Sumario: July 30, 2002: Statement by H.E. Ambassador Ellen Margrethe Løj, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN, on behalf of the European Union, on the situation in Kosovo (New York)
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe associated with the European Union - Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the Associated Countries - Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, as well as the EFTA countries of the European Economic Area - Iceland and Liechtenstein align themselves with this statement.
I welcome the statements by Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Čović and by the SRSG Michael Steiner. Mr. President, the SRSG's briefing together with the Secretary General's report reinforces the impression of continued progress in Kosovo since the status given by Mr. Steiner when he last addressed the Security Council three months ago.
Nevertheless, Mr. President, only through a sustained effort by all parties will we succeed in fully implementing resolution 1244. The international community has taken on a responsibility for ensuring the long-term stability and development of Kosovo and the European Union remains firmly committed to this goal.
An important element in implementing resolution 1244 is the creation of a culture based on the rule of law. As reported by the Secretary General, a big step forward has been taken in this reporting period - not least with the formation of Kosovo's multi-ethnic government. We have noted that UNMIK and the provisional institutions have developed a constructive relationship.
Over the past two years, Kosovo has successfully worked towards a more open political environment. This trend must continue. It is extremely important that members of all communities, including those who boycotted the 2000 elections, participate in the municipal elections on 26 October. It is therefore encouraging that the recently concluded political entity certification period provided promising signals for increased minority community participation. The European Union fully supports OSCE's
efforts in ensuring free and fair elections and we are confident that the authorities in Belgrade will reiterate last year's appeal to the Kosovo Serbs to participate in the election process.
Mr. President,
The constitutional framework provides a clear distinction between transferred responsibilities and those reserved for the SRSG. We fully endorse the SRSG's firm response on recent matters relating to the responsibilities for international relations. It is natural that the provisional institutions take interest in questions that have an influence on the situation in Kosovo, but focus should be on issues under their jurisdiction. The European Union notes with satisfaction that guidelines have now
been issued to the provisional institutions of self-government on entering into agreements with governments and international organizations.
Participation of minorities is vital to the functioning and legitimacy of the judicial system in Kosovo. Thus, the European Union welcomes the recent understanding between UNMIK and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on securing Kosovo Serb participation in the multiethnic judicial system. We hope that UNMIK will continue its efforts to increase the number of judges and prosecutors from minorities.
Mr. President,
The European Union expresses its strong concern regarding the slow pace of the return process to Kosovo. We are therefore encouraged by the observation of the Secretary General that a more favourable climate towards acceptance of returnees is emerging in the local communities and by UNMIK's commitment to achieving sustainable returns in the course of this year. The availability of adequate funding is crucial to ensuring progress on returns, as is the continued presence of UNHCR in Kosovo. The
Assembly's adoption earlier this month of a resolution on rights of communities and conditions for returns will hopefully contribute to the acceleration of the process. The absence of reported ethnically motivated grave assaults and an improved freedom of movement for Kosovo Serbs are also positive developments..
Not knowing the fate of missing relatives constitutes a serious strain on all communities in Kosovo and is a major obstacle to reconciliation. We therefore commend and support SRSG Steiner's endeavours in this field.
Moreover, the European Union urges the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to continue to cooperate with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.
Mr. President,
The situation in Mitrovica continues to be a major concern to the European Union. The illegal parallel structures in Mitrovica and in the northern part of Kosovo should be dismantled and the full authority of UNMIK restored. We call on the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to further cooperate with UNMIK in ensuring that Mitrovica becomes an integrated part of Kosovo society and administration.
The European Union also encourages further progress in the general dialogue between UNMIK and the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia based on the "UNMIK/FRY Common document" in fulfillment of resolution 1244.
In this statement, Mr. President, I have touched upon most of the areas for which benchmarks have been established. The European Union confirms its strong support for the benchmark process. As stated by Mr. Steiner before the Council in April, these benchmarks represent expectations to the Kosovo leaders and the wider public. In order to become successful, the process must be a joint effort by UNMIK and the provisional institutions to establish a common understanding on the roadmap to the
future.
Thank you, Mr. President.
| Arriba |
Estados Miembros de la Union Europea
Alertas por e-mail
Enviar por e-mail
Imprimir esta página