Summary: July 26, 2001: Statement by H.E.M. 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, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia); the associated countries of Cyprus, Malta and Turkey and Iceland and Liechtenstein, EFTA countries belonging to the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.
Last month, the Security Council had the opportunity to discuss the situation in Kosovo on the basis of the reports by the Secretary-General and by the Security Council Mission in the region. On that occasion, the European Union was able to comment on the developments in Kosovo. I shall therefore confine myself to stressing the aspects of most importance to the Union.
Mr. President,
I would first of all like to reaffirm the European Union's support for the efforts made by UNMIK and by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Hans Haekkerup, in implementing Resolution 1244. The work carried out by the men and women involved in the Mission has led to concrete and positive results which should be underlined.
The European Union welcomed the promulgation of the Constitutional Framework for Provisional Self-Government and the announcement of the date of parliamentary elections. They represent crucial steps towards a democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo. Nevertheless, to achieve this aim, it is essential that all communities participate in the elections and in the provisional institutions of Kosovo that will stem from it. These elections offer all communities the opportunity to take their fate in hand
within the context of Resolution 1244.
In this connection, we welcome the support of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia for the registration of Kosovo Serb voters. We hope that the appointment of Deputy Prime Minister Covic, now responsible for coordinating policy towards Kosovo, will contribute to these efforts and that the Government in Belgrade will also be able to persuade the Kosovo Serb community to participate in the elections on 17 November. We welcome the fact that several political parties already registered for the
election. We encourage the others, and particularly the Serb parties, to follow this example.
Mr. President,
The European Union is aware of the problems still remaining in Kosovo, especially with regard to security, missing persons and the return of refugees and displaced persons. We firmly support any measure or initiative already taken and encourage UNMIK and other concerned actors to pursue their efforts in this matter.
The tension has abated somewhat in Kosovo over the past month. However, the risk of the situation deteriorating should not be underestimated. It is to be hoped that the security measures taken recently will lead to a reduction in violence. Consolidation of the first pillar "police and justice" should also open the way to an improvement in public order. The Union supports the adoption and enforcement of firm measures against extremists and criminal organizations. Finally, we emphasize the
worrying situation in northern Kosovo, in particular in Mitrovica. We support the efforts of UNMIK and KFOR to ensure security and to restore confidence in this area.
The handover of Mr Milosevic to the Hague Tribunal is, for the European Union, an important development. For it is necessary for the process of reconciliation that the people of Kosovo and, more generally, of the entire region, realize that justice will be done and that nobody is above the law.
Despite the ceasefire, the situation in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia remains a cause for concern. We are still convinced of the possibility of a political solution to the crisis. The European Union welcomes the political dialogue initiated on the basis of the framework document. All the parties are now faced with their responsibilities. The Union will continue to offer its assistance in order to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict.
Mr. President,
The European Union will continue its efforts to promote stability, democratic development and prosperity in the region, in close cooperation with all parties. Next month, the electoral process in Kosovo will have taken the significant steps of registering political parties and voters. At the next meeting of this Council we hope to be able to express satisfaction that all went smoothly.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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