Madam President,

I thank Mr. Zarif, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his briefing. I have listened carefully to the statements made by His Excellency Mr. Mrkić, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, and Mr. Hoxhaj.

China respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia and understands its legitimate concerns with regard to the question of Kosovo. Security Council resolution 1244 forms the important legal basis for the settlement of the question of Kosovo. China believes that, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and under the framework of resolution 1244 and international law, all parties should seek a mutually acceptable settlement plan through dialogue and negotiation. It remains the best and only option for resolving the Kosovo question.

China appreciates Serbia’s active efforts to seek a political settlement of the question of Kosovo. My country welcomes the substantive results achieved in the high-level political dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. We encourage both parties to continue the process of pragmatic, constructive dialogue aimed at achieving a lasting settlement of the question of Kosovo and maintaining peace and stability in the region of the Balkans and in all of Europe.

At present, the political and security situation in Kosovo is showing a positive trend. However, the situation in northern Kosovo is tense. All parties concerned should effectively protect the legitimate rights and interests of all ethnic communities in Kosovo and actively promote national reconciliation. They should take a cautious approach to resolving differences in the context of the dialogue in order to avoid any action that could complicate or exacerbate the situation.

China commends the work carried out by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) under the leadership of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Zarif and supports the continued efforts of the Mission to implement the Council’s mandate. We hope that UNMIK, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo and the Kosovo Force can strengthen coordination and cooperation in order to play a positive role in promoting the settlement of the question of Kosovo.

Thank you, Madam President.