At the meeting dedicated to the work of UNMIK and the situation in Kosovo, ambassadors of the UN Security Council member states pointed out the importance of the implementation of the Brussels agreement, and called on both sides to implement the agreement. They expressed concern over the violence in the Kosovo Assembly and in the streets and welcomed progress towards the establishment of the Special Court for the crimes of the former KLA. Ambassadors have, however, expressed different views regarding the need for further engagement of UNMIK, as well as the general situation in the province.
Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin said that the situation in Kosovo is alarming and is characterized by conflicts and violence.
US Ambassador David Pressman welcomed the efforts of Belgrade and Pristina to normalize relations through the Brussels dialogue and expressed hope that the Brussels agreements will be implemented, despite the elections in Kosovo and in Serbia. He said that Kosovo has made progress and that it is now possible to reduce the UNMIK mission, and redirect resources where they are more needed, suggesting that the periodic reports will be presented for a period of six months, instead of three, as has been the case so far.
The representative of France said that his country supports the continuation of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina under the auspices of the EU and welcomed the progress made so far. “We expect that all obligations under these agreements will be fulfilled as soon as possible,” said the French ambassador, noting that this is especially related to the establishment of Association / Community of Serb municipalities.
British ambassador expressed regret over shortcomings in the implementation of the agreement which Pristina and Belgrade reached within the Brussels dialogue and encouraged both parties to make progress on this front. “Dialogue, not division, is the only way forward. It is up to Kosovo’s political leaders to find solutions, and not up to the international community,” he said, adding that in Kosovo cooperation should be ensured at all levels of society, such as between the mayors of northern and southern Mitrovica.
The representative of Spain expressed concern over the violence, political tensions and inflammatory rhetoric on Kosovo. The presence of UNMIK and other international missions is still necessary and important, he said. Spain supports the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, said the ambassador, expressing concern over non-implementation of the Brussels agreement, which can result in a collapse of trust.
Ambassador of China recalled that UNSC Resolution 1244 remains the framework for resolving the Kosovo issue and welcomed the Brussels dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.
Ambassador of Japan encouraged the Serbian and Kosovo authorities to redouble their efforts to overcome differences and normalize relations through further dialogue, and Ambassador of Ukraine praised the work of UNMIK and its partners in Kosovo.
