8 April 2025
President:
I welcome Serbian Foreign Minister Jurić to attend today’s meeting and listen carefully to the briefing by Special Representative Ziade. I would like to make the following points:
First, in recent times, the Kosovo authorities have forcibly closed many Serb-run institutions, repeatedly infringed on the safety of Serb people, eroded their living space, and caused tension in the local situation. China expresses serious concern about this and urges the Kosovo authorities to stop such wrong practices, earnestly respect and protect the legitimate rights and interests of Serb people, and ease ethnic tensions.
Second, in recent years, the Kosovo authorities have taken a series of unilateral actions, including mandatory requirements for the replacement of identity documents and vehicle license plates, insisting on holding municipal elections in four cities in northern Kosovo, banning the Serbian dinar, carrying out violent searches against Serbs in northern Kosovo, and forcibly pushing for the opening of the Ibar River Bridge. These actions have frequently created incidents, leading to continued tension and instability in northern Kosovo. We urge the Kosovo authorities to stop taking unilateral actions, return to the right track of dialogue and consultation, and work with all parties concerned to maintain local peace and stability.
Third, in November last year, a canal bombing occurred in northern Kosovo. The Secretary-General’s Special Representative and the international community generally called for a comprehensive investigation. Serbia also expressed its willingness to provide support for the investigation at any time. We urge the Kosovo authorities to conduct a transparent and fair investigation into the incident and avoid hasty characterization, which will further escalate tensions and confrontation.
Fourth, the multi-ethnic coexistence in Kosovo is a historical phenomenon. Tolerance, reconciliation and harmonious coexistence among all ethnic groups are in the long-term and fundamental interests of all parties. The Brussels Agreement reached in 2013 should be strictly observed. The establishment of a Serbian municipal alliance is an important part of the agreement and a key obstacle in the current dialogue process between the two sides. We urge the Kosovo authorities to implement it as soon as possible with practical actions.
Fifth, the EU has been working to promote the resolution of the Kosovo issue for a long time. We hope that the EU will maintain an objective and neutral position and conduct fair and impartial operations. We look forward to all parties maintaining contact and consultation with the new Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue on a political solution to the Kosovo issue.
Sixth, the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) plays an important role in maintaining stability and promoting national reconciliation. The United Nations and the Security Council should continue to pay attention to and invest in the Kosovo issue, and all parties concerned should support UNMIK in fully fulfilling its duties and support Special Representative Ziade in his work.
President,
China’s position on the Kosovo issue is consistent and clear. We support the parties concerned to reach a mutually acceptable solution through dialogue and consultation within the framework of Security Council Resolution 1244. In this process, Serbia’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity should be fully respected. I would like to emphasize that the countries and peoples in the Balkans have suffered from wars. All parties should learn lessons from history and work together to prevent the Balkans from falling into turmoil again. China is willing to work with all parties concerned to continue to promote dialogue and contact among the peoples in the region and peaceful coexistence, so that the Kosovo issue can be politically resolved at an early date.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.