries to two children at play in their home. Their family has since moved away from the city permanently. An ongoing lack of consensus about municipal authority in northern Mitrovica has also continued to cause volatility in the mixed areas. Competing assertions of authority by the administrative office in northern Mitrovica and the parallel Kosovska Mitrovica municipality continue to produce persistent tension and occasional confrontation on the ground. I am concerned that a stand-off over housing construction and reconstruction works, spearheaded by the southern Mitrovica municipality in the Kroi i Vitakut/Brdani neighbourhood of Zvecan/Zvecan municipality, may continue during the coming spring.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“Unfortunately, that uncertainty was aggravated at times by very ill-considered statements from some local leaders. We and our partners continue to urge Belgrade and Pristina to significantly enhance their communication with the population living in the north. At the same time, we are urging local political leaders to act more responsibly, in a manner that will help to protect the long-term interests oftheir constituencies. With all interlocutors, we have stressed how important it is that they base their public assessments strictly on reliable information and renounce the chronic practices of inflammatory rhetoric and short-term point-scoring. In northern Mitrovica, there has been a very troubling and extended series of incidents involving the use of explosive devices, most of them apparently targeting properties.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“For its part, UNMIK continues to implement a broad-based strategic review of all its activities and to enhance functional coordination with its international partners. Our goal is to help ensure that the political process is reflected in the realities we face daily in Kosovo as much as it is reflective of them. I wish now to briefly highlight some key ongoing issues, where continued attention and action must accompany and complement he steps being taken by those directly engaged in the political dialogue. There have been episodes of increased tension in northern Kosovo both during the reporting period and in the two months since. Some of these have been motivated, at least in part, by local confusion and misunderstanding about the substance of the political talks in Brussels.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“The latter have not only put unhelpful strains on the atmosphere around the political process, but in some cases have also threatened efforts to ensure that agreements are translated into practice. In the face of such developments, we have joined others in continuing to urge both sides not simply to remain committed to the dialogue, but also to exert more active leadership in order to temper the emotions and reactions of their constituencies. In that light, I wish to stress today that if this vital political engagement is to fulfil its maximum potential, it needs to be accompanied by strenuous, constant and coherent work on the ground on the part of both the mandated international presences and local leaders.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“The parties' liaison officers are expected to begin work soon within the European Commission offices in Belgrade and Pristina. More recently, discussions have shifted to addressing the matter of Serbian institutions operating within Kosovo, as well as a range of difficult issues specific to the situation of northern Kosovo. It is my hope that the parties will remain steadfast in their determination to reach acceptable compromises on such highly sensitive issues, and find viable solutions that can better serve the interests and aspirations of all communities living in Kosovo. During this period of encouraging political progress, there have also been significant challenges to face on the ground, including adverse security incidents and frequent instances of inflammatory rhetoric and posturing from various quarters.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“Together, these meetings have marked an essential - indeed, historic - new chapter in the collective effort to overcome the legacy of the past conflict. The leaders involved have demonstrated political courage as well as foresight by their participation, and they deserve strong recognition for having embarked on such a difficult yet indispensable process. Progress has emerged from these meetings, in particular the most recent, the last of which took place only two days ago. Accordingly, I am very pleased that today the Council has the opportunity to take stock of the achievements made so far. Detailed discussions on the further implementation of the agreement on the integrated management of crossing points have addressed more complex questions, such as the management of fees and duties at those points.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“Mr. Zarif: The report before the Council (8/2013/72) details the key events and the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) that occurred between 16 October 2012 and 15 January 2013. Since I last addressed the Council, on 27 November (S/PV.6872), we have seen some important positive developments, thanks to the direct Belgrade-Pristina engagement in the high-level political dialogue facilitated by the European Union (EU). Since October, Prime Ministers Ivica Dacie and Hashim Thaci, who are present in the Chamber today, have met for a total of seven rounds of dialogue in Brussels. In addition, Presidents Tomislav Nikolie and Atifete Jahjaga met for the first time on 6 February as part of that same process, signaling the full political engagement of both sides.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“Doing so holds promise for real hope, not only to begin to overcome long-standing problems but also to achieve fundamental progress towards meeting the aspirations of the people for a more secure and more prosperous future.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“They should be able to depend upon political support, including from the members of the Council, to underpin the process and the agreements that may be reached during its future course. I would like to sincerely thank the members of the Security Council for their continued support of the work of UNMIK, and for their continued commitment to and interest in promoting peace and security in Kosovo. I ask for the Council's active support for the new phase of EU-mediated dialogue. I also ask for its active encouragement to both Belgrade and Pristina to fully seize the opportunity that has now been presented, including through taking additional confidence-building measures within their own remits.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“Among the many issues that continue to demand sustained and coordinated effort on the ground, it is worth mentioning in particular that, during this period, the Mission dedicated facilitation efforts to progress on the issue of missing persons. UNMIK and the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus facilitated a joint visit to Cyprus by representatives of the Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serbian families of missing persons and further pressed all parties, local and international, to step up their work to help promote earlier resolution of this issue. Albeit in its early phase, the elevation to a higher political level of the EU-mediated dialogue marks a new and vital step in the political process. Each side should be commended for assuming the leadership and political risks entailed in taking it.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“UNMIK has continued to monitor the situation affecting minority communities in Kosovo and, wherever possible, is providing good offices for the resolution of disputes and reduction of tensions on the ground. I continue to be concerned about recurring incidents of vandalism, theft and occasional violence against minority returnee communities and their property. At the same time, I am heartened by the renewed efforts of the Kosovo police and other public institutions to engage the communities affected and to tackle these problems. Increased participation in municipal community safety councils and local public safety committees during the reporting period was an encouraging sign of these efforts.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“During the reporting period, I once again appealed to Kosovo Serbs in the north and to the Pristina leaders to encourage them to open further lines of communication. In talks with leaders in Belgrade and Pristina, I also stressed the importance of providing these communities with full information in order to reassure them that their legitimate interests were taken fully into account during the efforts to achieve political progress. As detailed in the report, during the recent period EULEX continued to implement the reconfiguration of its structure, and provided new targeted expertise to the police and judicial institutions in Kosovo. A recent report of the European Court of Auditors, alongside recent reports of the Kosovo Ombudsperson and the OSCE, provided a sobering reminder of the current essential challenges in this area.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“Many issues are yet to be addressed through dialogue, and both sides face daunting challenges outside of the process, including difficult economic circumstances, challenges to the further development of rule of law institutions, and complicated internal political environments. The situation in the north of Kosovo remains fragile. The mission continues to put priority on working with our partners to maintain stability, and to try to slowly increase confidence among populations living north and south of the Ibar River. It is vital that all who are able to influence the atmosphere continue to work together towards these ends and to promote an atmosphere conducive to progress during the political dialogue.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“I am pleased to be able to report in this respect that today there is great unity of purpose and commitment among the mandated international presences on the ground. The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) is fulfilling its mandate as part ofa genuine team that encompasses the Kosovo Force, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the European Union Special Representative for Kosovo, who is leading the important political engagements within Kosovo. Most recently, close coordination of efforts on the ground has already helped to inhibit recent flare-ups from acquiring less manageable proportions.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“Some may seek to influence the situation on the ground outside the context of peaceful negotiation. Others may seek to undermine the political position of those negotiating. Indeed, in the few weeks since these higher-level talks were launched, we have witnessed instances of increased tension in sensitive areas on the ground in Kosovo. Also, injust the past week and the past two days, public reactions to decisions of courts involving high- profile war crimes defendants have shown the fragility and reactiveness of public sentiments on matters of reconciliation and justice. In order not to allow such developments to generate yet further obstacles, a united approach among the international presences engaged on the ground also remains essential.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“Nonetheless, this initiative to tackle the issues more forthrightly in a higher-level dialogue is a development which I hope all members of this Council will not simply commend, but also provide concrete support to. The international community should be well prepared to provide appropriate resources and political backing to encourage and endorse sustainable agreements achieved through a genuine dialogue between the two parties. As with any process striving to overcome the legacies of past conflict, leaders on each side will inevitably be confronted with obstacles on many fronts. Each side must be able and empowered to overcome challenges and resistance, including from those among their respective constituencies who, for one or another reason, do not see political progress serving their own interests.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“At the end of October, High Representative Ashton and United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton paid joint visits to Pristina and Belgrade, crucially demonstrating firm commitment and support to the dialogue process at a high level. I am personally gratified by these developments, and wish to congratulate both sides - in particular these two leaders - on demonstrating the political will and courage to embark on the difficult yet indispensable process of working together to recast relations between Belgrade and Pristina. In so doing, they each showed that they are looking to the future rather than to the past. Given the complexity of the issues that have continued to inhibit progress on both sides, it would be unreasonable to expect solutions to emerge easily or quickly.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“Subsequently, as new sessions of the dialogue mediated by the European Union (EU) got under way soon after the end of the reporting period, a far more fundamental milestone was reached on 19 October. That day, thanks in great measure to the personal leadership of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, a new and more fundamental phase of the dialogue process was initiated in Brussels. Prime Ministers Dacie and Thaci assumed direct leadership within this process, and met for the first time as leaders of their respective delegations. This fast meeting was swiftly followed by a second meeting on 7 November. During their second meeting, the two leaders demonstrated their seriousness, and were able to agree on concrete steps to move forward in the dialogue in a more profound and far-reaching manner.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“Mr. Zarif: The report before the Council (S/2012/818) details key events and activities in Kosovo during the period 16 July to 15 October 2012. While the period in question was mainly calm, very significant developments have taken place since the end of the reporting cycle, and it is on them that I shall focus today. On 21 August, the last time the Security Council met to discuss Kosovo (S/PV.6822), I spoke of the urgent need for a renewed political process, not only to safeguard the substantial international investments in Kosovo, but also to encourage the parties to move more swiftly in order to resolve issues hampering progress on both sides. The fact that Belgrade and Pristina were represented at the leadership level in that session already signaled the potential for elevated engagement.”
2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source
“I believe that only by pursuing that path can we expect any real progress, along with greater successes, eventually putting the unfortunate past to rest. A less active approach now will, in my view, amount to perpetuating the status quo, which is in the interest of no one. I wish to add, on the occasion of the conclusion of their 12-month tenure in the coming days, a special word of appreciation to the outgoing KFOR Commander, Major General Drews of Germany, and his Deputy, Brigadier General Luif of Austria, for their exceptional professionalism and consistent engagement in maintaining a safe and secure environment during the past year. They have been instrumental in promoting the goal of synergy of effort among the mandate-holders on the ground.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“That essential component of overall political progress will also depend upon positive engagement and support from the members of the Council. It is my sincere hope that, during the forthcoming period, neither the parties nor the key international stakeholders will allow any opportunity to be missed for imparting vitality to the efforts aimed at addressing the root and core political problems in a deliberate and forthright manner. We must be mindful not to conflate short-term stability with genuine progress towards fundamental solutions. Accordingly, I wish to appeal once again to the members of the Council to positively apply their authority and influence in order to assist and encourage the parties towards a more creative, bold and forward- looking approach to negotiations, based on compromise and mutual respect.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“Our endeavours also include coordinated steps to improve constructive engagement at all levels in the northern part of Kosovo. Concerning that area, far more effort will be needed to change the familiar posturing and rhetoric that emanates alternately from Pristina, Belgrade and northern Kosovo. As I have stressed in previous Council meetings, setting enabling conditions for a legitimate and genuine representation of the interests of the population in northern Kosovo should be a matter of priority. Achieving that goal will require demonstrated goodwill as well as political maturity from all sides. We hope that progress towards that goal will not continue to be hindered by the unconstructive patterns and political bluster that have become far too pervasive.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“I was gratified by the findings of a survey held in June that showed a healthy trend in the standing of the United Nations among the Kosovo population. The European Union-sponsored poll revealed that more than three-quarters of the Kosovo population had trust in the United Nations, an increase of some 15 per cent since the previous survey, in 2010. In addition to our relations at the political level in Kosovo, the Mission's work has been undergoing refinement, with the objective of enabling us to work more efficiently with the local communities, the institutions and our international partners in support of a much-needed progress in human rights protection, the return of internally displaced persons and refugees, and determining the fate of missing persons.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“During the current reporting period, EULEX carried out a substantial internal restructuring aimed at streamlining its operation, while also increasing conceptual clarity and efficiency. Alongside that conceptual redesign, it remains essential, in our view, that great care be taken to ensure capability and readiness for effective interventions, especially in areas where the development of rule-of-law institutions remains insufficient and where they are at times subjected to political currents. Although UNMIK'S operational activities are limited, we have nonetheless remained focused on increasing positive results from our engagement with the Kosovo authorities, in areas that contribute directly to improvements in the lives of the Kosovar people.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“On the ground, considerable progress has been made towards increased cohesion and efficiency among the internationally mandated presences. Increased exchanges among UNMIK, the European Union Office in Kosovo, the Kosovo Force (KFOR), the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe have resulted in improved coherence of efforts on many issues of common interest. Such coordination also brings into clearer view those issues that can be addressed through improved joint effort, as well as those that have been held up by the lack of political progress. The European Union Office in Kosovo has continued stepping up its operations, under the leadership of European Union Special Representative Zbogar.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“I further hope that those involved in the process will have used the period of the recent hiatus to focus on further enhancements to the process, including dedicating increased attention to the implementation stage. The first official visit of the Secretary-General to the region, in late July, just after the end of the period covered by his report, contributed to raising the level of the discussions on a number ofessential issues. I believe it also contributed to setting the stage for what we all have hoped to witness, namely, an energized approach to tackling key issues in the very near future. Important as it is to ensure the parties' renewed commitment to dialogue, the international community should also strive to renew its engagement during the next critical period.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“During my meetings with the Serbian leadership, I welcomed their early and clear assurances of their commitment to the full implementation of agreements previously reached in the dialogue, and also to the early resumption of dialogue. A clear demonstration of a full faith commitment to the dialogue, including through the expeditious implementation of the agreements reached, is now very important from both sides. As highlighted in the Secretary-General's report, delays in carrying out commitments or in settling subsequent discrepancies in interpretation should not be an excuse to prolong the pause in the process. I trust that, with the new Government now in place in Belgrade, the European Union-facilitated dialogue will soon resume.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“The elevation of the level of representation of the parties at the table today attests to such an assessmentDuring the current reporting period, sessions of the European Union-led Belgrade-Pristina dialogue remained suspended owing to the May general elections in Serbia and the political process leading to the formation of a new Government on 27 July. I had the opportunity, some two weeks ago, to meet with the new leadership in Belgrade, including President Tomislav Nikolie and Prime Minister Ivica Dacie. I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate His Excellency Mr. Ivan Mrkie on his appointment as the new Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“Mr. Zarif: I thank the President of the Security Council for the opportunity today to introduce the report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) (S/2012/603), and to brief the Council on current developments and issues that the international community is confronting in Kosovo. In particular, I wish today to highlight, once more, the risks of the sometimes quiet, yet hazardous, tendency towards complacency. From the perspective of those of us on the ground, opportunities to reinvigorate a political process are fleeting, while the cost ofmissing such opportunities can be very high. My assessment is that more active and deliberate political international engagement with the parties is urgently needed.”
2012-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6822 (2012) · source
“I urge them to use their authority and influence with the parties to encourage them to engage in good faith - something which is, in the end, very clearly in their own interests. And above all, I ask for Council members' support in forging increased unity of purpose that may help the sides and all of us to deal with unfinished business and to reach substantial and sustainable solutions sooner rather than later.”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source
“Lessons and limitations exposed in the current framework of technical dialogue, especially concerning follow-up and implementation, should be used to inform improvements during the next phase. The international community now faces opportunities alongside the familiar risks. Achieving better results will require, in practice, not only renewed energy and focus on the part of those working on the ground and around the region, but, I would submit, also from the members of the Council and all among the international community who have invested heavily in Kosovo. I wish to thank the Council members for their continuing support of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, and ask them to assume a proactive approach to the continuing challenges.”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source
“With the conclusion of elections in Serbia, we expect a new Government soon to be in place in Belgrade, with a fresh mandate also to look into matters related to Kosovo. Importantly, general elections in Kosovo are not foreseen for the next 18 months. Accordingly, we are approaching a period in which it may be possible to explore avenues of political engagement more removed from the rhetorically charged atmosphere of the frequent political campaigns and elections. To the extent that the parties can increasingly find ways to put the past behind them and focus instead on shared interests in prosperity and stability, new space may open for settling some of the differences that have remained hitherto unresolved.”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source
“I also continue to stress that our common efforts should not flag on issues that are fundamental to reconciliation and the protection of the rights of minority communities throughout Kosovo. These 3 especially include progress in determining the fate of the missing, creating conditions for safe voluntary returns, the fair adjudication and resolution of property claims, and the full and effective implementation of the legal frameworks for the protection and preservation of the cultural and religious heritage. And I reiterate my call on the Kosovo authorities to improve their outreach messages and efforts, and to clearly demonstrate their intention to listen to and take into account the concerns of the Kosovo Serb community north and south of the River Iber/Ibar.”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source
“A clearer sense of perspective and common purpose is therefore necessary to improve the overall efficiency of the use of limited international resources. For example, the European Union is currently considering an important review of activities and plans for EULEX, which operates under the overall authority of the United Nations. I hope that this opportunity will be used to take full stock, in a coordinated manner, of the challenges that lie ahead. In this context, the disposition of stewardship over the key executive powers given under resolution 1244 (1999), and subsequently entrusted to EULEX, need to follow a careful analysis of the implications for progress towards the original objectives set for the mission.”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source
“Regrettably, this incentive is itself sometimes undermined by a demonstrable absence of unity of purpose among key international actors. In such circumstances, the results obtained from substantial international investments, primarily in the mandated international presences, will continue to be less than what they could or should be. As the European Union steps forward in more institutional leadership roles, its room for manoeuvre and effectiveness will depend heavily upon strength or lack of broader international consensus. Closer cohesion of efforts among international actors, including members of the Security Council, may help to facilitate efficient the rationalization of efforts on the ground.”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source
“Unfortunately, incendiary and opportunistic political rhetoric has been the frequent response to incidents by local politicians on all sides. Rather than assuming responsibility for reducing tensions, they instead make choices to inflame passions in what amount to efforts at short-term political point-scoring. These continue to exact a high price on the prospects for achieving far more serious goals. The tit-for-tat police arrests during the reporting period, directed from both Pristina and Belgrade, illustrate the same fundamental problem. The power of the EU perspective for the region, as an incentive for the parties to overcome differences and to be able to enhance their prosperity and political futures, is absolutely critical.”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source
“Our own institutional presence in the north is operating in close collaboration with KFOR, EULEX and the OSCE, among others, to ensure common messaging and outreach towards the communities. Regrettably, some negative trends have also continued during the reporting period. The most important of those trends has been a concentration of serious security and criminal incidents throughout ethnically mixed areas, but particularly in the north, which was documented during the period; such incidents were occurring before and have continued to occur since the Serbian election. While the occurrence of any such incident could significantly inflame tensions, a greater concentration and frequency of 12-33797 incidents in the reporting period is ample evidence that the status quo is not a stable one.”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source
“I am currently leading a consultative process to explore possibilities for promoting more legitimate and viable local representation, and will call upon support from the Security Council for any emerging consensus in the future. In spite tensions in the north, including in relation to the matter of elections, there has been some progress in that area, which is noteworthy. In the preceding reporting period, EULEX had reached a point at which it enjoyed almost no freedom of movement in the north. Since then, it has implemented new outreach strategies, including more regular dismounted patrols and other modes of direct communication, which are having an impact, although so far not in the area of Zubin Potok.”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source
“The organization of institutional presences of the European Union (EU) on the ground since February have been consolidated under the fresh leadership of the EU Special Representative in Kosovo, Mr. Samuel Zbogar, who has moved swiftly to prioritize activities on the ground and has already formed close working partnerships with other key stakeholders. In spite of the fact that two municipalities in northern Kosovo proceeded with plans to conduct their own local elections outside the framework of resolution 1244 (1999), both Belgrade and the international community have taken unambiguous positions on that matter, leaving no doubt about the question of legitimacy. I have impressed upon local leaders in the north that they will need to pursue a different path if they wish to attain such legitimacy.”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source
“That successful operation demonstrates how the international community, by operating in a united manner, can effectively manage sensitive issues and support the emergence of peaceful solutions supported by all sides. OSCE facilitation efforts for the second round of voting in the presidential election will again be conducted on 20 May. I call on all concerned to show on that occasion the same sense of responsibility and cooperation as that which was demonstrated on 6 May. There were further positive developments during the reporting period that I would like to present briefly 12-33797 to the Council. Ties between the Western Balkans and the European Union took significant steps forward with the decisions to grant candidate status to Serbia and launch a feasibility study in Kosovo.”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source
“Voting in the Serbian general and presidential elections was facilitated safely and calmly in Kosovo on 6 May. Even though political agreement from the parties came very late, a highly professional facilitation operation was organized and carried out by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), in line with the provisions of resolution 1244 (1999). The OSCE engagement with Serbia was instrumental in diminishing tensions related to controversies about voting in Kosovo in the Serbian elections. The OSCE's exemplary performance was greatly assisted by the contributions of the Kosovo Force (KFOR), the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and the Kosovo authorities, which provided essential support and helped to ensure that voting proceeded without major incident.”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source
“I believe that the stage is now set for more decisive efforts from the international community to tackle fundamental issues before the end of 2012. Accordingly, alongside the report of the Secretary- General, I wish to implore the members of the Council to consider anew the possibilities for greater political consensus and harmony of effort in the application of resources. As matters stand today, business as usual is not only proving inadequate to guarantee stability, but it is also expensive and often inexcusably inefficient in achieving progress towards a more durable peace in the region. Before briefly highlighting a few key trends during the latest reporting period, I wish to acknowledge an important development that took place only eight days ago in Serbia and in Kosovo.”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source
“Mr. Zarif: During the last briefing to the Security Council, in February, Assistant Secretary-General Edmond Mulet urged it to see 2012 as a year for fresh re-examination of the international effort in Kosovo (see S/PV.6713). He suggested that 2012 would offer both opportunities and risks to the goals of peaceful resolution and longer-term stability in Kosovo and in the region. That was borne out by developments during the first quarter of the year and is well documented in the report (S/2012/275) before the Council today. Some of the developments during the reporting period give us reason for cautious optimism and satisfaction. Others are stark reminders of the persistent fragility 2 and instability that remain far too close to the surface some 13 years after the adoption of resolution 1244 (1999).”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source