China thanks the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Mr. Tanin, for his briefing. China welcomes the presence of Her Excellency Ms. Nela Kuburović, Minister of Justice of Serbia, and thanks her for her statement. I have also listened attentively to the statement of Ms. Vlora Çitaku.

China respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia, understands the country’s legitimate concerns on the question of Kosovo and appreciates its positive efforts to achieve a political settlement of the question of Kosovo. At present, the security situation on the ground remains relatively stable, although some underlying complex issues remain unresolved. China welcomes the holding of another high-level meeting between Belgrade and Pristina. We hope that the parties will remain committed to the general direction of a political settlement, work in a spirit of mutual understanding and trust, and implement all agreements already reached as soon as possible. Resolution 1244 (1999) provides the important legal basis for resolving the question of Kosovo. All sides should uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, work under the framework of relevant Security Council resolutions and find a solution acceptable to all through dialogue and negotiation.

National reconciliation is in the common interest of all sides. We hope that parties will always put the welfare of people first, take concrete measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of all communities in Kosovo, and safeguard the peace, stability and development of the Balkans.

The Security Council should keep its attention focused on the question of Kosovo, remain committed to promoting its proper settlement and send a clear signal to the public. China appreciates the work carried out by UNMIK under the leadership of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tanin. We support UNMIK as it continues to discharge its duties in accordance with its mandate and cooperate constructively with all sides. We hope that UNMIK, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo and the Kosovo Force will work in close collaboration, make steady headway in improving the situation on the ground and play a positive role for the early settlement of the question of Kosovo.