UN Security Council Briefing on 

United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)

(Tuesday 18 October 2022, 1500 hrs EDT/0030 hrs IST 19 Oct)

India Remarks

Mr. President,

I would like to join other colleagues in thanking Special Representative and head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Ms. Caroline Ziadeh for her briefing to this Council. I also welcome the presence of His Excellency Mr. Nikola Selaković, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia in today’s meeting.

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

3.    In this regard, we take note of the meetings held between Serbia and authorities in Pristina since 2014 under the auspices of the EU. It is important that meetings are held without any preconditions and in good faith. The implementation of signed agreements, including on the establishment of Association of Serb-majority Municipalities will remain fundamental. We welcome the signing of the 21^st June agreement with regard to an energy road-map and urge all sides to proceed with its full implementation.

4.    We are of the view that both sides need to find common ground to overcome mutual concerns, including political and ethnic issues and avoid rhetoric which may heighten tensions. We welcome the ongoing efforts, including that of Quint members (US, UK, Germany, France and Italy) and EU towards resumption of dialogue. We welcome the 18^th August meeting facilitated by EU between both sides, especially the commitment made with regard to regular meetings and discussing elements related to the normalization of relations.

5.    The issue of missing persons, given its humanitarian nature, needs to be resolved on priority. 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 presence, to encourage the Pristina authorities to address the problems of all communities.

6.    We have taken note of the activities of the EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) in Kosovo during the reporting period. Further, as part of an international cooperation effort, we are happy to note that the KFOR (Kosovo Force) troops have continued to effectively fulfill their mandate under UNSCR 1244. Both the missions need to adhere to their respective mandates and maintain neutrality. 

7.    To conclude, we note with appreciation UNMIK’s important role in promoting security, stability and respect for human rights. We call on all sides to fully cooperate with UNMIK and facilitate its work.

I thank you.

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