American UN Representative's Full Speech for Kosovo

The United States' senior adviser for Special Political Affairs, Jeffrey deL destination, was declared at the UN Security Council's meeting on Kosovo on Friday. Among other things, he said dialogue remains the best platform for resolving issues and for normalising reports with Serbia, eventually reaching agreement for mutual recognition.

He also welcomed the September 30th agreement on car plates, naming it a step forward for Kosovo, Serbia and stability in the Western Balkans. The complete speech of the American representative to the UN can read the following:

Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you for the special representatives, Tan, for your statement. We appreciate your leadership and devoted support for the Republic of Kosovo, including addressing continued challenges, caused by the Pademia Covid-19. I also want to thank President Osmani and Foreign Minister Selakovic for participating in this meeting today.

I want to begin by welcoming the September 30th agreement on the license issue between Kosovo and Serbia, mediated by EU Special Representative Lajcak. This agreement is a step forward for Kosovo, Serbia and stability in the Western Balkans. This agreement is evidence that when leaders engage openly and seriously, they can find compliance that brings benefits to all their citizens.

We encourage Kosovo and Serbia to use this process as a foundation by implementing this agreement, respecting preliminary agreements, refraining from provocations, and again pledging to find solutions to other issues through EU-mediated dialogue. Dialogue remains the best platform for resolving remaining issues and normalising relations, eventually reaching mutual recognition agreements.

We note that UNMIK has not played a critical role in resolving recent tensions between Kosovo and Serbia over the issue of license plates. The de-expassion of this problem, with temporary support provided by KFOR, shows that other organisations can serve in this role with better effect.

Recent events again testified that UNMIK has fulfilled its goal as described in the original mandate. We must recognize this reality and move towards its closure. This council is responsible to redirect its attention and resources to areas and issues where there is a greater need. The United Nations can still play an important role in advancing the development of democratic norms and institutions in the region. But this role does not require keeping a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo.

The United States expresses disappointment that previous calls by Council members for review and taking steps to end the UNMIK mission have been overlooked. We again call for the development of such a plan so that the Council can end it U n NMIC and help transition to a more effective UN presence, which helps Kosovo and the rest of the Western Balkans to realise their full potential.

We repeat the secretary-general's call for full and equal participation of women in political processes in Kosovo and encourage the government to continue to invest in advancing women within civil society.

Finally, the United States remains fully committed to maintaining stability in the Western Balkans. We will work closely with our European partners to encourage peaceful, prosperous and multiethnic societies that respect rule of law throughout the Western Balkans.

Thank you, Mr. President. President!