STATEMENT BY H.E. AMBASSADOR BUI THE GIANG,

DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF VIET NAM TO THE UN

AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL DEBATE ON UNMIK

(17 June 2009)

 

 

Mr. President,

At the outset, I would like to welcome H.E. Mr. Vuk Jeremić, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, to today’s meeting of the Security Council, and thank him for sharing his perspectives on the situation in Kosovo with us. I acknowledge the presence of Mr. Skender Hyseni at this meeting and thank him for his statement. I also thank Mr. Lamberto Zannier, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his important briefing.

Mr. President,

My Delegation is encouraged by the relatively calm security situation in Kosovo during the reporting period. We welcome UNMIK’s continued and productive efforts to lend its good offices to all communities residing in the north of Kosovo and in northern Metrovica with a view to promoting sustainable and peaceful solutions based on dialogue and compromise. We take note of the assumption of full operational capability by EULEX in the rule of law sector, under the overall authority of the United Nations and within the status-neutral framework of Resolution 1244 (1999). We commend, in this regard, the regular exchange of information and coordination on issues of mutual concern between UNMIK and EULEX, and hope that such interaction will continue.

However, Mr. President, in light of a series of incidents occurred in northern Mitrovica, we remained concerned about the ongoing inter-ethnic violence in many parts of Kosovo and attempts to conclude UNMIK’s mission without a greenlight from the Security Council. The continued presence of UNMIK with good faith cooperation from both Belgrade and Pristina and in close coordination with EULEX and KFOR is key to maintaining peace and stability on the ground. We would like to reconfirm our view that the reconfiguration and downsizing of UNMIK should be conducted in a transparent manner and in respect for the United Nations’ position on strict neutrality regarding Kosovo's status and in ways that enable UNMIK to perform its functions, especially those that enhance the continuous mediation between communities and supporting minority communities throughout Kosovo. We, therefore, call upon all parties concerned to fully and constructively cooperate with UNMIK in its areas of responsibility and strengthen confidence-building measures in order to achieve a comprehensive and long-term solution, taking into account the legitimate interests of all communities. We expect the Security Council and the Secretary-General to continue to play a vigorous and proactive role in this endeavor.

Mr. President,

We are also mindful that the number of voluntary returns in 2009 remains disappointingly low and continues to lag behind the 2008 figures. It is our view that the lack of real progress in safeguarding the rights and ensuring the security of national minorities will only exacerbate the mistrust and lead to inter-ethnic tensions. In this context, we call upon all parties concerned to refrain from any rhetoric or action that may ignite violence. We at the same time strongly urge UNMIK and EULEX to redouble their efforts to promote the establishment of a safe and stable environment conducive to the return of refugees and internally displaced persons throughout Kosovo. Last but not least, we call for even greater efforts in minimizing tensions in and around Kosovo and reaching negotiated solutions to differences through peaceful means.

I thank you, Mr. President.