YouSaid · the spoken record

Ziadeh

lines on the record: 58
first: 2010-07-07
most recent: 2023-10-23
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“That support is indispensable to UNMIK’s continued work to help ensure conditions for a peaceful and normal life for all people in Kosovo.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“Let me say it again and let me say it very clearly — dialogue is the only way forward. Before concluding, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the tremendous contributions of one of my key partners during a very challenging time in Kosovo: outgoing KFOR Commander Major General Angelo Michele Ristuccia of Italy. His leadership was instrumental during the management of several crises that erupted over the past year. I also extend a special welcome to his successor, Major General Özkan Ulutaş of Türkiye, with whom I know we will enjoy a similarly close working relationship in fulfilment of our common mandate. I conclude by expressing my deep appreciation to the members of the Council for their support.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“I wish to take this opportunity to commend the resilience of local actors, including UNMIK partners, committed women, men and young people from all Kosovo communities who, despite divisive narratives and challenging realities, work tirelessly to bring about more understanding between their communities. I would like to reiterate UNMIK’s support for the EU-facilitated dialogue, with a sense of urgency, in the light of the instability that has characterized the current reporting period. We are committed to supporting all voices rejecting zero–sum polarization in favour of compromise and collaboration. We will continue our trust-building work, although we often hear that trust is at its lowest level at this moment. But our answer was, is and remains, if not now, when?”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“The fifth Youth Assembly was held this year at the height of political tensions. Still, more than 150 youth leaders from across Kosovo and the region came together and constructively addressed critical issues, including combating misinformation and hate speech, youth decision-making and stopping domestic violence, just to name a few. We thank the United Nations Kosovo team for their close cooperation in that regard. Together with our partners, the Mission ensures equal access to justice by improving courtroom infrastructure, providing free legal assistance and representation to more than 2,000 people from all communities throughout Kosovo and offering interpretation services. We will continue to do so.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“Since its opening in May this year, the Centre has organized more than 40 multi-ethnic events, demonstrating that even during challenging times, it is possible, and indeed desirable, to get the people together. To advance both the women and peace and security and youth, peace and security agendas, the Mission continues to support women-led civil society organizations and encourage the involvement of youth and women leaders in decision-making at all levels. We support initiatives aimed at promoting the active and meaningful participation of women in political processes and at integrating gender perspectives into the normalization process between Belgrade and Pristina. We will also continue to support young people, including through the annual United Nations Youth Assembly in Kosovo.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“Nonetheless, we remain strongly committed to continuing to work with our partners from all communities in Kosovo to foster communication and understanding among people. Doing so nurtures the ground for acceptance of the difficult but essential compromises necessary to achieve progress in the dialogue at the leadership level. As announced six months ago, the Barabar Centre was launched with support from UNMIK and the Pristina municipality — partnership at its best. Used in both official languages in Kosovo, Albanian and Serbian, the word “Barabar” means equality and fairness — and we need equality and fairness. The Centre is a safe space in the heart of Pristina, where people from all walks of life and all communities can meet to freely deliberate and transcend divisive narratives.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“I would also encourage authorities to consider the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence in that regard. Following continued advocacy by UNMIK, United Nations agencies and civil society groups for the inclusion, in the Constitution, of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, we welcome the Constitutional Court’s decision of 1 August that paves the way for the inclusion of international human rights norms on the rights of persons with disabilities within the Kosovo legal framework. This year we mark the fifth anniversary of UNMIK’s trust-building agenda. Despite a track record of success in strengthening dialogue, social cohesion and resilience at the grass-roots level, the environment has become more challenging this past year.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“I already pointed out in my statement in April (see S/PV.9312) — and it should be repeated today — the need for clear and continuous communication with the public on issues affecting their livelihoods, health and human rights — issues such as land expropriation and the freedom of movement of people and goods, including across the administrative boundary line. The work of rule of law institutions must be anchored in the human rights framework and should be clearly and publicly explained and communicated in order to avoid misperceptions and ensure the equality of all before the law. I have welcomed the adoption of a law regulating the application process for the status of conflict-related sexual violence survivors by the Assembly of Kosovo.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“Peace, prosperity, progress, sustainability and connectivity were some of the main themes highlighted during the high-level week of the General Assembly in September and during the Berlin process summit held last week in Tirana. Today, in this body, I believe that it is of the utmost importance that the international community urge both Pristina and Belgrade to foster purposeful and concerted actions in line with those main priorities, including the observation that no single leader or actor can expect to go it alone in overcoming the current global challenges.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“Tensions, isolation and a growing lack of trust in political leaders’ ability to address peoples’ most immediate interests and legitimate grievances witnessed these past months — and worse, the resort to violence and intimidation by those of ill will — threaten the hard-won gains achieved through the EU-facilitated dialogue. Responsible leadership and compromise are required to return to a more productive political process. We know the maxim that there is no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development. It cannot be stressed enough that regional cooperation and integration initiatives, in all forms, should be welcomed and prioritized in order to contribute to a more productive dialogue.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“In that regard, it is crucial to note that delays in the implementation of the dialogue agreements led to the postponement of an EU donor conference envisaged in the implementation annex of the February agreement, which likely would have attracted substantial economic support and investment opportunities. We have often spoken during Council meetings about the positive ways in which sustainable political agreements have an impact on people’s lives, even when they come at a cost. Perhaps too rarely do we talk about the even greater cost that accrues from not reaching agreements. Here, I am speaking of the cost to all communities — be they Serbs, Albanians or others residing in different parts of Kosovo and the entire region.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“In that regard, I share the hopes of many that the outcome of the EU- and United States-led meetings held separately in Pristina and Belgrade on 21 October will place the dialogue back on a forward path, with firm commitment by both sides to implement de-escalatory measures and the proposals set forth during the meetings. This includes recommitment by both parties to fully implement all previous dialogue agreements. Accordingly, work on the establishment of the association/community of Serb-majority municipalities should begin without delay or preconditions, alongside all other essential agreements. We should keep in mind that failure to achieve political compromise will continue to adversely affect the well-being of ordinary people, including their ability to receive basic services and realize their socioeconomic potential.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“Setbacks like the boycott by Kosovo Serbs of the 23 April local elections in northern Kosovo, where they represent the majority of the population, ensuing questions of adequate political representation; and the terrible violence on 29 May that led to serious injuries for 93 Kosovo Force (KFOR) personnel, as well as for civilians, represent grave dangers to achieving long-term peace and stability. The current political impasse, with its impact on the security and well-being of the population, can only be overcome through compromise that should be worked out in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. De-escalatory measures are critical to reducing tensions.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“During my interactions with a wide array of interlocutors, including municipal, religious, civil society organizations and business leaders, the most common sentiments I have encountered are frustration and concern caused by an uncertain future. Tensions and anxiety across Kosovo, reported particularly from members of Kosovo Serb communities, have been fuelled by divisive rhetoric and narratives. Rather than stoking tensions through political messages directed at one group, elected leaders bear responsibility for addressing the security needs and broadersocioeconomicconcernsofallsegmentsofsociety, regardless of ethnic, linguistic or political background.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“In the days, weeks and even months leading up to 24 September, political and security tensions in northern Kosovo steadily rose in the absence of tangible progress in the dialogue facilitated by the European Union (EU). The high-level meeting held on 14 September in Brussels produced no consensus on the sequence in which prior agreements are to be implemented. That was, yet again, a missed opportunity to engage constructively towards a programme for the implementation of the parties’ respective commitments under the agreements made in Brussels and Ohrid earlier this year. Both sides have exchanged inflammatory public allegations, damaging the fragile communication channels between the communities in Kosovo and between political leaders in Belgrade and Pristina.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“The Kosovo police seized a significant number of vehicles, military equipment and weapons. The United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK) joined the international community in unequivocally condemning the incident and the tragic loss of life, calling for restraint. It is essential that the investigations currently under way provide an opportunity to factually document those events and hold perpetrators accountable. The major events on 24 September exacerbated an already deteriorating security environment, characterized by an atmosphere of mutual suspicion and contradictory perceptions touching much of the population, especially in northern Kosovo and among Kosovo-Serb communities elsewhere in Kosovo.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“Ms. Ziadeh: I am honoured to update the Security Council on recent key developments in Kosovo. I trust that members had time to go through the report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/735), which covers the period from 19 March through 18 September. I will begin my statement today by bringing to member’s attention a serious security incident that took place on 24 September near the village of Banjska in the Zvečan municipality in northern Kosovo. Early in the morning that day, a Kosovo police officer was killed and two others were injured at the entrance of the village, which had been blocked by two vehicles. Over the course of the day and into the evening, Kosovo police and heavily armed elements engaged in gunfire exchanges, resulting in four deaths and a number of arrests.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“We will do so in the expectation that the choices made by political leaders, the fulfilment of their obligations and their commitments will lead to greater opportunities for a generation deserving better. To play our role, the Mission continues to rely upon the support of the Council, as we work together with our partners within and beyond the full spectrum of the United Nations system. I thank the Council for that support and for promoting solutions that serve the interests of a new generation in Kosovo and the region.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“Together, we are steadily growing the constituency for political compromise — despite all the challenges — while demonstrating the positive effects that path offers in the real lives of people. It should be the aspiration of all of us that the accumulation of international efforts will now chart a realistic path towards normalization. The obstacles to that process may take the form of posturing or insufficient political will to open the space for public acceptance. Implementation will surely face many pitfalls and require patience. None of those pitfalls, however, can match the gains to be achieved for the people through perseverance and delivery. UNMIK will remain committed to supporting, at all levels, the progress made, which is among the most important parts of our mandate.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“They include supporting language rights and language learning, where an UNMIK-sponsored online platform to learn Albanian and Serbian reaches more than 70,000 users. We are assisting families of missing persons via the Missing Persons Resource Centre. We are promoting, and will continue to promote, the empowerment of youth and women leaders by providing substantial platforms for their engagement at all levels of decision-making. We are helping to ensure equal access to justice through improved courtroom infrastructure, free legal aid and legal interpretation services. Next month, we will inaugurate a community dialogue centre designed and led by local trust-building champions. We continue to strengthen cohesive, cross-cutting work with United Nations agencies and with all our international partners.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“It is an investment, over the longer term, in those who can positively reshape relations at all levels. Our focus is on the empowerment of communities to flourish in spaces where ethnically divisive prejudice and political rhetoric are being transcended. Trust-building can directly help light the path to political normalization. Political agreements need such soil in which to grow. Together, those approaches mark a genuine path towards a more sustainable, peaceful and ultimately prosperous future for all. I will highlight only a few ways in which the Mission is empowering trust-building champions to overcome the divisions wrought by miscommunication and frequent political invective.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“In the region, opportunities for reducing barriers to economic development and cooperation are being pursued through the promotion of important initiatives that can, and should be, expedited, including by progress towards normalization. In support of that process, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) will continue to dedicate all efforts to help both sides and their constituencies reap the benefits of improved communication and understanding of common problems — and implementing solutions. That brings me to another anniversary. This year also marks five years of work under the rubric of UNMIK’s trust-building agenda. That programme of activity sustains support for those on the ground working sincerely to promote inter-community trust, resilience and confidence.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“However, equally, I see the spirit and the will to work to create a better reality. That is something we cherish as we work alongside all people striving for positive and tangible changes. Neighbours across the region, those already European Union members and those aspiring to join it, are watching as well. Commerce and investment simply will bypass those areas in which normalized relations are unattained, or where tensions threaten basic institutional stability. Leaders from the region have expressed their support for the process now being undertaken by both sides to advance along the path to normalization. Many have faced and overcome their own past challenges towards achieving stability, reconciliation and progress. They have done so by addressing difficult issues with creativity and a sense of longer-term political responsibility.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“During the intervening years, as outlined in numerous reports to the Council, inconsistencies of commitment and action — local as well as international — have regularly limited progress in advancing the normalization of relations. In the latter half of 2022, actions and reactions took Pristina and Belgrade further away from the course previously agreed to in the framework of the EU-facilitated dialogue and, worrisomely, even close to the edge of physical confrontation. Those are the trends that responsible leaders must now work to change. Through my interactions with a wide array of interlocutors — including municipal, religious, civil society and business organizations — the most common sentiments I encounter are frustration and concern about an uncertain future.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“Indispensably, the joint monitoring committee will need to prove to be efficient in its operation and robust in its oversight of actions taken by both sides. I would like to draw the Council’s attention to the fact that this meeting is taking place against the backdrop of significant anniversaries, which offer an important perspective on recent developments. Among them are the twentieth anniversary of the 2003 Thessaloniki Summit, at which the EU pronounced its unequivocal support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans. As has also been widely noted, this month marks the tenth anniversary of the signing at Brussels of the First Agreement of Principles Governing the Normalization of Relations.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“On 2 May, the expected endorsement by both parties of the joint declaration on missing persons, facilitated by the European Union (EU), has the potential to resume full cooperation between Pristina and Belgrade on missing persons within the existing working group, chaired by the International Committee of the Red Cross. That would provide families on both sides the chance for answers regarding their loved ones. Likewise, the presentation by the management team of a draft statute for the association/community of Serb- majority municipalities should lead to its immediate, detailed and good-faith consideration. The charting of a full-implementation path is the minimum baseline owed to the public by leaders during their next high-level meeting.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“Reassurance is necessary in order to replace the feelings of mistrust and uncertainty felt by ordinary inhabitants, on both sides of the Ibar River. Accusatory rhetoric should be avoided, and fears should be replaced with concrete reasons for confidence and optimism. The 23 April extraordinary elections were peaceful and calm. At the same time, questions of representation must be addressed as part of the broader political process that is now ongoing. Elected leaders, police forces and all civic services at the municipal level should genuinely reflect and fulfil the interests of their local constituents.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“Leaders should take responsible steps to reduce the likelihood of further standoffs on issues that have eroded public confidence over recent months. Those issues include matters that precipitated the withdrawal of Kosovo Serbs from Kosovo institutions en masse in November and those that continue to polarize public opinion during the local elections conducted last Sunday. Steps should be taken to demonstrate that police and judicial bodies are fully insulated from political agendas and political interference. Clear and continuous communication to the public will be needed concerning issues that affect their livelihoods and human rights — issues such as expropriations of property and the ability to count upon impartial institutions of justice.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“Without increased commitment to the mechanism for renewed negotiations, failures of confidence could worsen within Kosovo, with direct consequences for regional stability. Therefore, a sustained focus of attention on the principles and declarations jointly affirmed on 27 February in Brussels, and further elaborated on 18 March in Ohrid, should be matched by courageous leadership action from the parties and from the stewards and supporters of the negotiations. Specific commitments have been made by both sides to the new agreement on the path to normalization between Kosovo and Serbia, alongside which there are immediate steps that can be taken to demonstrate goodwill on the ground. Achieving actual progress demands that confidence be rebuilt among those who have grown suspicious of the intentions of each side.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“Ms. Ziadeh: I am honoured to update the Security Council on developments in Kosovo, which during the most recent reporting period included serious challenges as well as an important collective effort to bring Belgrade-Pristina relations nearer to stability and normalization. Efforts from both sides will be needed in order to realize the potential for a positive change in relations, particularly given the preceding cycles of tension, provocations and grievances that occurred during much of 2022 and unfortunately have continued, in some respects, even in the most recent days. Regular breakdowns of effective, timely and preventive action are well documented in the Secretary- General’s report (S/2023/247).”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“Based on the mandate given by the Security Council for the international presences in Kosovo, we look forward to cooperating with the institutions of Kosovo based on good faith and full respect for one another. I wish to express my deep appreciation to the Council for its sustained engagement and continuous support of our Mission.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“A few weeks ago, in his opening remarks to the General Assembly, the Secretary-General stated, “we live in a world where the logic of cooperation and dialogue is the only path forward.” (A/77/PV.4, p.2) He also stated, “[w]e need hope, and more, we need action.” (ibid., p.1) I echoed that message during my meetings with leaders across the region about the recent developments in Kosovo. I am now more and more convinced that any agreement between Belgrade and Pristina can be achieved and implemented with a high degree of public involvement and ownership. Allow me, in that regard, to take the opportunity to commend the EU Special Representative for his continuous engagement in that regard.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“We have also supported 37 civil-society organizations from across Kosovo’s communities to launch the third annual human rights report. Critical topics were constructively and safely addressed in those forums: misinformation, hate speech, women in leadership, youth decision-making, domestic violence and more. We have also supported access to justice and language rights, including through initiatives to provide legal aid, translators in court and free language-learning tools.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“It includes doing all of that in a manner that is well informed by the current regional and global political landscape. Our Mission will be refining its work with local partners to advance the trust-building agenda with a focus on women and young people, but also, more broadly, on future leaders and changemakers from all walks of life. In the past six months, we have used our convening power in so many ways, including by bringing together more than 150 youth leaders from Kosovo and the region for the fourth United Nations Youth Assembly, the largest multi-ethnic youth forum in Kosovo, and hosting the Global Open Day on Women, Peace and Security to raise the profile of women’s participation in political processes.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“That includes, first, participating in and promoting effective communication across ethnic and political lines at all levels of society. It involves creating opportunities that promote an atmosphere where respect for human rights, the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of differences is more consistently manifested. Secondly, it means redoubling the Mission’s commitment to support trust-building actors from across all parts of Kosovan society, amplifying the power and energy of those who possess the drive and orientation to shape a promising future for themselves and for generations to come. Thirdly, it means helping to promote broad awareness about the interdependence and shared problems and interests of people across Kosovo and throughout the region.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“Of course, regional initiatives are not a panacea. Sustainable peace requires much more, including the direct engagement of communities and a better understanding of their views, concerns and interests. That is where the role of missions such as ours can do more to support progress. Our Mission continues to adapt its focus, carrying forward some of the best initiatives launched in the past, such as the long-established trust-building agenda, while accurately assessing present realities. We are renewing our resource priorities, refining our institutional partnerships and enhancing our internal working objectives and culture. My goal is for UNMIK to focus on those areas where our continued presence, in concert with the entire United Nations family — as well as our other partners in Kosovo — contributes consistently, with positive effects.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“The Government of Kosovo remains focused on addressing critical issues in relation to the rule of law. We hope those efforts are being noted by European member States weighing their positions on the visa liberalization and travel regime for the people of Kosovo. As long as we, the international community, remain actively engaged in Kosovo, we also have responsibilities, including the responsibility to support the choices that offer hope for a better future to families and individuals across society. Regional Government-led cooperation initiatives, regardless of their labels, authorship or participation, can also contribute to the resolution of political tensions and problems. That is especially true now, as all parts of the region are affected by similar supply- chain risks and other economic challenges.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“Time and again, in the spirit of our shared responsibilities in maintaining stability and security, I have reiterated my call to both Belgrade and Pristina to remain actively and constructively engaged in the EU-facilitated dialogue and to preserve and build on the acquis. There are many choices to be made by political leaders in the days ahead about how to manage their ambitions and objectives, given the wider contours of economic and security uncertainty at this time. Choices must be made between cooperation and division, between threats and gestures of goodwill and between compromises and zero-sum calculations. In that connection, responsibility starts at home. Amid all of the challenges, we have witnessed positive examples of leadership and cooperation.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“That agenda is based on the rule of law. We recognize the continuing efforts of the Government to strengthen the rule of law and justice, which can succeed only through full compliance with all applicable legal frameworks and by ensuring due process. In that context, I want to highlight the importance of the full implementation of all high court decisions, such as those of the Constitutional Court; full respect for human rights, including social and economic rights, property rights and freedom of movement for all communities; and full respect for all obligations previously undertaken and ratified within the framework of the EU-facilitated dialogue.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“At times, when the line between political provocation and overt belligerence blurs, we are reminded of the importance and the discerning role of our mandated international partner, the Kosovo Force (KFOR), whose presence continues to ensure a safe and secure environment in Kosovo. I want to express my personal appreciation to departing KFOR Commander Major General Ferenc Kajári of Hungary, under whose leadership KFOR played its role in an exemplary manner. I would also like to acknowledge his newly arrived successor, Major General Angelo Ristuccia of Italy, who I have no doubt will continue to foster the essential UNMIK-KFOR partnership. As I emphasized here in the Council in April (see S/PV.9019), the Government of Kosovo has an ambitious agenda, whose delivery depends on sound decision-making, strong partnerships and public consensus.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“Since last spring we have all observed several escalations in political rhetoric between Pristina and Belgrade, as well as a few moments of acute tension on the ground. They threatened to set back many of the gains previously achieved through the EU-facilitated dialogue. During those moments, the attention of both sides was invested in mutual accusation rather than in making use of formal or informal channels for engaging in constructive dialogue. Diplomatic interventions, along with a top-level dialogue meeting on 18 August, led to temporary relief in the form of extended deadlines and promises to continue discussions. Yet at best, the parties’ willingness to risk dangerous confrontations on the ground has set the process back. At worst, it may lead to far more serious consequences, even if unintended.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“Equally, I am cognizant that developments in Kosovo, as with all open matters in the region, are affected by the European security environment as a whole. In that light, I have been in close conversation with many partners and stakeholders on the ground, as well as interlocutors across the region. A shared assessment is that issues that appear dormant can easily return to the forefront of the dialogue agenda. That places extra responsibility for ensuring close coordination among the various missions on the ground. When working together, coherently and effectively, we can contribute to clarifying misunderstandings and avoiding escalations. We can also help to empower leaders whose vision recognizes the benefits of reducing tensions, not inflaming them — leaders who are ready to open up space for progress and positive change.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“(spoke in English) I am honoured to brief the Security Council on the Secretary-General’s report (S/200/739) on UNMIK and the latest developments in Kosovo. I will also offer my observations on the situation in Kosovo within a wider context. As detailed in the report, the past six months included many instances of political posturing over matters that remain a part of the agenda of the European Union (EU)-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina: the energy road map, people’s freedom of movement, the validity of identity cards and the association/community of Serb-majority municipalities — to name just a few. We will continue to extend all possible support towards the success of that dialogue.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“Allow me to congratulate you, Sir, on your presidency of the Security Council for the month of October. In the region where the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) is deployed, this month is characterized by crucial deadlines for the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. That is the case in particular with regard to the road map on energy and license plates, with deadlines imminent, as well as many discussions at several European levels on multiple matters relating to the European prospects of Serbia and Kosovo, which will have an impact not only on the lives of the people of the region but also on the political and security environment in which the Mission operates.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“Our efforts, as a mission, will remain focused on contributing to stability, political progress, respect for human rights, supporting the women and peace and security and youth and peace and security agendas and creating and promoting greater inter-community trust and dialogue in Kosovo and in the region. On behalf of all the Mission staff, I thank the Security Council for its continuing support to UNMIK.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“My Mission remains a locus of relevant knowledge, experience and subject area expertise, which serves Kosovo’s institutions and communities. Supporting an active civil society, promoting new tools to help Kosovo reinforce the rule of law. contributing to the empowerment of women and young people and providing expertise and support to human rights mechanisms will all remain major priorities. Of course, we will continue to explore all areas where we can make fruitful contributions under the mandate that the Security Council gave us. I wish to conclude by saying that the Security Council’s support for our Mission remains essential. Equally important is its attention to the state of relations between Pristina and Belgrade, even though we realize that many new and difficult situations demand its attention.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“Accordingly, we will continue our work in the areas where we are genuinely able to help to advance the common objectives held by the authorities, communities and institutions in Kosovo. UNMIK’s legacy of institutional support, its trust among communities and political actors and its work with the full spectrum of multilateral and bilateral actors will drive my Mission’s agenda. Naturally, that includes working in synergy with the United Nations family of agencies, funds and programmes and in partnership with the international community. Progress in high-level political discussions, in particular the EU-facilitated dialogue, can be supported and aided by intensified people-to-people work on the ground.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“Secondly, UNMIK is not a determining factor or the spokesperson of any particular view regarding a just and lasting settlement between the parties. That is not our role. Too often since my arrival, I have heard insinuations that UNMIK, in and of itself, represents either an obstacle or a vehicle for the outcome preferred by one or the other side or that UNMIK itself harbours a particular agenda to forward or favour outside the bounds of its mandate, which is to ensure conditions for a peaceful and normal life for all inhabitants of Kosovo. That is the mandate. Neither of those inaccurate perceptions contains any demonstrable truth; yet both have too frequently been allowed to gain currency in local public discourse.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“The current Government will depend upon both wise decision-making and strong international support to fulfil its ambitious agenda and to deliver for the people. It is therefore logical that the subject of improving relationships sits at the top of the agenda for so many of Kosovo’s regional and international interlocutors. Reconciliation and addressing the grievances of the past should reinforce the pursuit of important strategic objectives. At the outset of my mandate, allow me to be very clear about two important points. First, as Belgrade and Pristina each know well, my responsibility is to provide objective information to the Secretary-General and the Security Council. I will always remain open to listening to all views. However, the contents of the Secretary-General’s reports are not the subject of negotiation.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“Inflation, supply shortages, rising interest rates and increasing debt burdens were already occurring and have since been exacerbated. In that context, finding practical modes of economic cooperation among Belgrade, Pristina and all the neighbours of the region assumes greater urgency. Any region-wide initiatives that can help towards promoting that objective should be welcomed. Reducing restrictions on the movement of people and flows of goods and capital can only help all neighbours in the region, whether with respect to current or future challenges. Since my arrival in Pristina, I have witnessed first- hand the internal and external challenges that weigh on Kosovo’s political leadership. The expectations for progress and reform are exceptionally high.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source