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