Mr. President,
I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIK, Mr. Peter Due, for his briefing as he begins his mission. UNMIK embodies, in Pristina, the values of the Charter. It enshrines the respect of the right of peoples to self-determination, as well as the respect for human rights, especially the right of persons belonging to minorities to have their fundamental rights fully recognized as they build their future within the national community.
I also welcome the presence among us of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Mr. Marko Djuric, and of Kosovo, Mr. Glauk Konjufca.
Mr. President,
First, let us consider what Serbia and Kosovo have in common, namely their European future, a horizon of peace and progress. The path toward integration of both countries into the European Union is complex, but it is intended for the benefit of the populations.
The challenge here is twofold. For both countries, it involves building nation-states that overcome the founding wounds and consolidating open and pluralistic democracies. For the European Union, it is about completing the processes initiated in the wake of independence in the former Yugoslavia, to build a future in which dialogue definitively prevails over confrontation.
To this end, France calls on both countries to continue along the path toward a normalization in their relations, supported by the European Union facilitated dialogue framework, which has proven both its relevance and its effectiveness.
In this regard, France fully supports the positive momentum currently underway in the relations between Kosovo and Serbia, spearheaded by the mediation of the European Union Special Representative, Mr. Peter Sørensen, with the support of the close partners of both countries and the UN.
The agreement reached on March 14 on the gradual implementation of the Law on Foreigners, following European mediation and the constructive approach of all parties, represents a step in the right direction. France will remain vigilant, together with its partners, to ensure its proper implementation, which must be ensured in close coordination with the European Union Special Representative and with the involvement of representatives of the Serbian community in Kosovo.
Mr. President,
Important steps still need to be taken. The Brussels-Ohrid Agreements have set the course. It now falls to both countries to implement them, in the same spirit of dialogue. The Security Council must encourage UNMIK to fully play its role in the observation and pursuit of this dialogue.
I take this opportunity to applaud the smooth conduct of local elections in Kosovo last October and November. They were marked by the involvement of all communities and by a peaceful handover of power in the municipalities of northern Kosovo. Restoring Serbs active participation in local governance, and more broadly in Kosovo’s institutions, remains a necessity. I also commend the orderly holding of legislative elections last December and the constitution of the Assembly through the election of a President and Vice-Presidents representing non-majority communities, in accordance with the Constitution.
Furthermore, more than two and a half years on, it is unacceptable for the perpetrators of the Banjska attack to remain at large. Those responsible for these attacks must be brought to justice and be held to account.
Mr. President,
France continues to support UNMIK’s efforts, in coordination with KFOR and the EULEX Kosovo mission. UNMIK’s mandate is intrinsically linked to the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo. France supports all common sense efforts aimed at improving and streamlining peacekeeping missions through efficiency measures, while respecting their mandates. Finally, France assures the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General of its full confidence and support in his work toward lasting peace through reconciliation between both countries.
Thank you.