OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL: STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO

UNCLAS STATE 011172

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV OSCE KS PREL
SUBJECT: OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL: STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO
OMIK HOM ALMHOFER


1. (U) Post is authorized to present the following statement
at the February 4, 2010 Permanent Council meeting in Vienna.
Begin text:

Thank you, Mister Chairman,

Ambassador Almhofer, the United States joins other
delegations in welcoming you back to the PC, and we thank you
for your comprehensive report.

We note that the situation in Kosovo remains generally
stable, with numerous significant positive developments. In
particular, Kosovo held municipal elections in November 2009
which were generally viewed by observers as being in
compliance with international standards. These elections
represented a milestone in Kosovo's growing capacity to
manage its democratic affairs and in the process of fully
integrating Kosovo's different communities. Overall turnout
was generally higher than in previous municipal elections,
with a record turnout among ethnic Serbs in southern Kosovo.
We are pleased with the role that the OSCE's contribution to
the success of those elections.

OMIK continues to play important roles in the core human
rights monitoring and in capacity building efforts of Kosovo
institutions. Its presence in the Regional Centers and
Municipal Teams, in addition to its headquarters in Pristina,
provides a unique platform for direct and effective
engagement. But it is also the largest OSCE field presence,
and participating States should continue to ask for the
results which justify its size. The mission should focus its
efforts on activities which complement the work of other
international actors on the ground and reflect where the
OSCE's unique strengths lie. Specifically, it should focus
on targeted capacity building aimed at strengthening the
institutions necessary for a prosperous, multi-ethnic,
unitary democratic state.

Issues in northern Kosovo relating to housing reconstruction,
the judiciary, customs, elections and provision of services
remain sensitive. We encourage the Government of Kosovo,
community leaders, and all stakeholders to continue efforts
to find peaceful solutions to these issues that reinforce
stability and strengthen the rule of law. This includes the
issue of provision of electricity services in the north,
where we urge those involved to act swiftly to resolve
differences and to respect the existing legal framework.

We believe OMIK should avoid engagement with parallel
institutions. UNSC Resolution 1244 does not recognize these
parallel institutions, which pose a threat to stability and
the rule of law in Kosovo. Recent remarks by EULEX and NATO,
both status neutral organizations, underscored again the
unhelpfulness of these so-called parallel institutions.

Ensuring Kosovo's continued development as a multi-ethnic,
democratic state which protects the rights of all its
communities and preserves religious freedom, which has strong
and stable institutions that can deliver services to its
citizens, and which is integrated into Euro-Atlantic and
regional institutions, are goals that are consistent with
OSCE principles and that are fundamentally in line with our
common interest. Ambassador Almhofer, the United States
looks forward to continuing to work with you and with the
OSCE's participating states to enhance OMIK's contribution to
Kosovo's stability.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

END TEXT
CLINTON