October 30, 2024
I will now make a statement in my national capacity.
Like my colleagues, I would like to begin by thanking the Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral for her intervention. I would like to welcome the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Serbia and Kosovo.
Switzerland has deep and long-standing ties with the Western Balkans. The diaspora from this region in Switzerland plays an essential role as a bridge between our societies, fostering mutual understanding.
Since we joined the Security Council, we have witnessed tense situations in the four municipalities of northern Kosovo. Challenges to stability and good inter-ethnic relations persist. Unilateral actions over the past six months have led to considerable insecurity, impacting the daily lives of citizens, particularly Kosovo Serbs.
Switzerland stresses that peaceful and inclusive coexistence is essential to ensure lasting stability.
Respect for human rights, including minority rights, and adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law are essential. The participation of Kosovo Serbs in local and national governance, as well as in community life, is essential for fostering peaceful coexistence.
Furthermore, delays in the investigations into the Banjska attack and the clashes in May 2023, which injured KFOR soldiers, add to the concern. More than a year later, it is important that justice proceeds more swiftly.
These developments underline the importance of taking forward the EU- facilitated dialogue. We reaffirm our support for this process and our commitment to contribute to it. Outstanding issues should be addressed within this framework, constructively and in a spirit of trust. For solutions to be sustainable, however, the process should be more inclusive, ensuring the full, equal and meaningful participation of women.
It is regrettable that, after the momentum generated by the Brussels and Ohrid agreements in early 2023, the dialogue has stalled. The political leaders of Kosovo and Serbia must demonstrate political will and commit themselves fully to its implementation.
We call on both parties to honor their commitments without delay and without preconditions. For Kosovo, this means rapidly setting up the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities, and for Serbia, it means not opposing Kosovo’s membership in international organizations. Respect for past commitments is the foundation for future progress.
Excellencies,
Twenty-five years have passed since the end of the war. We recognize the vital role played by international organizations in the stabilization and development of Kosovo, notably KFOR, in which thousands of Swiss soldiers have served. We also congratulate UNMIK on the important work it has accomplished since 1999, and believe that a constructive discussion on a possible strategic review could be useful for its future efforts.
The international community continues to have a role to play in supporting regional stability. However, the responsibility for defusing tensions and ensuring progress in neighbourly relations lies with Kosovo and Serbia.
To this end, political solutions must be found. This requires sustained commitment and pragmatic efforts.
We welcome the recent results of the Berlin Process, and emphasize that regional integration is a prerequisite for the region’s prosperity. We also stress the importance of fostering trust between the parties, notably through reconciliation efforts. Cooperation on the issue of missing persons is a step in this direction. Switzerland is contributing to this objective with a mission of experts to explore the use of new technologies in the search for missing persons.
By supporting these efforts, Switzerland is contributing to the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. We will continue to work to promote peace and prosperity in the Western Balkans, beyond our role in the Council.
I thank you.