UN Security Council open VTC briefing on the

UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)

Remarks by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

13 April 2021

Thank you Mr. President.

I would like to join other colleagues in thanking SRSG Zahir Tanin for his briefing on activities of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. I welcome His Excellency Mr. Nikola Selakovic, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia.

2. Let me begin by reiterating India’s principled position of supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia. We believe all outstanding issues need to be resolved through peaceful negotiations.

3. We welcome the multiple rounds of expert level talks between Belgrade and Pristina on financial claims and property since resumption of the EU -facilitated dialogue in July 2020. While elections in the region and the Covid-19 pandemic have had an impact on the talks, we are encouraged by the recent high-level meetings held by the EU Special Representative several weeks ago to establish the modalities for the continuation of dialogue. We hope that both sides will soon resume the EU-facilitated dialogue in good faith. It is important that both sides implement already signed agreements including on the establishment of Association of Serb-majority Municipalities in Kosovo, and find common ground to overcome disputed issues.

4. The issue of missing persons is an important humanitarian issue, and we hope that with support of UNMIK, the authorities will be able to determine the fate of persons who are still missing.  Voluntary and safe return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from other countries in the region is also essential in terms of confidence building measures. UNMIK should continue, together with the other international presences, to encourage the Pristina authorities to address the problems of all communities.

5. We have taken note of the activities of the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo during the reporting period.

6. In conclusion, Mr. President, I would like to express appreciation that UNMIK has continued to implement its mandate of promoting security, stability and respect for human rights in the region. We call on all parties to fully cooperate with UNMIK and facilitate its work.

 I thank you.