President,

I welcome the presence of Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djurić at today’s meeting. I have listened carefully to the briefing by Special Representative Caroline Ziadeh. I wish to make the following points. 

First, in the recent period, the Kosovo authorities have forced the closure of a number of Serbian-run institutions, repeatedly violated the security of the Serbs, encroached on and squeezed their living space, and triggered tensions on the ground. China expresses its grave concern, and we urge the Kosovo authorities to stop these erroneous moves, earnestly respect and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the Serb community, and reduce ethnic tensions. 

Second, in recent years, the Kosovo authorities have taken a series of unilateral actions such as the mandatory requirements regarding ID cards and vehicle license plates, the insistence on holding municipal elections in four northern cities, the ban of the Serbian currency dinar, the violent searches targeting Serbs in northern Kosovo, and the push for opening Ibar river bridge, which have frequently created troubles and led to continued tensions and volatility in northern Kosovo. We urge the Kosovo authorities to stop unilateral actions, return to the right track of dialogue and consultation, and work with the parties concerned to maintain peace and stability on the ground. 

Third, last November, an explosion occurred at a water canal in northern Kosovo. The SRSG and the international community have called for a comprehensive investigation. Serbia has expressed its readiness to provide support for the investigation at any time. We urge the Kosovo authorities to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation into the incident and to avoid a hasty characterization that could once again escalate tensions and intensify confrontations. 

Fourth, the coexistence of multi-ethnic communities in Kosovo is shaped by history. Tolerance, reconciliation, and harmonious coexistence among communities serve the long-term and fundamental interests of all parties. The 2013 Brussels agreement should be effectively observed. The establishment of the association of Serb majority municipalities is an important element of the agreement and a key obstacle in the current dialogue process between the two sides. We urge the Kosovo authorities to implement it as soon as possible through concrete actions. 

Fifth, the European Union has long been working to promote a settlement of the Kosovo issue. We hope that the EU will maintain an objective and neutral position and use its good offices in a fair and impartial manner. We hope that the parties will engage with the new Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue in discussions on the political settlement of the Kosovo issue. 

Sixth, UNMIK plays an important role in maintaining stability and promoting national reconciliation. The United Nations and the Security Council should continue to maintain their attention to and input in the Kosovo issue. All parties concerned should also support UNMIK in full implementation of its mandate and support the work of SRSG Ziadeh.

President, 

China’s position on the Kosovo issue is consistent and clear. We support the parties concerned, within the framework of Security Council Resolution 1244, in reaching a mutually acceptable solution through dialogue and consultation. In this process, the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Serbia should be fully respected. I wish to emphasize that the countries and peoples of the Balkans have suffered too much from wars and conflicts. All parties should draw lessons from history and work together to prevent the Balkans from being plunged into turmoil again. China stands ready to work with all parties concerned to continue to promote dialogue and engagement and peaceful coexistence among ethnic communities of the region and the early political settlement of the Kosovo issue. 

Thank you, President.