SRSG Tanin in Security Council Session on Kosovo: The time for action now moves ahead of the time for excuses

Security Council
14 Nov 2017

SRSG Tanin in Security Council Session on Kosovo: The time for action now moves ahead of the time for excuses

14 November, 2017 – New York: The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Kosovo and Head of UNMIK, Zahir Tanin, highlighted to Security Council members today that with the end of the Kosovo election cycle, “the time for action now moves ahead of the time for excuses”. In his regular update on Kosovo, SRSG Tanin underlined that signs of political will and commitment to move forward seem increasingly evident.

Taking note of the integration of 40 new judges and 13 new state prosecutors from the Serb community into a “unitary Kosovo justice system”, SRSG Tanin commended the parties for moving this forward. Underscoring that technical implementation within the framework of the EU-facilitated dialogue needs more meaningful commitment from both sides, SRSG Tanin observed the lack of progress toward implementation of the agreed Community/Association of Serb-majority municipalities.

Underlining the importance that a sustainable peace process not be hindered by inflexibility or simple inaction, SRSG Tanin opined, “The state of affairs between Belgrade and Pristina has the potential to evolve beyond the unfortunate long-standing impasse.”

Regarding CEFTA, SRSG Tanin stated that Pristina representatives attend all CEFTA meetings, and that UNMIK’s participation is limited to the requirements of the legal statutes. “This participation continues strictly to the extent required by CEFTA members to ensure its functionality, which in turn supports economic opportunity throughout the region”, SRSG Tanin underlined.

SRSG Tanin stressed, “The much needed provision of economic and employment opportunities, the need to counter public corruption and ensure public accountability at all levels, and perhaps above all, fighting against organised criminality are crucial objectives.” And the final objective remains clear, “sustained peace, and the opportunities it brings for individuals to fulfil their aspirations and their potential.”

Read the full statement of SRSG Tanin here. (PDF) 

Read the report of the UN Secretary-General on the activities of UNMIK, and developments related thereto, from 16 July to 15 October 2017, here. (PDF) 

Security Council