China would like to thank Mr. Tanin, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his briefing. China welcomes the presence of His Excellency Mr. Nikolić, President of the Republic of Serbia, and the statement that he made. We also listened attentively to the statement made by Ms. Çitaku.

China respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia and understands its legitimate concerns on the question of Kosovo. China acknowledges the positive efforts of Serbia in the search for a political solution to the question of Kosovo. Resolution 1244 (1999) constitutes the important legal foundation for the solution to the question of Kosovo. China supports the efforts of the concerned parties to search for an appropriate solution, acceptable to all, through dialogue and negotiations, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and within the framework of the relevant Security Council resolutions.

Currently, the overall situation in Kosovo remains calm. Underlying complex questions, however, remain and defy efforts to finding a solution. China hopes that all parties will continue to search for a political solution, engage in high-level political dialogue, settle their differences through practical and constructive dialogue, implement the agreements reached so far, build upon progress, increase mutual trust and seek rapprochement so that a lasting and appropriate solution can be found gradually to the question of Kosovo. The achievement of national reconciliation is essential to resolving the Kosovo question. The parties concerned should endeavour to improve the well-being of the people, strengthen protection for the rights and benefits of all communities in Kosovo, refrain from any rhetoric or action that might escalate tensions, and safeguard peace, stability and development in the Balkan region.

The Security Council should continue to follow the question of Kosovo and persist in efforts to find an appropriate solution. China appreciates the work done by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) under the leadership of Special Representative Tanin. China supports the constructive cooperation of UNMIK with all the parties in accordance with its mandate. China hopes that UNMIK, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, and the Kosovo Force will further their coordination and gradually improve the situation in Kosovo, thus playing a constructive role in finally resolving the question.

(Photo by LI Muzi, Xinhua News Agency)