UN envoy calls for talks to achieve peace in Kosovo

China's top envoy to the United Nations on Wednesday emphasized the importance of dialogue and consultation for achieving regional peace and stability in Kosovo.

"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," Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said at a Security Council briefing.

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, he said.

At the UN, Fu said that all parties should adhere to the framework of Council Resolution 1244, aiming for a mutually acceptable political solution through dialogue and consultation while respecting Serbia's "sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity".

"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," Fu said. "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."

Fu listed recent actions by Kosovo authorities — such as banning the Serbian dinar, closing Serb-run institutions, conducting violent searches of Serbs in northern Kosovo, and planning to open the Ibar River Bridge — as "unilateral actions" that adversely affect the livelihoods and security of Serbs, leading to heightened fear and confrontation and an increase in violent incidents in northern Kosovo.

China expressed deep concern about the situation and urged Kosovo authorities to cease unilateral actions, returning immediately to the path of dialogue and consultation, Fu said. He emphasized that the Kosovo Force, a NATO-led international force, should genuinely respect Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and act in ways that support peace and stability in the Balkans, Fu said,

"Tolerance, reconciliation and harmonious coexistence among all communities are not only a prerequisite for the stability in Kosovo but also serve the long-term and fundamental interests of all parties," Fu said.

Fu cited the UN secretary-general's report, which indicated frequent instances of intimidation and arrests of Serbs by Kosovo authorities, as well as a persistent lack of Serb representation in northern Kosovo's municipal institutions, which he said is 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," Fu said.

Fu added that the new EU leadership should maintain neutrality on the Kosovo issue and use its offices "in a fair and impartial manner".

He also urged EU parties to continue discussions toward a political resolution, emphasizing that Kosovo authorities should respect and implement existing commitments, particularly regarding the establishment of the Serb community municipalities as outlined in the 2013 Brussels Agreement, rather than introducing new demands and conditions.

The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) plays an important role in maintaining stability and promoting national reconciliation, Fu said.  The UN and the Security Council should continue to watch the Kosovo issue and offer input, supporting UNMIK in the full implementation of its mandate.

mingmeili@chinadailyusa.com