OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL: RESPONSE TO REPORT BY HOM

UNCLAS STATE 010431 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OSCE PREL KV SUBJECT: OSCE/PERMANENT COUNCIL: RESPONSE TO REPORT BY HOM KOSOVO, AMBASSADOR WERNER ALMHOFER ¶1. Post is authorized to present the following statement at the February 5, 2009 Permanent Council meeting in Vienna. Begin text: Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. The United States joins other delegations in welcoming the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Werner Almhofer. As your comprehensive report shows, major transitions are still underway in Kosovo. These transitions present challenges for the international community and demand that our respective roles continue to adapt and evolve. The successful and peaceful deployment of EULEX throughout Kosovo is a significant achievement that could not have been possible without the constructive participation of all stakeholders. The recent transition from the Kosovo Protection Corps to the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) has been largely trouble-free, and is another step in the right direction. The engagement of the Serbian community in Kosovo's politics and municipal administrations is a critical element for the development of a prosperous, multi-ethnic, democratic state that also simply makes life better for Kosovo Serbs by improving local governance and services. We hope Belgrade will work in good faith to encourage and foster practical cooperation with the Kosovo authorities and the international community and to support pragmatic solutions on topics including public services, property claims, and protection of cultural and religious heritage. The United States continues to believe that OMiK serves vital functions in Kosovo; at the same time, we have some concerns about possible duplicative activities of the international organizations in Kosovo, and believe that OMiK could be reduced without compromising its mission. Now is a good time to look at things from a fresh perspective to ensure that the Mission's activities are complementary with those of other organizations and are focused in areas where the OSCE has proven competency. We would welcome your views on areas where you think OMiK's activities could be streamlined or improved. As your report notes, 54 UN member states have now recognized Kosovo, including a majority of OSCE participating States, and the European Commission has pledged significant resources to help strengthen institutions and improve social and economic development. The development of a multi-ethnic democracy in Kosovo which protects minority rights and religious freedom, and which has government institutions that can deliver stability and prosperity for its people, is a goal that we should all support. The United States will continue to strongly support and assist Kosovo. Continued international engagement in Kosovo will help facilitate its integration into European and regional institutions, such as the OSCE. This will help secure the future for Kosovo and its citizens and will also contribute to stability for its neighbors in Europe and the wider OSCE region. The United States is 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, Madam Chairwoman. End text. CLINTON