Mr. President,
I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Mr. Due, for his informative briefing. I also welcome the presence of the Ministers from Serbia and Kosovo in the Council, as well as the participation of the Head of the Delegation of the European Union at today’s meeting.
I take this opportunity to extend our congratulations to the Special Representative on his appointment and express our confidence in his continued success and leadership, as he takes on his new role.
UNMIK continues to contribute to peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts, in close coordination with KFOR and the EULEX, while supporting stability and fostering dialogue among the communities in Kosovo.
I shall make the following points:
Greece welcomes the progress achieved by Serbia and Kosovo within the EU-facilitated dialogue, with the conclusion of the negotiations for the 2023 Declaration on Missing Persons’ implementation, and the agreement reached toward the operationalization of the Joint Commission. We commend both parties for their commitment to advancing progress on an issue of outmost humanitarian importance, with significant implications for lasting reconciliation and trust between the communities.
There is no other sustainable path for Serbia and Kosovo than the normalization of their bilateral relations, within the established framework of the European Union-facilitated dialogue. Greece remains fully engaged in supporting the efforts of the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, Mr. Sorensen.
Both parties must enhance their efforts toward this direction and engage in a sincere and constructive negotiation for the full implementation of the Brussels-Ohrid Agreements, without conditionalities. We also stress the importance of a trilateral High-Level Meeting of the Dialogue under the chairmanship of the EU High Representative Kallas, as a political signal towards advancing the normalization process of bilateral relations, fostering mutual trust and achieving concrete outcomes.
We positively note Kosovo’s decision to implement the Law on Foreigners and the Law on Vehicles in a gradual manner. It is imperative that any steps toward integrating Serbia- supported health and education institutions withing the legal framework of Kosovo are carried out in close coordination with the Kosovo-Serb community, and in full respect of the relevant agreements concluded within the EU-facilitated dialogue.
Greece further stresses that the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb Majority Municipalities, without preconditions, remains crucial for the stability of northern Kosovo and constitutes an integral part of the Agreements that must be fully implemented. We urge Kosovo authorities to proceed to this end without further delay.
We further welcome the results of the recent municipal elections in Kosovo, with broad participation of all communities, in particular the transition of authority in the municipalities of northern Kosovo, which signaled the return of Kosovo Serbs to municipal institutions, for the first time since 2022. This development represents a significant step toward inclusive governance.
The rule of law institutions should be further strengthened. We reiterate the importance of reintegrating Kosovo Serb judges, prosecutors and police officers into the judiciary and law enforcement structures. At the same time, it is essential that accountability is upheld for those responsible for the 2023 Banjska attacks.
Finally, Mr. President,
Greece acknowledges the important role of UNMIK, in coordination with KFOR and EULEX, and supports the continuation of its mandate, as necessary, in accordance with SC resolution 1244(1999), which provides the legal framework for a final political settlement between Serbia and Kosovo. We remain open to dialogue for exploring ways to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Mission.
The future of both Serbia and Kosovo is firmly embedded within the European Union. Since the adoption of the 2003 Thessaloniki Declaration at the EU-Western Balkans Summit, Greece has consistently offered its steadfast support to both parties in pursuing their European aspirations. Advancing the European integration of Serbia and Kosovo is vital for upholding stability, security and prosperity in the region.
I thank you.