KOSOVO - GUIDANCE FOR U.S. INTERVENTION AT

UNCLAS STATE 125444

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNSC UNMIK KPKO PREL YI KV
SUBJECT: KOSOVO - GUIDANCE FOR U.S. INTERVENTION AT
NOVEMBER 26 SECURITY COUNCIL CONSULTATIONS


1. The Department requests that USUN draw from the
following points in delivering its intervention and
additional discussions during the November 26 UNSC
consultations on the Secretary-General's report on the UN
Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).


2. Begin Points:

Thank you Mr. President:

I would like to thank Special Representative Zannier
for his comprehensive briefing today.
The United States commends his service to the
international community.

I would also like to welcome Foreign Minister Jeremic and
Foreign Minister Hyseni and thank them for sharing their
perspectives today on the situation in Kosovo.

Mr. President, 52 members of the United Nations from
around the world have now recognized Kosovo as a sovereign
and independent state. In nine months since its
declaration of independence, the Republic of Kosovo has
established the framework for a stable, multi-ethnic
democracy. It is realizing the vision set forth in UN
Envoy and now Nobel Laureate Martti Ahtisaari's
Comprehensive Settlement Proposal.

Mr. President,

Kosovo's independence is irreversible.

The Secretary-General's report notes the changed reality
in Kosovo and highlights the progress made: the adoption
of a modern and progressive constitution that ensures the
rights of all ethnic groups, the establishment of
institutions of governance, including a Ministry of
Foreign Affairs; steps to provide for Kosovo's basic
security needs through the establishment of a
civilian-controlled security force; and the issuance of
Kosovo passports.

Real challenges remain with regard to inter-ethnic
relations although the report makes clear that interethnic
violence remains low. We encourage Kosovar leaders to
build on their previous efforts to develop multi-ethnic
institutions and to implement fully the Ahtisaari Plan.

Mr. President,

It is appropriate that UNMIK should adapt its role in
response to changed realities in Kosovo. We welcome the
Secretary-General's decision outlined in the report to
accelerate reconfiguration of UNMIK to allow for the
deployment of the EU's Rule of Law Mission, EULEX,
throughout Kosovo. This, we believe, is vitally important
to protect and preserve Kosovo's territorial integrity.

The Secretary-General's report calls for certain interim
arrangements that will guide UNMIK cooperation with
Belgrade pending full deployment of EULEX. Kosovar
leaders have made clear that their government does not
agree to these arrangements but that the Republic of
Kosovo welcomes and will facilitate the deployment of
EULEX.

Mr. President,

We welcome the commitment of the Secretary-General to
consult and coordinate continuously with Kosovo
authorities on the implementation of these arrangements.
Implementation of these arrangements and reconfiguration
of UNMIK must be done in such a way as not to infringe on
Kosovo's sovereignty.

Mr. President, the Secretary-General's decision will
accelerate the transfer of UNMIK's residual rule of law
responsibilities to EULEX throughout all of Kosovo. The
Government of Kosovo of course also has a major and
complementary responsibility for exercising rule of
law-related functions in the country. EULEX's deployment
under the mandate specified in the EU's Joint action of
February 4 will ensure a unified customs regime and a
single police chain of command. It will help address the
problem of parallel institutions that currently hinder
economic and political development. The United States
will have an active role in EULEX with 80 police officers,
judges and prosecutors working alongside their European
counterparts throughout Kosovo.

We urge all stakeholders, especially the governments of
Serbia and Kosovo, to ensure that EULEX is deployed
without delay.

Minister Jeremic, my government shares your concerns
regarding the rights of Kosovo Serbs. We will continue to
work alongside the authorities in Pristina to ensure that
all ethnic groups have a safe and secure future in
Kosovo. And despite our disagreement on the issue of
Kosovo's status, we will continue to support a European
future for Serbia, Kosovo and all countries in the Western
Balkans.
RICE