Mr. President,

I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Farid Zarif for the briefing he has just given us. I also welcome His Excellency Prime Minister Ivica

Dačić of the Republic of Serbia to today’s meeting of the Security Council. I have listened attentively to the statement made by Mr. Thaçi.

The situation in northern Kosovo has remained tense. The number of voluntary returns among displaced persons has declined markedly, and we express our concern in that regard. Relations among ethnic groups in northern Kosovo are sensitive and complex. We hope that the parties concerned will adopt a prudent approach aimed at promoting national reconciliation and the stabilization of the situation by resolving their differences through dialogue, while avoiding any action that may further complicate or serve to escalate the situation.

China has always maintained that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia should be fully respected. On the question of Serbia, a mutually acceptable settlement plan should be agreed by the parties themselves through dialogue and negotiation, in the framework of resolution 1244 (1999).

China congratulates Serbia on the establishment of its new Government. We hope that Belgrade and Pristina will continue and move forward the process of dialogue. That is not only in the interests of the parties themselves and to the benefit of the well-being of the people, but also in the interests of peace and stability in the Balkans and the whole of Europe.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recently visited the Balkan region, including Serbia and Kosovo. The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) has made unremitting efforts to promote regional peace and stability and to advance dialogue. China expresses its appreciation in that regard. We support UNMIK’s ongoing efforts to undertake activities in accordance with the Security Council’s mandate. We hope that UNMIK, the European Union Rule of Law Mission and the Kosovo Force will strengthen their coordination and play a positive and constructive role in promoting the settling of relevant issues.

Mr. President,

China is deeply concerned about the illicit trafficking in human organs. No acts that violate the norms of international law and international humanitarian law should be condoned. Serbia’s concern in that regard is justified. We support the United Nations in investigating the relevant cases.

Thank you, Mr. President.