President,

I welcome the presence of His Excellency Marko Đurić, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, at today’s meeting. I thank Special Representative Peter Due for his briefing.

China’s position on the Kosovo issue is consistent and clear. We support the parties concerned in working within the framework of Security Council Resolution 1244 to reach a mutually acceptable solution on the Kosovo issue through genuine dialogue. In this process, the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Serbia should be fully respected. In light of recent developments and the briefing we just heard, I would like to make four points.

First, the situation in northern Kosovo remains fragile, with frequent incidents of violence and insecurity. A considerable number of Serb residents have been arrested and detained, privately owned buildings have been forcibly demolished, and their legitimate rights and interests have been infringed upon. These developments are deeply concerning. Last August, the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) announced the gradual transition of its presence at Ibar River Bridge and integration of the Kosovo police personnel into relevant security arrangements, triggering panic of the Serb community and heightened tensions. Against this backdrop, Serbia has generally remained calm and exercised restraint, avoiding a further escalation of the situation. We urge the Kosovo authorities to give priority to regional peace and stability, stop unilateral actions that heighten tensions and exacerbate confrontation, and effectively safeguard the safety and legitimate rights and interests of the Serb population.

Second, dialogue and negotiation are the only way to resolve regional hotspot issues. During the current review period, the European Union maintained engagement with both Serbia and Kosovo. Regrettably, however, no high-level meeting was held between the two sides, and the dialogue process made no substantive progress. China commends the mediation efforts of the European Union. We look forward to the parties concerned resuming high-level dialogue at an early date, working to eliminate divisions, actively seeking consensus, and promoting an early political settlement of the relevant issues. The 2013 Brussels Agreement clearly provides for the establishment of an Association/Community of Serb-majority municipalities. The Kosovo authorities should implement this commitment as soon as possible and remove obstacles to the dialogue and negotiation process.

Third, unity and mutual trust among the various ethnic communities in Kosovo have long remained fragile. Inclusion and reconciliation serve the long-term and fundamental interests of all communities. The Kosovo authorities should take seriously the basic aspirations of all ethnic communities in the political, economic, cultural, linguistic, and other fields, adopt proactive measures to foster a stronger sense of security, participation, and fulfillment among all communities, and promote ethnic reconciliation. In view of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Serbia, the parties concerned should properly address voting arrangements for Kosovo Serbs and ensure their due political rights.

Fourth, UNMIK has long played a key role in maintaining stability in Kosovo and promoting ethnic reconciliation. The United Nations and the Security Council should remain seized of the Kosovo issue and continue to provide UNMIK and the Special Representative with adequate political and budgetary support in the discharge of their mandates. The Kosovo authorities should effectively guarantee the safety and security of UNMIK personnel and premises and facilitate the smooth delivery of the Mission’s mandate.

President,

The Balkans have witnessed tragic wars in the past. The peoples of the Balkans yearn for peace, tranquility, and prosperity. We must never allow such tragedies to recur. The international community should work together to maintain security and stability in Kosovo, promote greater dialogue and engagement among communities in the region and their peaceful coexistence, and advance an early political settlement of the relevant issues. China stands ready to work with the international community and continue to make efforts and contributions to this end.

Thank you, President.