S/PV.6025
6025th meeting
Wednesday, 26 November 2008, 3 p.m.
New York
Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (S/2008/692)
Mr. Dabbashi (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) (spoke in Arabic): I would like to join colleagues in welcoming Mr. Jeremić, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, and Mr. Hyseni. I wish to thank them both for being here with us today. May I also thank Mr. Lamberto Zannier, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his briefing on recent developments in Kosovo.
It is our understanding that the situation on the ground in Kosovo has changed significantly, so we find ourselves faced with a new situation, to which the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) has to adapt. Thus there are several challenges for UNMIK to take up. It is an interim administration in the context of resolution 1244 (1999), following the declaration of independence on 27 February 2008 and the Kosovo Serbs’ rejection of that.
We understand the Secretary-General’s decision about operational factors affecting the civilian international presence in Kosovo, and we appreciate the effort to reconfigure UNMIK and to cooperate with the European Union in the rule of law. That is, of course, in accordance with resolution 1244 (1999).
We are in favour of the international presence in terms of reconfiguration and general structure. My country reconfirms once again that resolution 1244 (1999) is the legal framework for the United Nations effort in Kosovo, and it must continue to discharge that mandate until the Security Council decides otherwise. Therefore, any entity in the region must be part of that framework.
We have taken due note of the talks that were organized between the representatives of the Secretary-General and the European Union and the Rule of Law Unit at the technical level. We support the six common points set out by the Secretary-General in his letter of last 12 June (S/2008/354, annex I), stressing police, courts, customs, transportation and infrastructure, boundaries, and Serbian patrimony. We confirm the importance of the Mission’s having dialogue with all parties on all operational matters.
We have some concerns about the gaps and differences between Albanian Kosovars and Serbian Kosovars that could affect stability in Kosovo in the long run. That could create problems, so we call on all parties to make every effort to preserve the proper channels for constructive communication and dialogue. We also call for the return of refugees, protection of minorities and protection of the cultural and religious heritage so that one can find a common area in which to preserve peace and stability throughout the Balkans.
We have noted the points made by the Secretary-General, and we support his recommendations for reconfiguration of UNMIK, which is very important. Steps should be taken swiftly to deal with the prevailing situation on the ground. That must be done in complete transparency, taking account of the United Nations position and making sure that there is a neutral status approach.
