- Tanin: Kosovo-Serbia relations are fragile (media)
- Citaku: Kosovo Police professional, UNMIK no longer necessary (media)
- U.S. representative expresses support for Kosovo Police operation (media)
- Germany wants UNMIK mandate to be reviewed (Indeksonline)
- Dacic blames Kosovo for not implementing Brussels agreements (media)
- Pacolli: UNMIK staff are violating international law, regrettable (Lajmi)
- Hoxhaj: Tanin misuses UNSC to spread fake news (media)
- Dacic “outraged”, insults Kosovo, the U.S. and UK (Indeksonline)
- The full text of the statement by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIK, Mr. Zahir Tanin, to the Security Council
- The full text of the statement by the Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and the United Nations Legal Counsel, Mr. Miguel de Serpa Soares, to the Security Council
- The White House calls on Kosovo, Serbia to work on agreement (Express)
- U.S. insists on tax suspension to give dialogue a chance (VOA/Zeri)
- Haradinaj: Paris meeting might not be held, but it’s not Kosovo’s fault (media)
- Lower expectations from the Paris Summit (Koha)
Tanin: Kosovo-Serbia relations are fragile (media)
Head of UNMIK, Zahir Tanin, presented the quarterly report of the mission in Kosovo saying that the situation on the ground and Kosovo-Serbia relations are fragile again, RTK reported. Tanin was quoted as saying that the UN Security Council session is in line with Resolution 1244 and that there has been progress in Kosovo since 1999.
“In the absence of a genuine and necessary process of engagement between the parties to this conflict, the situation does not simply remain tenuous, but can slide backwards. Often it has done so. Productive engagements between Belgrade and Pristina have been missing since autumn 2018. The imposition of a 100% import tariff on Serbia and Bosnian goods by Pristina continues, despite calls by the for its removal. Belgrade’s position is that lifting the import tariffs is a condition for resuming talks under the EU-facilitated format. Pristina leaders have also set out conditions”, Tanin said.
He called on leaders from “all sides to exercise their responsibility of steering this complex situation clear of any serious escalations, without threats and ultimatums.”
“I hope that all parties engaged may be able to work collectively to ensure that the planned meeting in July in Paris is used by the parties to return to substantive matters: those which directly affect the lives of people,” Tanin said.
He also spoke about extraordinary elections in the north following the resignations of mayors there and about the Kosovo Police operation against crime and corruption where two members of UNMIK, one Russian and one local, were arrested for obstructing the police in carrying out its duties.
Speaking about the UNMIK staff being declared persona non-grata, he is reported to have said that such a decision does not apply to UN staff.
Citaku: Kosovo Police professional, UNMIK no longer necessary (media)
Kosovo’s Ambassador to the U.S., Vlora Citaku, said in her remarks before the Security Council session on Kosovo yesterday that the Kosovo Police operation of 28 May followed several-month long investigation process and was aimed at fighting organised crime.
“Kosovo Police is an organisation that operates with highest standards of professionalism and integrity. The police has proved to be a partner in fighting organised crime. On 28 May 2019, the police conducted an operation aimed at fighting organised crime. This operation followed several-month long investigations and several criminal groups were investigated,” she said.
She said that on the day of the operation, Kosovo Police encountered no resistance except for that in Zubin Potok where it stumbled upon roadblocks set up by local Serb residents.
“On this occasion, the police arrested seven civilians including a United Nations diplomat of Russian nationality who used the official UN vehicle to prevent the Kosovo Police from carrying out its duties. He used the vehicle to transport a chain saw used to cut down the trees used to block the road to prevent the Kosovo Police from reaching Zubin Potok. He intentionally placed the vehicle in front of the trees to reinforce the barricades. He refused to cooperate and to provide identification,” said Citaku calling for investigations into the actions of the Russian staff member of UNMIK.
Çitaku also spoke about the role of UNMIK in Kosovo saying it is not reasonable for UNMIK to remain any more in the country. “We don’t see a reason for UNMIK’s presence in our new republic. Kosovo governs itself. With so many issues people in the world face, I am sure this institution’s resources can be used elsewhere”, she said.
Citaku said that Kosovo has made significant progress in the twenty years since the UN first installed its mission in Kosovo. “Our country has made a great deal of effort and is increasingly becoming integrated into the European community. This is thanks to the UN which has increased the security and stability in Kosovo and the region,” Citaku is quoted in Zeri as saying.
Epoka e Re quotes Citaku as saying that Kosovo is ready to resume dialogue with Serbia but that Serbia does not want to renew the process.
U.S. representative expresses support for Kosovo Police operation (media)
The U.S. representative at the United Nations, Jonathan Cohen, said at the Security Council session that his country supports the Kosovo Police operation against crime and corruption and expressed regret that the police encountered resistance and roadblocks in then north.
“Involvement of UNMIK staff and the vehicle is concerning. The post-operation investigation is important to present facts. The obstruction of a lawful exercise is not in the interest of the people in Kosovo. These events show that the parties need to immediately return to dialogue,” he said.
Cohen said obstacles to dialogue should be removed, namely the tariff on Serbian products and parties should refrain from provocations. “Independence of Kosovo is a reality, the two sides need to pursue their European path. We need to be engaged in strengthening the rule of law, fighting contraband and corruption,” he said.
Germany wants UNMIK mandate to be reviewed (Indeksonline)
The German Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Jurgen Schulz, called on Pristina to lift the import tariff on Serbian goods saying that it is against integration processes, the news website reports.
Schulz said at the UN Security Council session on Kosovo yesterday that Berlin believes the mandate of UNMIK should be reviewed. Commenting on the incident involving a Russian UNMIK staff during the recent Kosovo Police operation in the north, the German diplomat said “UNMIK staff members must act in accordance with the mandate of the mission”.
Dacic blames Kosovo for not implementing Brussels agreements (media)
At the UN Security Council session on Kosovo yesterday, Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic accused Kosovo of not implementing agreements signed in Brussels and also said that the import tariff on Serbian goods
“In the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia one side has done its homework, the other has decided not to. Last week we were witness to President of Kosovo Thaci saying he will not implement agreements reached with Serbia. The treatment of the Kosovo issue is an opportunity which should not be disregarded because the Security Council should take into account the situation on the ground,” Dacic is quoted to have said.
Speaking about the recent Kosovo Police operation, Dacic called it an “unacceptable” act which he said was aimed at intimidating Serbs in Kosovo. He said that even UNMIK staff are no longer safe in Kosovo and that its staff are deemed unwanted if they do not behave as Pristina authorities want them. “Without any shame, Pristina has offered the mission to review its presence in the north. We are very far from the stable situation in Kosovo,” Dacic said.
Pacolli: UNMIK staff are violating international law, regrettable (Lajmi)
Kosovo’s Foreign Minister Behgjet Pacolli said that the meetings of the United Nations Security Council on Kosovo are outdated and utterly unnecessary. Pacolli criticized his Serbian counterpart Ivica Dacic’s speech at the Security Council today saying that he told lies and that Kosovo did not attack anyone. He also said the speech by the UNMIK chief Zahir Tanin was totally unacceptable because the latter did not express regret over the conduct of his staff.
Pacolli wrote on Facebook: “The meetings of the United Nations Security Council on Kosovo are outdated and utterly unnecessary and they serve only to please some UN officials. A total show! I condemn the false information and shameful lies told by Ivica Dacic in today’s meeting. Kosovo never attacked anyone; Kosovo’s police operations are aimed at strengthening the rule of law. Kosovo does not have Belgrade’s mindset to attack someone. Kosovo will never play these games. We have our multiethnic security and defense forces that serve all communities, and which are under complete democratic control. Everyone should be afraid of Milosevic’s remnants in the security and defense structures of the Serbian state. They have been a threat to regional stability for several decades.”
“The speech of the UNMIK chief was totally unacceptable. He did not express regret over the unacceptable conduct of his staff. The moment that an international mission is used to create obstacles to the rule of law and the state of Kosovo they will always receive the same response. Kosovo does not feel regret, we acted as a state and we will do so all the time. UNMIK staff are violating international law and the UN Charter.”
“An official has obstructed the police and another official was caught stealing. UNMIK should deal with itself not with Kosovo. We have ceased communication with UNMIK and as long as they do not clarify the situation, we will not consider them friendly toward Kosovo. UNMIK’s image today is regrettable.”
Hoxhaj: Tanin misuses UNSC to spread fake news (media)
Most news websites report that Kosovo’s Deputy Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj criticized UNMIK chief Zahir Tanin’s speech at the UN Security Council. Hoxhaj tweeted: “very strange! 20 years after 1244 resolution brought peace in #Kosovo, who would have thought that SRSG Tanin misuses UNSC to spread fake news. Truth is that UNMIK official directly interfered and obstructed a police operation against organized crime in the north of the country”.
Dacic “outraged”, insults Kosovo, the U.S. and UK (Indeksonline)
The news website reports that “Serbia’s Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic lost his temper after the United Nations Security Council session and insulted Kosovo’s Ambassador Vlora Citaku and her delegation”. After the session was over, Dacic approached Citaku who was in the company of U.S. and UK ambassadors. “The people in your company are your colonizers,” Dacic is heard telling Citaku in a video. Citaku took to Twitter posting a video seemingly showing Dacic speaking to her from a distance and wrote on her account: “After today’s #UNSC session on #Kosovo, as I was speaking with the #US & #UK delegations, the Serbian FM came after me shouting, spewing insults towards me & the #Kosovodelegation “The ones you are sitting with are your colonizers” he said (referring to #USA & #UK)”.
The full text of the statement by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIK, Mr. Zahir Tanin, to the Security Council
10 June, 2019
Mr. President, Distinguished Members of the Council,
As reflected in the details of the report before you, the situation in Kosovo, and between Belgrade and Pristina, is again at a fragile moment. Today’s meeting coincides with a significant anniversary: twenty years since this Council last agreed a full resolution in response to the conflict. Over those twenty years, there has clearly been progress, and change in a myriad of dimensions, in Kosovo, in the region, and in the world. At the same time, we should make an additional reflection: In the absence of a genuine and necessary process of engagement between the parties to this conflict, the situation does not simply remain tenuous, but can slide backwards. Often it has done so. Productive engagements between Belgrade and Pristina have been missing since autumn 2018, and while much attention is focused upon day-to-day disputes and provocations, these are not the only factors complicating efforts to return to negotiation.
The imposition of a 100% import tariff on Serbia and Bosnian goods by Pristina last November continues, despite a near-unanimous call by the international community for its removal. Belgrade’s position is that lifting the import tariffs is a minimum condition for resuming talks under the EU-facilitated format. Pristina leaders have also set out public conditions, though not always with unity of voice, and while a Pristina negotiating team has been created, its full responsibilities await clarification. To reduce these complex nuances into a single assessment: multiple inconsistent public signals have hampered all efforts to ensure the full engagement of both parties in a single or definitive process.
In such a circumstance, leaders from all sides must exercise their responsibility of steering this complex situation clear of any serious escalations. Engagement in good faith, without threats and ultimatums, is necessary for re-establishing the conditions for the resumption and continuation of political dialogue. I hope that all parties engaged may be able to work collectively to ensure that the planned meeting in July in Paris is used by the parties to return to substantive matters: those which directly affect the lives of people and communities.
Engaging more actively with a wider array of stakeholders; Demonstrating a commitment to advancing the interests of the populations hoping for better opportunities; Meaningful and equal participation of all segments of the society: Each of these elements is essential to achieving a measure of political process, but unfortunately each appear to have been lacking in the efforts we have observed during this past period.
Mr. President,
One of the significant developments since the end of the official reporting period was the organization of elections in the four Kosovo Serb-majority municipalities in northern Kosovo. Following the resignations of the mayors of these municipalities in response to Pristina’s increase of the import tax on Serbian and Bosnian goods, the President of Kosovo called an extraordinary election, which took place on 19 May. The election proceeded peacefully. According to Kosovo’s Central Election Commission, the elections resulted in a clear victory for the Serbian List candidates who already held power in the relevant municipalities, and who received above 90 per cent of the vote. Restricted electoral competition and limited political participation in Kosovo-Serb communities were issues underlined by some of the diplomatic representatives monitoring the election process.
Mr. President,
On the morning of 28 May, the Kosovo police conducted a special operation – concentrated mainly in the northern municipalities – targeting smuggling and organized crime suspects, under warrants issued by the Pristina Basic Court. The operation led to the arrest of a number of suspects, including local officials. Suspects and Kosovo police officers were injured in the course of the operation.
During this operation, two UNMIK staff members based in Zubin Potok, one international and one locally recruited, were arrested and injured, in separate incidents. It is a United Nations responsibility to determine objectively the circumstances affecting its staff, which we have already been undertaking, in a systematic manner in full accord with UN practice, as well as with the imperative to determine the facts expeditiously. This is particularly important for you to know, given the extent of unverified information and speculation which has since appeared in the public domain.
Today, I would like to put on record just a few pertinent points.
Firstly, relevant immunities of our staff members from arrest and detention have failed to be observed. United Nations property was also improperly seized and searched, in contravention of all relevant laws and the Organization’s immunities.
Secondly, despite our requests and a normally productive working relationship with authorities in Pristina, the situation at present is that the authorities have shared very little relevant or factual evidence with the United Nations about the arrest and injury of our staff. Simultaneously, Kosovo authorities have issued statements, in the press, as well as in correspondence directed to UN Member States. This information lacks an adequate evidentiary basis, contrary to much of our understanding so far, and avoids matters essential for an objective enquiry.
Thirdly, the day after the transfer outside Kosovo of our international staff member to receive required medical treatment, he was publicly declared “persona non grata,” upon which occasion I received in parallel a communication from Pristina authorities stating the same. As already stressed, the doctrine of “persona non grata” does not apply to, or in respect of, UN personnel.
Fourthly, I am alarmed that both staff members were apparently subjected to excessive force and mistreatment upon their arrest by police, causing injuries requiring hospitalization. This is a matter which will form an essential component of the enquiry we have initiated.
During these events, I was obliged to call repeatedly for the immediate release of UN staff, as well as respect of their rights and immunities. This would not have been necessary had the authorities respected the immunity of UNMIK personnel, and communicated with the mission in a more forthright and timely manner. Nonetheless, we remain hopeful that communication from the highest levels of Pristina authorities will improve as we work to clarify the precise circumstances of 28 May.
I wish also to make clear that our mission stands fully behind all efforts by the Pristina institutions to combat organized crime networks and to eliminate public corruption. This struggle, as I emphasized in my public statement on 28 May, must also sit within the framework of international rule of law and human rights principles, which are guarded by the United Nations, and foremost by this Council.
Mr. President,
Regardless of events such as the ones on 28 May, UNMIK continues to focus its efforts and resources toward the objectives of peace and stability in Kosovo and the region. We will do so effectively only with your direct support.
Internally, I am constantly reviewing our mission priorities, and will need your support in order to ensure that we continue to fulfill our role in the most efficient and appropriate ways. Our approach is guided by the Secretary-General’s prevention agenda, epitomized by the Mission’s focus on trust-building between communities. In this, we work closely with all actors who are engaged in good faith efforts to transform the environment from one of ‘contained conflict’ into one of peace and progress.
In collaboration with the United Nations Kosovo team, and our other international partners on the ground, we continue to empower trust-building actors, including in the areas of language rights, human rights more broadly, youth empowerment, gender equality, justice and intercommunity dialogue. We have followed a roadmap created during the United Nations Kosovo Trust-Building Forum of May 2018, utilising public spaces in Kosovo to underline the priority of reconciliation expressed by Kosovo’s leadership. The debates we are fostering are designed specifically to tackle the most sensitive areas of public concern, including the political decision-making process, religious tolerance, empowering the younger generation, and the daunting challenge of overcoming the past and ensuring a more just and peaceful future for the next generations.
We pursue our goal of being directly engaged with Kosovo institutions to help the implementation of human rights initiatives and legislation. Although largely drowned out by the news stories of the same time frame, on 24 May, the Working Group on missing persons met in Pristina, agreeing several very practical steps jointly to uncover further information needed to address still-unresolved cases. The same group will soon submit a report documenting the actions since 2004, during which identifications in over 3,300 cases were accomplished.
We constantly seek innovative avenues to promote trust, together with all our partners. We hope that the institutions from both sides will continue to join us in this effort. The third United Nations Youth Assembly, co-organised by UNMIK and UNICEF, with the vital participation of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, produced specific recommendations for young people from across Kosovo to engage their government and non-government institutions. The Global Open Day on Women, Peace and Security in Pristina, in collaboration with the European Union, highlighted the need for greater inclusion and engagement of women, including in the highest political processes. I would also like to take the opportunity to welcome the initial contribution to the trust fund established in support of Ashkali, Egyptian and Roma communities. The Secretary-General has urged additional contributions which are essential to respond adequately to the needs of these vulnerable groups.
UNMIK will continue to work closely with our international partners, particularly the EU, and KFOR, as well as with the many bilateral actors who are investing their resources in Kosovo’s stability, community reconciliation and economic development. Our international partners have invested substantial resources in Kosovo and the region; and the parties have expressed their desire to move ever closer to the European Union. I therefore call upon the parties to do their part and assume responsibilities for delivering on the objectives of normalisation and helping to bring not only a more lasting stability, but growing prosperity, to this region.
Mr. President,
In closing, on behalf of all UNMIK staff, I wish to thank the Council for its support and to reiterate our assurance that we will continue to implement the peace and security mandate with which you have entrusted us.
Thank you.
The full text of the statement by the Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and the United Nations Legal Counsel, Mr. Miguel de Serpa Soares, to the Security Council
New York, 10 June 2019
Mr. President,
Distinguished Members of the Council,
I would like to start this briefing by providing a short outline of the legal regime of immunity for UN staff members in Kosovo, since this is an important element for the appreciation of the overall response to the events of 28 May and their follow up.
IMMUNITY OF UN PERSONNEL IN KOSOVO
The regime of immunity applicable to the UNMIK and its personnel in Kosovo is spelled out in UNMIK Regulation No. 2000/47 of 18 August 2000, on the Status, Privileges and Immunities of KFOR and UNMIK and their Personnel in Kosovo. The pertinent provisions are Sections 3.3 and 3.4, as read with Section 5.
Pursuant to Section 3.3 of UNMIK Regulation 2000/47, UNMIK personnel, including locally recruited personnel, shall be immune from legal process in respect of words spoken and all acts performed by them in their official capacity in Kosovo. This is what is often termed functional immunity. Pursuant to Section 5 of the same UNMIK regulation, this specific immunity continues after the expiration of the Mission’s mandate or after the personnel are no longer employed by UNMIK.
Section 3.4 of UNMIK Regulation 2000/47 further provides that UNMIK personnel shall be immune from any form of arrest or detention, and that, if they are erroneously detained, they shall be immediately turned over to UNMIK authorities.
Allow me to highlight that the immunity from legal process enjoyed by UNMIK personnel in Kosovo is held in the interests of UNMIK and not for the benefit of the individuals themselves. Importantly, it is the Secretary-General that has the right, and the duty, to waive the immunity of UNMIK personnel in any case where, in his opinion, the immunity would impede the course of justice and can be waived without prejudice to the interests of UNMIK. This is all clearly stated in Section 6.1 of UNMIK Regulation 2000/47.
As will readily be appreciated, in order for the immunity and the procedure that I have just outlined to be effective, the local authorities, before they take any legal action against UNMIK personnel, should first inform the Secretary-General — here, his Special Representative, Mr. Tanin —of the facts and circumstances of the acts of the personnel concerned and do so with a degree of specificity sufficient for a determination to be made on the applicability of immunity to those acts. Mr. Tanin would then inform the authorities whether immunity applied and, if it did not, the legal action against the UNMIK personnel could go ahead.
UNSCR 1244 (1999) AND THE STATUS OF KOSOVO
Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), pursuant to which UNMIK was established, remains in force and the legal framework established by UNMIK pursuant to the powers assigned to it under resolution 1244 continues to apply, albeit under very different circumstances today. This includes UNMIK regulation 2000/47 on the Status, Privileges and Immunities of KFOR and UNMIK and their Personnel in Kosovo.
Following the adoption of a declaration of independence by the Assembly of Kosovo on 17 February 2008, the Secretary-General reported to the Security Council on this development and stated that “…pending guidance from the Council, the United Nations would continue to operate on the understanding that [Security Council] resolution 1244 (1999) remained in force and that UNMIK would continue to implement its mandate in the light of the evolving circumstances.” [S/2008/354] Since this development, the Secretary-General has maintained a position of “status neutrality”. This refers to the continued operation of UNMIK in the light of the prevailing circumstances and to the constructive engagement with the Kosovo authorities in a manner that does not imply recognition of any statehood. This approach continues to be followed.
THE SITUATION OF THE TWO UNMIK STAFF MEMBERS
As SRSG Tanin has noted, two UNMIK staff members were arrested and detained on 28 May during a police operation in northern Kosovo. They were later released from detention. The internationally-recruited staff member, Mr. Mikhail Krasnoshchekov, who is the team leader of the UNMIK office in Zubin Potok and a Russian national, was released on 28 May. Mr. Dejan Dimovic, a Kosovo Serb and a Programme Assistant in the UNMIK Office in Zubin Potok, was released on 29 May. The arrest and detention of Mr. Krasnoshchekov and Mr. Dimovic were not consistent with their privileges and immunities as UNMIK personnel as set forth in UNMIK Regulation No. 2000/47.
It is our understanding from the facts as we know them so far, that both Mr. Krasnoshchekov and Mr. Dimovic were on official assignment to monitor the police operations in northern Kosovo at the time of their arrest.
Of serious concern, as Mr. Tanin noted — and I must say here, that we share his alarm — is that both staff members were apparently beaten and mistreated upon their arrest. Both required medical attention upon their release. Mr. Krasnoshchekov was transferred to a hospital in Belgrade on 30 May, where he remains admitted. Mr. Dimovic, for his part, was hospitalized in Kosovo on 30 May and released from hospital on 3 June.
As is required in all such incidents, the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) has undertaken an internal investigation to gather all available information regarding the circumstances surrounding the arrests and detention of Mr. Krasnoshchekov and Mr. Dimovic and to look into the allegations by the Kosovo authorities regarding their conduct.
It is our understanding that both staff members are still facing the possibility of criminal legal process in Kosovo. Regarding Mr. Krasnoshchekov, UNMIK is in receipt of a request from the Chief Prosecutor in the municipality of Mitrovicë/Mitrovica for a waiver of immunity which, although the name is not correctly stated on the document, we believe concerns him. The request is made in respect of charges of co-perpetration in “obstructing official persons in performing official duties” and in “participating in a crowd committing a criminal offence and hooliganism”. This request is being consulted with my Office.
As for Mr. Dimovic, UNMIK has not received a request for waiver of his immunities. What we know is that he was arraigned on charges of “obstructing official persons in performance of official duties” and that he appeared with five co-accuseds before the Basic Court of Mitrovica, Zubin Potok Branch, on 29 May. The hearing was to consider a request from the Prosecutor for his continued detention, as well as for the detention of the other five persons arraigned with him. UNMIK has obtained and forwarded to UN Headquarters a summary translation of these proceedings. On the basis of this document, we understand that Mr. Dimovic’s release, and that of his five co-arraigned, on 29 May, was decided on the basis of lack of evidence sufficient to confirm a reasonable suspicion of the alleged criminal offence. Mr. Dimovic was represented by private counsel in the hearing and accompanied by an UNMIK staff member. The decision to release the co-accused is still, as we understand it, subject to an appeal by the Prosecution. This appeal is scheduled to be heard during the week of 10 June.
The results of a thorough internal UN investigation will help establish a better understanding of the relevant facts, that will aid the Organization in considering the next steps, including under UNMIK regulation 2000/47 on the Status, Privileges and Immunities of KFOR and UNMIK and their Personnel in Kosovo.
Before I conclude, I would recall that SRSG Tanin has noted UNMIK’s receipt of a formal notification on 31 May, declaring Mr. Krasnoshchekov “persona non grata” in Kosovo. As SRSG Tanin has noted in a very clear statement to the Kosovo authorities, and as the Deputy Spokesperson has also noted at his noon briefing of 31 May, the doctrine of “persona non grata” is not applicable to United Nations personnel and is not contemplated under UNMIK regulation 2000/47. Any concerns regarding a member of UNMIK personnel should be addressed to SRSG Tanin so that UNMIK can address the matter in line with its status, privileges and immunities. In this regard, I wish to emphasize that allegations of misconduct by UN personnel throughout the Organization are taken very seriously by the Organization and prompt action is taken where it is warranted.
The fullest measure of cooperation by the Kosovo authorities will continue to be required to facilitate the UN investigation, so as to allow the Secretary-General to determine the next steps under the legal framework that I have outlined.
Mr. President, I would like to thank the Council and its Members for the opportunity of this briefing.
Thank you.
The White House calls on Kosovo, Serbia to work on agreement (Express)
The White House has called on Kosovo and Serbia to set aside extremist rhetoric and to work on an agreement that focuses on mutual recognition. On the 20th anniversary of the NATO air campaign, a spokesman for the White House said: “Pristina and Belgrade must double their efforts towards a comprehensive agreement focused on mutual recognition and to immediately remove obstacles that are hindering progress”. “The only path toward a better future is neighborly dialogue that aims for the normalization of relations and to make way to Serbia and Kosovo and their legitimate places in the Euro-Atlantic community,” the spokesman said. “The United States are willing to help in the process, but it is now up to Kosovo and Serbia to make the next steps”.
U.S. insists on tax suspension to give dialogue a chance (VOA/Zeri)
John Erath, National Security Council Deputy Senior Director for Europe, told Voice of America that the U.S. is expected to play a bigger role in the process of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina but cannot do so for as long as the tariffs on Serbian imports are still in place.
“I hope a way will be found. It is important to recall that although the tariffs are the present obstacle, they were introduced for a reason as a response to the campaign against recognitions of Kosovo which Serbia had begun in international organisations. The advise of the United States Government to Pristina is to rescind the tariffs in order for the dialogue to begin. We are very conscientious about the circumstances and this should be taken into account,” Erath said.
At the same time, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Matthew Palmer, said yesterday in Belgrade after meeting Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic that Kosovo should lift the import tariff on Serbian goods in order for dialogue between the two sides to resume.
“It is very important for dialogue to resume, because it opens up the European path for Kosovo and Serbia. We see that tariffs have become an obstacle in this respect, therefore we want them to be lifted so that the two sides can return to dialogue,” he said.
Palmer also said that the upcoming summit in Paris will be constructive and that it will lead Pristina and Belgrade toward an agreement for the normalization of relations. He said the U.S. support European partners in their facilitation of the dialogue and that it supports faster negotiations to resolve the issue between Kosovo and Serbia.
Haradinaj: Paris meeting might not be held, but it’s not Kosovo’s fault (media)
Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj said on Monday that the Paris Summit, scheduled for July 1st, might not be held but that this is not Kosovo’s fault. “The meeting in Paris might be postponed, but this is not Kosovo’s fault. Our state has proved it is serious, we have done our homework and we have advanced our position on many issues, we are ready … If Serbia doesn’t want dialogue, we cannot force them to come to Paris or anywhere else. The condition to lift the tariff and to resume dialogue is not right and it cannot happen. From the beginning, we have left open the possibility of lifting the tariff in exchange for a framework agreement that includes mutual recognition and free trade … Everyone knows that Kosovo cannot be conditioned. We do not host the Paris meeting and we cannot guarantee anything about it. I am responsible for Kosovo’s position, but I did not call this meeting. President Macron decides on this,” he said.
Haradinaj claimed he would not make any compromise that could damage Kosovo’s interests. “We are not doing this for the sake of a process, a summit or any world leader. It is in our country’s interest to have mutual recognition with Serbia … We will not make compromises for the sake of the Paris summit and to the detriment of our country,” he added.
Lower expectations from the Paris Summit (Koha)
The paper reports on its front page on what it calls “low expectations” from a positive outcome of the Paris Summit, scheduled to be held in early July. Serbian officials in Belgrade are even saying that the meeting might not be held if the Kosovo Government does not lift the 100-percent import tariff on Serbian and Bosnian goods. The paper also notes that “while the United States have returned to the request to lift the tariff in order to make way to dialogue at the Paris Summit, Kosovo’s Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj is adamant on his conditions for suspending the tariff, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said he was almost confident that the Serbian side will not meet their Kosovo counterparts in Paris”.
