Mr. President,

I am grateful for the statements made by Special Representative Zarif and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Mr. Ivan Mrkić. I also listened carefully to the statement by Mr. Hoxhaj.

The situation in Kosovo remains calm, but it is a calm shadowed by sensitivity and fragility. In particular, we are concerned about the fact that ethnic relations in the north remain tense. The parties involved must adopt a prudent approach, stick to dialogue to resolve their differences, and avoid taking actions that might further complicate or escalate the situation.

China has always called for full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia. The question of Kosovo must be dealt with within the framework of resolution 1244 (1999). It is up to the parties concerned to find an acceptable solution through dialogue and negotiations.

China welcomes the high-level direct talks between Belgrade and Pristina, and hopes that both parties will bear in mind the overarching interest of lasting peace in the region and the well-being of their peoples as they continue making progress in the process of dialogue in order to preserve peace and stability in the Balkans and in Europe as a whole.

China welcomes the mediation efforts of the Secretary-General aimed at resolving the question of Kosovo. We commend the work carried out by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and support its ongoing efforts to implement the Council's mandate. We hope that the international presence through UNMIK, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo and the Kosovo Force will strengthen coordination and play an active and constructive role in facilitating solutions to the outstanding questions.

China is deeply concerned by the illegal smuggling of human organs in Kosovo. Any violation of the standards of international law and international humanitarian law is unacceptable, and the perpetrators must be held accountable. The Council should play the role that is expected of it and ensure the full and complete investigation of the cases in question.

Thank you, Mr. President.