OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL: RESPONSE TO SERBIAN

UNCLAS STATE 016032 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL OSCE UNMIK KV YI SR SUBJECT: OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL: RESPONSE TO SERBIAN FOREIGN MINISTER VUK JEREMIC ¶1. Post is authorized to present the following response to Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic at the special Permanent Council meeting on February 19. Begin text: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The United States welcomes Minister Jeremic back to the Permanent Council at a critical moment in his nation,s history. On February x, the United States, along with many European countries and others from around the globe, announced that we will recognize Kosovo,s independence. As painful as this may be for Serbia, we have no doubt that this decision is the correct one on every level ) morally, legally, and in terms of promoting long-term security in the Balkans. This decision was not reached easily or in haste. Nearly a decade ago, the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 placed Kosovo under international administration and effectively put an end to Belgrade's authority. That remarkable step was taken only after a tragic history of extraordinary atrocities. From that time, the international community made every conceivable effort to promote a negotiated settlement acceptable to both sides. For over two years, Belgrade and Pristina negotiated Kosovo,s status. For 15 months UN Special Envoy, Martti Ahtisaari, conducted intense negotiations with the parties. Despite the wishes of the majority of the Security Council, a resolution implementing Ahtisaari could not be passed. For four months last fall, the EU-Russia-U.S. Troika conducted still more exhaustive talks to find a solution. It is painfully obvious that the positions of Belgrade and Pristina remain fundamentally and irrevocably opposed, and that no agreement between the parties is feasible no matter how long talks go on. And yet it is just as clear that the status quo in Kosovo was unsustainable In light of these failed talks, it became apparent that recognizing Kosovo,s independence was the only viable option left, in order to assure continued peace and prosperity in the region. As part of their declaration, the Kosovar authorities have committed to implement the Ahtisaari plan, which includes critical provisions to fully protect the rights of Serbian and other minorities in Kosovo. We do not believe that Kosovo,s independence is in any way a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1244. While UNSCR 1244 aimed for an agreement between the parties, however, it did not require one. More importantly, the resolution never excluded independence as an option. Resolution 1244 remains in place until such time as the Security Council decides otherwise. Nor do we believe that Kosovo,s independence will somehow serve as a precedent for other conflict areas. The conditions that set Kosovo apart from other territorial disputes around the world are unique and compelling. Kosovo's status must be seen in the context of the violent break-up of the former Yugoslav federation, a country which no longer exists. The bloodshed and ethnic cleansing created such a significant threat to international peace that it necessitated repeated UN intervention. In light of these facts, we have come to the conclusion that Kosovo,s independence is a legitimate, fair and lawful outcome of all the events I have described. Recognizing it is the right thing to do. Kosovo's independence will allow all the states in the region to focus on their futures, especially membership in Euro-Atlantic institutions. This includes Serbia. Mr. Minister, it is time for Serbia to let go of the issue of Kosovo. We encourage your proud nation to turn its considerable energy and potential to the task of full integration into Europe. It is this integration that will assure peace and prosperity for Serbia, just as it has for successive waves of countries before. But whatever Serbia does, it must also adhere scrupulously to its long-stated commitment not to provoke or support violence or destabilizing acts in Kosovo, which will undermine peace and stability for all in the region. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. End Text. RICE