UNITED NATIONS, Oct 22 (APP):Despite progress in forming Kosovo’s institutions, Pakistan has told the UN Security Council that ongoing inter-communal tensions and unresolved issues with Serbia continue to threaten stability, making it vital to curb these trends before they take root. "We unequivocally condemn all actions directed against any people on the basis of their faith, belief or ethnicity, and hope that relevant authorities would take decisive action against such …
Unresolved Kosovo tensions threaten regional stability, Pakistan tells UNSC
UNITED NATIONS, Oct 22 (APP):Despite progress in forming Kosovo’s institutions, Pakistan has told the UN Security Council that ongoing inter-communal tensions and unresolved issues with Serbia continue to threaten stability, making it vital to curb these trends before they take root.
“We unequivocally condemn all actions directed against any people on the basis of their faith, belief or ethnicity, and hope that relevant authorities would take decisive action against such activities,” the Acting Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, Usman Jadoon, said following a briefing on the activities of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).
Noting with concern the statements related to diversion of shared hydro resources, Ambassador Jadoon said trans-boundary waters between co-riparians should not be used for political point-scoring or to further any narrow geo-political aim.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in February 2008 following years of ethnic tensions, but Serbia has not recognized the declaration. The European Union (EU) has since been facilitating dialogue between the parties on a range of challenges.
“We firmly believe that sustained and meaningful participation in the EU-facilitated dialogue, with earnest implementation of all agreements and understandings reached between the authorities in Belgrade and Pristina remains the only viable path for overcoming challenges, and to ensure lasting peace, and stability in the region,” the Pakistani envoy said.
In this regard, he called for trust-building between the two sides remains as an essential element for moving forward. B
Ambassador Jadoon also backed UNMIK’s efforts to promote harmony and foster the spirit of co-existence, and tolerance among various communities in Kosovo.
Pakistan, he said, enjoys friendly relations with Serbia and Kosovo and remained a resolute supporter of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Balkans.
“We encourage both sides to work together in the spirit of peaceful co-existence, mutual respect, recognition of mutual sensitivities, and to safeguard social and economic rights of all peoples in the region.”
Briefing the Security Council, Peter Due, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIK, said that the past six months saw increased tensions in Kosovo and the region, pointing out that peaceful June elections were followed by political uncertainty and heightened rhetoric.
Property disputes, stalled reintegration of Kosovo Serb judicial personnel and allegations of police ill-treatment have eroded trust and reinforced perceptions of unequal treatment, he said.
Reporting convictions of former President Hashim Thaci and three other former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders for war crimes, he expressed concern over legislative amendments limiting the Specialist Chambers’ powers. Judicial independence “must be respected”, he stressed.
Welcoming newly formed institutions, he urged effective governance for all communities and renewed engagement in the European Union-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.
