OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL: STATEMENT ON REPORT BY

UNCLAS STATE 094461

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OSCE PREL UNMIK KV
SUBJECT: OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL: STATEMENT ON REPORT BY
HOM KOSOVO GULDIMANN


1. Post is authorized to present the following statement at
the September 4 Permanent Council meeting in Vienna.

Begin text:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The United States joins other delegations in welcoming the
Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Guldimann and
the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for
the UNMIK, Ambassador Lamberto Zannier.

It is fair to say, Ambassador Guldimann, as your
comprehensive and helpful report notes, that this year has
truly been one of transition, even transformation. The
mission and role of the international community in Kosovo has
changed substantially and clearly has needed to adapt to the
new situation.

One of the most significant aspects of this transformation
has been finding a meaningful role in Kosovo's society for
the Serbian community. Many Serbs, as your report
highlights, have been coerced by Belgrade into dropping out
of any public role, starting of course with the boycott of
last year's Parliamentary elections. But, the United States
is encouraged by some tentative steps the Serbian community
in Kosovo is taking to re-engage in Kosovo's politics and
municipal administration. We hope the Mission will do all it
can to continue to encourage this development.

In that respect, of course, Serbia's attitude and role will
be critical. Belgrade must continue to demonstrate a
willingness to step up and work out practical ways to engage
with the Kosovar authorities and the international community
to ease the plight of the Serbian community in Kosovo. We
look to them for leadership in this important area.

The United States will continue to assist Kosovo as it builds
its multiethnic government and its democratic institutions.
We would note that more than 45 countries have now recognized
Kosovo's independence, including over two-thirds of the
European Union and NATO, and a majority of UN Security
Council members. The United States will continue to assist
Kosovo as it builds its multiethnic government and its
democratic institutions.

Kosovo needs to focus on building its multiethnic democracy,
protecting minority rights, protecting religious freedom,
creating institutions that can deliver for its people
economically. These are the things that will ensure a bright
future for Kosovo and all its citizens.

As has been the case, Mr. Chairman, the United States remains
eager to work constructively with all participating States to
identify ways this organization can continue to contribute to
Kosovo's stability and the welfare and security of its people.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.


IF GEORGIA IS RAISED BY THE RUSSIANS:

Kosovo was a unique case and not a precedent for any other
conflict, neither Georgia's breakaway territories nor any
other separatist movement. Kosovo was never a breakaway
territory, but had a status recognized by the UN Security
Council.

Unlike in Kosovo, there is no UN-sanctioned international
administration in Abkhazia or South Ossetia. There is no
international security force operating under UN authorization
or mandate. There are no security guarantees to protect
different ethnic communities. In fact, Russia has failed for
nearly two decades to create conditions which would allow the
return of refugees.

So, quite in contrast to what occurred with Kosovo, Russia
has deliberately avoided using available avenues to bring
resolution to Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
RICE