October 30, 2024
President,
I welcome the presence of Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Durić at today’s meeting. I have listened carefully to the briefer of Special Representative Caroline Ziadeh.
The issue of Kosovo bears on the peace and stability in the Balkans and Europe as a whole. China’s position on the Kosovo issue is consistent and clear. We believe that any unilateral action will not contribute to the settlement of the Kosovo issue. Nor will it be conducive to regional peace and stability. We support the parties concerned, within the framework of Council Resolution 1244, in reaching a mutually acceptable political solution through dialogue and consultation. In this process, the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Serbia must be fully respected.
In light of the recent developments and the briefing just now, I would like to highlight four points.
First, for some time now, tensions in northern Kosovo have escalated with a high incidence of violent security incidents. The responsibility lies with the Kosovo authorities. The Kosovo authorities announced ban on the Serbian dinar, forced the closure of Serb-run institutions, conducted violent searches of Serbs in northern Kosovo, and planned to open the Ibar River Bridge. These unilateral actions have a serious impact on the livelihoods and security of Serbs, triggering their fear and exacerbating confrontation. Many countries have expressed concerns and disappointment over these. China is also greatly concerned. We urge the Kosovo authorities to stop the above-mentioned unilateral actions and return immediately to the right track of dialogue and consultation. KFOR should effectively respect Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and truly do what is conducive to peace and stability in the Balkans.
Second, tolerance, reconciliation, and harmonious coexistence among all communities are not only a prerequisite for the stability in Kosovo, but also serves the long-term and fundamental interests of all parties. We note with concerns the Secretary-General’s report which indicates that the Kosovo authorities frequently intimidate and arrest Serbs, and there is a persistent lack of representation of the Serb community in the municipal institutions in northern Kosovo, resulting in repeated violations of their fundamental and legitimate rights and interests. We urge the Kosovo authorities to put people first and put reconciliation first, and resolve differences through pragmatic and constructive dialogue and negotiation.
Third, the establishment of the community of Serb municipalities is an important element of the 2013 Brussels Agreement. The Kosovo authorities should implement the commitments through practical actions, instead of continuously making new demands and conditions. We hope that the new EU leadership will maintain its neutrality on the Kosovo issue and use its good offices in a fair and impartial manner. We expect all parties, with EU mediation, to continue to engage in discussions on the political solution to the Kosovo issue.
Fourth, UNMIK plays an important role in maintaining stability and promoting national reconciliation, among others. The UN and the Council should continue to maintain the attention to and input in the Kosovo issue, support UNMIK in the full implementation of its mandate, and support SRSG Ziadeh in her work.
President,
Today’s changing and turbulent world cannot afford more upheavals. Reality tells us that if security disputes are allowed to accumulate, they will eventually lead to the outbreak of a crisis. Given the region’s history of tragic wars, the international community has the responsibility to work together to explore the building of a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security architecture and prevent the Balkans from being plunged into turmoils again, China is ready to work with all parties concerned to make continued efforts to enhance dialogue, engagement, and peaceful coexistence among the ethnic communities of the region and promote an early political settlement of the Kosovo issue.
Thank you, President.