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H.E. MR. SHINICHI KITAOKA
Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan
On the Sutuation in Kosovo
29 November 2004
Mr. President,
I would like to thank you for convening today's public meeting. I would also like to express Japan's sincere appreciation for the efforts of all parties concerned, especially Mr. Søren Jessen-Petersen and his staff.
Mr. President,
Japan is pleased that the election for the Kosovo Parliament was held democratically and without major incident on 23 October. However, from the perspective of ethnic reconciliation in Kosovo, it is regrettable that most of the Serbian electorate did not participate in the election. We hope that based on the results of the election, the new PISG will be established and it will start fulfilling its mandated tasks as soon as possible. We also call on Kosovo Serbs and the Government of Serbia to join the discussion on the creation of a "multiethnic and democratic Kosovo" in a constructive manner.
Mr. President,
We believe that the recommendation the Secretary-General submitted to the Security Council based on the report of Ambassador Eide deserves our utmost attention. My government recognizes that the most important goal of the international community is the creation of a multiethnic and democratic society in Kosovo and that it should be realized through implementation of the "Standards before Status" policy. On the other hand, the violence that occurred in March indicates that the current situation is unsatisfactory not only for Serbs but also for Albanians in Kosovo. In order to improve this situation, it is essential that multiple strategies, including recalibration of the standards policy and rehabilitation of the economy, must be implemented effectively. From that viewpoint, we would like to express our support for the recommendation of the Secretary-General.
Mr. President,
"The comprehensive and integrated strategy" incorporates a number of different elements, but we wish to state our view today with regard to the matter of recalibration of the standards policy. We believe that all international institutions must pay attention to outside opinions concerning their policies and strategies, but the Security Council has a special obligation in this regard. Ambassador Eide stated in his report that "The current "standards before status" policy lacks credibility," and we must face this criticism head on. The Secretary-General's call for recalibration of the standards policy is therefore of high significance. Needless to say, the recalibration must be implemented in such a way as to give the right momentum and direction to the political process in Kosovo. We wish to reiterate, however, that, as the recommendation of the Secretary-General made clear, implementation of the standards is, above all, for the benefit of Kosovo and its people. That is why we are compelled to express our concern in response to the Secretary-General's observation that the progress made so far in implementing the standards has been limited.
Mr. President,
Japan has repeatedly stated its view that in order to create a multiethnic and democratic Kosovo, in order to realize the "consolidation of peace," it is essential to tackle the problems of economic difficulties, security and sustainable return. We therefore highly appreciate the emphasis that the comprehensive and integrated strategy placed on formulating a more robust economic development policy involving both short- and long-term measures, strengthening efforts to deal with the causes and consequences of the March violence, sustainable return as well as cooperation on improvement of the security situation and freedom of movement.
Mr. President,
Japan regards two criteria as key to the success of the comprehensive and integrated strategy: first, the people in Kosovo should take ownership; second, the relevant international institutions, such as UNMIK, must function efficiently. We hope that the staff of UNMIK led by Mr. Søren Jessen-Petersen, as well as the staffs of other agencies, will keep these two points in mind as they proceed with their activities.
Mr. President,
Japan co-hosted the Ministerial Conference on Peace Consolidation and Economic Development of the Western Balkans this April, based on our firm belief that stabilizing this region, including Kosovo, is crucial for the stability of the entire region. We wish to reaffirm our commitment to this region, including our intention to provide assistance, in cooperation with the entire international community, to advance the Kosovo Standards Implementation Plan.
Thank you, Mr. President. |
