(February 16, 2011) 

Mr. President,

I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Zannier for his briefing. I also welcome the presence among us today of Mr. Vuk Jeremić, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia. I have listened very carefully to his statement, as well as that by Mrs. Vlora Citaku.

Currently, the overall situation in Kosovo is calm. However, it remains complex and fragile. We are concerned about the inter-communal tensions that exist in Kosovo.

China respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia. We have always been of the opinion that the question of Kosovo touches on peace and stability in the Balkans, and in fact in the whole of Europe. It is therefore up to the parties concerned, within the framework of the pertinent resolutions of the Security Council, to find a negotiated solution that is acceptable to both parties. China encourages the beginning of dialogue between the various parties with a view to finding an appropriate solution to the outstanding issues.

Resolution 1244 (1999) remains valid and continues to be an important legal instrument to resolve the issue of Kosovo. China supports the continued work of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo in line with the mandate conferred upon it by the Security Council. We call for a greater role for it in solving the problems in Kosovo. All parties concerned must ensure the security of UNMIK staff and facilitate their work under optimal conditions.

China is extremely concerned about the illicit trafficking in human organs in Kosovo, as indicated in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2011/43). Any violations of international law and international humanitarian law are intolerable. China understands the reasonable concerns of Serbia and supports the opening of a United Nations inquiry into this matter.