UN: Views on Kosovo differ, support for flooded Serbia

UN: Views on Kosovo differ, support for flooded Serbia

The Serbian president, who took part in the session, did not want to comment on opposing views on the situation in Kosovo presented during the debate but advised everyone to try and think about the problem as if it were happening in their own country, although, he said, he would never wish anything like that ever happen to them.

The permanent representative of the Russian Federation said that the Russian Federation's position on Kosovo remained unchanged, in support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia and Resolution 1244 was fully relevant and an obligation for all as the international legal framework for the resolution of the Kosovo situation.

He said that practically no progress had been made in the return of Serbian refugees, as people were afraid to return to Kosovo due to ethnically motivated attacks and the looting and usurping of Serb property, including monuments and cemeteries.

He agreed on the need to establish a community of Serb municipalities in Kosovo in order to protect their interests and contribute to overall stability, adding that conditions had to be created for safe return of people to their homes.

He welcomed the decisions to extend the EULEX mission and set up a special court to deal with the allegations made by Dick Marty in his 2010 report on organ trafficking and other serious crimes committed immediately after the 1999 conflict.

The permanent representative of China said that Beijing respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia, and was able to understand the position of Belgrade.

He noted that the best solution could be found in regional agreements that were acceptable to all parties and in line with relevant UNSC resolutions, calling for more effort towards resolving the internally displaced person issue, among others, so that all sides could benefit from peace and development.

He encouraged UNMIK to implement its mandate, expressing hope that it would strengthen its coordination and cooperation with EULEX and KFOR towards the peace and stability of Kosovo.

The representative of France called on all Kosovo citizens to turn out and vote in the upcoming elections and stressed that it was essential that the dialogue between Priština and Belgrade remained regular and intense.

He observed that Serbia had made palpable progress when it came to internal reforms and relations with neighbors.

In general, the situation in Kosovo was calm, he said, condemning, however, attacks on EULEX and KFOR and other incidents.

Permanent Representative of the United States commended both Priština and Belgrade for their continued dedication to dialogue, including making tough decisions of paramount importance for the peace and prosperity of the region.

She thanked the new Serbian government for showing willingness to continue normalizing relations with Priština.

The plan to develop a limited self-defence capacity for Kosovo was built on the existing multi-ethnic force and the United States are working together with Priština on that issue, she said.

She added that the United States' position on Kosovo remained unchanged.

Australia welcomed the Kosovo assembly's decision to establish a special court, adding that although it had been a tough call, it was expected to contribute to shedding light on crimes.

The Australian ambassador said that her country recognized Kosovo's right, as an independent state, to develop its security force, recommending that all efforts be made to ensure they were set up in full transparency and through dialogue with all regional neighbors.

The British ambassador also commented on the plans for creation of the Kosovo armed forces, adding that they were neither mentioned in nor banned by Resolution 1244.

The Lithuanian permanent representative said that the situation in north Kosovo remained fragile, as could be seen from the latest attacks on international mission officials.

Lithuania stands ready to discuss a reduction in the number of the international forces under UN auspices and the frequency of the UNSC meetings on Kosovo, she said.

For Argentina, Resolution 1244 is the international and legal basis for political solution of problems, said the country's representative.

She pointed to the vital role of UNMIK in providing stability, peace and the protection of human rights.

Argentina encourages Belgrade and Priština to continue the high political level dialogue and keep making efforts to ensure progress in the talks.

The ambassador of Rwanda also called for the continuation of the Belgrade-Priština dialogue, stressing that the implementation of the Brussels agreement is greatly important. He condemned the attacks on Serb property and Serbian Orthodox churches.

Jordan's ambassador said both sides both sides had made strong commitments with regard to the April 2013 agreement and should continue down that road.

Moreover, prosecution of war criminals is one of the main pillars of transitional justice, he said, adding that Jordan hoped that the elections in Kosovo would see a massive turnout and be carried out in a democratic manner.

Chad's permanent representative expressed satisfaction that Belgrade and Priština were continuing the normalization talks, adding that progress made there was helping both sides have a more harmonious cooperation with the European institutions.

He also expressed concern about the announcements of creation of the Kosovo armed forces, adding that the provisional authorities were acting in contravention to Resolution 1244 and urging them to avoid conflicts with neighbors.

The Nigerian ambassador extended condolences to the people of Serbia for the victims and serious consequences of the floods.

Nearly all ambassadors have condemned incidents in Kosovo, including attacks on religious sites of the Serbian Orthodox Church.