Situation in Kosovo

Released by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations

We would like to congratulate Special Representative Steiner on his continued progress in implementing the mandate that we’ve set forth in Resolution 1244 and also to say that I appreciate very much the presence of Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia Covic and his presentation this morning.

We heard two very informative and interesting presentations at the beginning of this discussion. Whether one considers that the glass is half full or half empty, or perhaps a quarter full and three-quarters empty, in this case, it is clear, I think, in the presentations, that there is quite a bit of common ground about the objectives of what we’re seeking here and I think that is positive. And it’s also clear that there is encouraging progress on a number of fronts, particularly with regards to the benchmarks for good governance that were presented here only three months ago.

That initial progress and good prospects for the future bear out the wisdom of an approach that puts standards of good governance before any premature discussion of political status issues.

As both Mr. Steiner and the deputy prime minister noted in their comments in different ways, for us to succeed in Kosovo, the people of Kosovo must overcome their difficult and emotional history. That process seems to be beginning. The United States has long maintained that one key to the success will be building confidence among all parts of the population, that the institutions of government will govern democratically and that all will respect fully the rule of law. That also now seems to be beginning.

We are encouraged by the continuing progress that has been made in strengthening the courts and ensuring that all who have committed crimes are brought to justice. We applaud the additional international judges and the agreement that has been worked out for increasing the number of Serb judges and prosecutors.

The high profile arrests and prosecution of those who have committed ethnically motivated crimes are another positive development, and the Kosovo Police Service has been a success far beyond what anyone would have expected.

Its number include an impressive number of women and other minorities and, with the agreement of the force in Mitrovica, it may now play an appropriate role in providing freedom of movement and civil security for the population on both sides of the river. Still much more remains to be done in Mitrovica, and we fully support UNMIK’s efforts to make progress there.

We are encouraged by the progress on the political side as well. It’s appropriate that the first piece of legislation approved by the Assembly pertained to pensions, a fundamental social and economic issue.

Upcoming municipal elections in the fall offer an opportunity for all Kosovars to participate in Kosovo’s self-government. Although progress is uneven across Kosovo, we see new political parties emerging across the political spectrum and increased tolerance for building bridges between communities.

Finally, returns. My government has been a strong proponent of sustainable returns, and we continue to believe that success on this difficult issue will require careful planning and significant resources. We appreciate the work that UNMIK has done in producing the documents that Mr. Steiner circulated this morning and applaud the progress that is beginning to be made.

The United States has provided almost $8 million dollars to NGO’s and to the UNHCR on this issue, and we encourage all donors to consider ways that they can support the process. Funding shortages have led certain UN agencies to consider leaving Kosovo, which on the issue of returns, would seriously undermine what UNMIK is trying to do.

My government has committed significant resources on a wide range of issues and initiatives including the Kosovo Police Service, the Kosovo Protection Corps, the Kosovo courts and sustainable returns. There are significant challenges remaining in Kosovo, but donors must be prepared to address all problems no matter how difficult they might be.

I want to close simply by saying that we strongly support the efforts of Mr. Steiner and UNMIK and look to continue progress in the months ahead in implementing UNMIK’s mandate.

Thank you, Mr. President.