Statement by H.E. Mr. Yoshifumi Okamura

Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations

At the Security Council Briefing on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)

16 May 2016

 

 

Mr. President,

 

          I would like to begin by welcoming Ambassador Zahir Tanin, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, to the Security Council and thanking him for his insightful briefing. I also welcome Mr. Ivica Dačić, First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Serbia and Ambassador Vlora Çitaku.

 

Mr. President,

 

          I warmly congratulate Mr. Hashim Thaçi on his election and inauguration as President of the Republic of Kosovo. This election was conducted in accordance with democratic procedures. It was a significant step toward full-fledged democracy in Kosovo.

 

Mr. President,

 

          Seventeen years have passed since the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) was established. I remember that in 1999, UNMIK was the only governing body in Kosovo, really an interim administration. Kosovo was just a devastated land and people with no governing structure. However, now that Kosovo has its own constitution, government and assembly, the responsibility of the Mission might have accordingly changed and its role should be reconsidered. The work and setup of and resource allocation must be different accordingly. What then should be the Mission’s current focus?

 

          First, it should be to promote reconciliation among different ethnic groups in order to prevent unwanted instability in the Balkans region. In this regard, Kosovar and Serbian authorities must continue to engage in dialogue and to normalize their relations, with a spirit of tolerance and common interest.

 

          Secondly, there are other risks including the infiltration of violent extremism and the continued flow of small arms. These elements galvanize or aggravate whatever antagonisms exit into violence, which could spill over into the region. So these are the problems that UNMIK must tackle as a matter of priority.

 

          UNMIK has been playing an important role in addressing these priorities. But, at the same time, if the international community coddles Kosovo too heavily, it might hinder Kosovo’s ability to stand on its own feet. It is true that democracy has not yet fully taken root in Kosovo, and that the Kosovar economy is still weak. However, in order to achieve the stability and prosperity of Kosovo, and in order to make it sustainable,Kosovo’s ownership is of vital importance. Let us trust Kosovar people who are well-qualified and well-equipped in shaping their own future.

 

          In closing, I wish Ambassador Tanin every success in his important work and assure him of Japan’s strong support to him and his Mission.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.