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Remarks by Ambassador Geng Shuang at Security Council Briefing on UNMIK

2021-10-15 15:13

Madam President,

I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Zahir Tanin for his briefing, and welcome the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Mr. Nikola Selaković. I also listened to the statement by Ms. Osmani.

China's position on the Kosovo issue has been consistent. I would like to reiterate that we respect Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, understand Serbia’s reasonable concerns on the issue of Kosovo, and commend Serbia for its positive efforts to find a political solution to the Kosovo issue. We support both parties in working within the framework of the Security Council Resolution 1244 to find a solution acceptable to both parties through genuine dialogue and consultation.

For some time, Kosovo’s continued unilateral actions have led to an escalation in tension. China is concerned about this. Dialogue and consultation is the only solution for the Kosovo issue. Unilateral actions are not conducive to the peace and stability in Kosovo and the region, nor is it in the interest of any side. This is a common consensus in the international community. China hopes that relevant parties will strengthen their control for such actions, and make efforts to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Since June this year, Serbia and Kosovo conducted two rounds of high-level dialogues facilitated by the EU. China welcomes this. At the same time, we regret the fact that the high-level dialogues did not yield any result. China would like to encourage both sides to continue the dialogue, commend the Serbian side for actively showing willingness to engage in dialogue, and hope the international community can foster a favorable environment. 

The Security Council Resolution 1244 provides the political and legal basis for solving the Kosovo issue. Any actions or rhetoric that go beyond Resolution 1244 might lead the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo off the right track, and delay the final solution of the Kosovo issue. Implementing existing agreements effectively can help the parties build mutual trust, and inject momentum into solving open issues. Kosovo should follow the Brussels agreement, and effectively promote the establishment of the Community of Serb majority municipalities at an early date. 

Madam President, 

Inclusive reconciliation and harmonious coexistence of all ethnic groups in Kosovo is in the fundamental interest of all ethnicities and meet their development needs as well. Since the beginning of this year, incidence of discrimination, attacks and harassment targeting ethnic minorities in Kosovo have been on the rise, and there is an increasing tension among ethnic groups. China hopes that relevant parties will take active and effective measures to protect the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Kosovo Serbs, promote national unity, and lay a solid foundation for the final solution of the Kosovo issue.

Recent developments in the situation show that the Kosovo issue remains a potential security risk in the Balkan and Southeast Europe. The Council should keep his attention on the Kosovo issue, and the role of UNMIK is still very important. China commands the work of UNMIK under the leadership of SRSG Tanin and supports UNMIK according to its mandate in playing a major role in maintaining Kosovo’s peace and stability, responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, promoting national reconciliation and facilitating the return of displaced persons. We support the provision of adequate resources to UNMIK for it to implement its mandate. 

Thank you, Madam President.

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