Summary: August 28, 2001: Statement by H.E. Jean De Ruyt on behalf of the European Union. The Situation in Kosovo (New York)
Mr. President,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe associated with the European Union Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey and the EFTA countries which are members of the European Economic Area Iceland and Liechtenstein support this statement.
Mr. President,
Each of the meetings of the Security Council brings us closer to the crucial deadline of the elections in Kosovo next November. We welcome the regularity of these open debates, which give us the opportunity to take stock of current and future developments in the region. This meeting also enables me to confirm once again the European Union's support for the efforts made by UNMIK and by the Secretary-General's Special Representative, Mr. Hans Haekkerup, to implement Resolution 1244.
If we attribute particular importance to recent developments in Kosovo it is because they are decisive steps towards a democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo. We have warmly welcomed the publication of the Constitutional Framework for a provisional autonomous government. Now, for it to become a reality, it is essential that all the communities take part in the elections next November and in the transitional institutions of Kosovo to emerge from them.
In this connection, we welcome the support offered by Belgrade for the registration of the Serbian electors in Kosovo. We are also glad that several political parties have already registered for the ballot. We hope that the parties, which have begun the procedure, and the Serbian parties in particular, will successfully conclude it so that all the communities are represented on the electoral lists. The Union notes with satisfaction that the process is moving but further progresses need to be
made. We hope that Belgrade will actively encourage the Serbian community to participate in the elections. The European Union is indeed convinced that all communities should take part in the elections in order to ensure the multi-ethnic future of Kosovo.
Generally speaking, relations between Belgrade and UNMIK have evolved very positively over the last few weeks. On many occasions we have expressed how important we consider these relations to be. We welcome the fact that the Deputy Prime Minister Covic and Mr Haekkerup do now meet and hope that this collaboration will intensify in the future.
Mr. President,
The European Union is well aware of the problems that are persisting in Kosovo, particularly as regards security, persons who have disappeared and the return of refugees and displaced persons as well as regarding organized crime. In this respect, we are taking the concerns of the various communities very seriously. We welcome the measures or initiatives already taken and encourage UNMIK and the other players involved to continue their efforts in these areas.
Mr. President,
An encouraging sign for the region as a whole was sent to us by the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia with the signing of the framework agreement by President Trajkovski and the leaders of the four major political parties. We hope that the Parliament will consider it closely with the aim of approving it as soon as possible. The Union urges all the parties faithfully to abide by the agreement and to take all the measures needed for its speedy and full implementation. It is essential that
everyone should observe the ceasefire scrupulously from now on. The success of the NATO operation "Essential Harvest", as well as the whole peace process, depends on this. We remain confident, despite the uncertainty of the situation.
In this context, the frontier between Kosovo and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia remains extremely sensitive in the present situation, and we encourage KFOR to continue to devote the greatest attention to it.
Mr. President,
The European Union will pursue its efforts to promote stability, democratic development and prosperity in the region, in close collaboration with all the parties. In following up the commitments entered into at the Zagreb summit, the countries of the region have made encouraging progress along the path of democracy, peaceful coexistence and regional cooperation. We are certain that these efforts will ensure peace and stability for all the communities of the region.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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