British Minister: To be possible, Kosovo-Serbia reconciliation needs justice for victims, survivors

Great Britain's Minister for Europe Sir Alan Duncan delivered a speech at an event organised by the Kosovo Embassy in London to mark the 20th anniversary of NATO intervention and the end of the conflict in Kosovo.

He calls this year a historic moment, while saying NATO must intervene to help the Kosovo people escape the suffering it was suffering. Remembering all those sacrificed for freedom.

“Excellent, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to join many Kosovo friends to mark such an important historic moment.

A little over twenty years ago, in what is today the independent state of Kosovo, more than one million of our Europeans were caught in a terrible conflict. Human suffering was of one kind, and on a scale, we all hoped that it would never be seen again on this continent. The humanitarian disaster was so evident, along with the failure of intensive diplomatic efforts, meant that NATO simply had to intervene.

Their actions certainly saved their lives, and we are grateful for that. However, we remember all those who have died, on both sides of the conflict. Families and their friends are in our minds today”, British minister has indicated.

He has added that he remembers and thanked all the military and women from the United Kingdom and other NATO countries who have served in Kosovo with all fourteen British soldiers who gave their lives on the path to peace.

“For their sake and for the sake of all innocent lives lost and many others directly affected by the conflict, we must look to the future and finish the work that began with the liberation of Kosovo. We must fight for justice for all victims, continue reconciliation and strengthen peace and stability in Kosovo throughout the region. As Kosovo continues to address the legacy of the past, progress is under way. It is encouraging that so far, 384 men and women have been officially recognized as survivors of sexual violence in conflict.

It is also important that Kosovo and Serbia continue to work together for identifying the fate of missing persons. Essential issues, for reconciliation to be possible and for Kosovo to move forward, must have justice for victims and survivors”, he added.

Duncan has stressed that Great Britain, as one of Kosovo's many friends, is willing to help Kosovo strengthen the rule of law and retain perpetrators.

“The United Kingdom's relationship with Kosovo is a true and lasting friendship. Friends support each other, and we are honest with each other, even when the truth is difficult. It's in that spirit of genuine friendship that I say this:

The memorial events in Pristina last week rightly bore the “refrain for our freedom”, to remind those who suffered, fought and died to secure that freedom.

However, it is a refrain that also reminds us that now is the time for the people and the Kosovo government to fully shape their freedom. Kosovo leaders must again engage in rule of law and build a stable democracy free of corruption, nepotism and organised crime. This is the best way to create jobs for young people and feed a society where every citizen is not protected by law only, but is welcome and valued”.

He mentioned that even from their experience in Great Britain it is not easy for all groups and ethnicities to feel integrated, but it takes effort for a common vision for all people to be stronger and more capable of achieving its full potential.

“So, today, as we celebrate the freedom won by Kosovo and commemorate lost life in all respects 20 years ago, we congratulate the people of Kosovo on the progress they have made and encourage them to try for the shared vision of their country. As they do so and Kosovo continues its efforts to build a stable, prosperous and multiethnic state, they can continue to rely on devoted support of the United Kingdom”, The Minister of Great Britain for Europe concludes.