April 22, 2024
Thank you, Madam President.
I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ms. Caroline Ziadeh for her briefing. I would like to extend a warm welcome to President Vucic and President Osmani to the Security Council.
As a country which has been actively engaging in the peace and security on the Balkans, Japan commends the UNMIK’s staff for their commitment, and we thank SRSG Ziadeh for her leadership and active engagement with local and international partners to promote mutual trust between the parties.
Madam President,
We acknowledge the positive development of Kosovo based on the rule of law since its independence and the relative stability reached in the region. However, as stated at the Security Council meeting in February, Japan has been concerned about the situation on the ground, where there have been several negative incidents recently.
The Banjska attack last September must be fully investigated, and the perpetrators must be held accountable based on an impartial investigation.
We also underscore the importance of full and transparent communication and continuous dialogues among the parties regarding policies that have a significant impact on stability in the region and people’s daily lives, such as currency-related measures.
Nonetheless, despite the ongoing issues between the two, what is important is for both sides to look to the future, to recommit to existing agreements, and to continue to implement them in good faith. Fomenting distrust is not a constructive approach.
Any unilateral actions that could lead to further escalation should be avoided.
Therefore, Japan strongly urges both parties to further engage in the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, which is essential to peace and stability in the Western Balkans.
We highlight that the accession of the Western Balkans to the EU will contribute to achieve the stability and prosperity in the region. In this context, Japan launched the “Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative” in 2018, to support economic and social reforms of the Western Balkans toward EU accession and promote regional cooperation.
Since its establishment in 1999, the UNMIK has played a critical role in supporting Kosovo. We also recognize that the situation in Kosovo is very different from 25 years ago. Therefore, the UNMIK’s role should be reviewed accordingly.
In conclusion, Madam President, Japan stands ready to work with all stakeholders to achieve peace, stability, and reconciliation in the region.
I thank you.