Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing "UNMIK: United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo"
2023/10/23
(As delivered)
Mr. President,
I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ms. Caroline Ziadeh for her briefing.
Since its establishment in 1999, the UNMIK has played a critical role in supporting Kosovo.
Japan commends UNMIK staff for their commitment, and we thank SRSG Ziadeh for her leadership and active engagement with local and international partners to promote mutual trust at the grassroots level, including 40 multiethnic events.
Mr. President,
We express our serious concern over the growing tensions in the north of Kosovo. We call on both parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from taking unilateral actions that could lead to further escalation. Japan strongly condemns the series of violent acts, especially Banjska attacks in late September. The perpetrators must be held accountable via an impartial investigation.
The security situation in the north of Kosovo needs to be stabilized to avoid a new crisis on the ground. We therefore welcome the recent decision to bring reinforcements by the KFOR, which continues to play an important role for stability and security in Kosovo. Securing the environment for Serbs returning to join the Kosovo police and Kosovo institutions will be helpful.
Japan strongly urges both parties to recommit engaging in the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, which is essential to peace and stability in the Western Balkans. We call on them to fully implement swiftly and in good faith their respective obligations under the agreements achieved in the Dialogue to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo.
Mr. President,
As mentioned earlier, the UNMIK continues to make meaningful efforts at confidence building in the region. We also recognize that the situation in Kosovo is very different from when the UNMIK was established in 1999. Therefore, the UNMIK’s role should be reviewed in order to adapt to the current situation.
Japan stands ready to work with all stakeholders to achieve peace, stability, and reconciliation in the region.
I thank you.
I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ms. Caroline Ziadeh for her briefing.
Since its establishment in 1999, the UNMIK has played a critical role in supporting Kosovo.
Japan commends UNMIK staff for their commitment, and we thank SRSG Ziadeh for her leadership and active engagement with local and international partners to promote mutual trust at the grassroots level, including 40 multiethnic events.
Mr. President,
We express our serious concern over the growing tensions in the north of Kosovo. We call on both parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from taking unilateral actions that could lead to further escalation. Japan strongly condemns the series of violent acts, especially Banjska attacks in late September. The perpetrators must be held accountable via an impartial investigation.
The security situation in the north of Kosovo needs to be stabilized to avoid a new crisis on the ground. We therefore welcome the recent decision to bring reinforcements by the KFOR, which continues to play an important role for stability and security in Kosovo. Securing the environment for Serbs returning to join the Kosovo police and Kosovo institutions will be helpful.
Japan strongly urges both parties to recommit engaging in the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, which is essential to peace and stability in the Western Balkans. We call on them to fully implement swiftly and in good faith their respective obligations under the agreements achieved in the Dialogue to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo.
Mr. President,
As mentioned earlier, the UNMIK continues to make meaningful efforts at confidence building in the region. We also recognize that the situation in Kosovo is very different from when the UNMIK was established in 1999. Therefore, the UNMIK’s role should be reviewed in order to adapt to the current situation.
Japan stands ready to work with all stakeholders to achieve peace, stability, and reconciliation in the region.
I thank you.