Statement delivered by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN at the Security Council Briefing on “Security Council resolutions 1160 (1998), 1199 (1998), 1203 (1998), 1239 (1999) and 1244 (1999)” – Kosovo/UNMIK

Thank you, Madam President,

I thank SRSG Caroline Ziadeh for her briefing. I also welcome the presence of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, His Excellency Mr. Marko Durić and Ms. Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz of Kosovo at today’s meeting. I have listened carefully to their statements.

Madam President,

We must first reiterate our support for the critically important work that continues to be done by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). The execution of the mandate to promote peace, security, stability, and respect for human rights in Kosovo continues to be highly valued.

Even as we have passed 25 years since its establishment, UNMIK’s role in the advancement of peace and stability in the Western Balkans cannot be overstated.

We are especially encouraged by UNMIK’s support for initiatives that seek to build trust across Kosovo through promoting inter-ethnic dialogue and combatting divisive narratives.

Madam President,

Guyana commends the continuing efforts of the European Union in facilitating dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo. We encourage both parties to recommit to this mechanism and to continue to use peaceful means to resolve any concerns that may arise. We continue to believe that the EU facilitated dialogues is the most appropriate mechanism for finding consensus toward the goal of achieving a just and lasting peace.

We are dismayed to see a stagnation in the dialogue with very limited progress being made by the parties in implementing their obligations. It is evident by the agreements reached in 2023 that there exists a path on which the parties can come together in the interest of the stability and prosperity of their populations. We are hopeful that both sides can re-examine their positions and return to the negotiating table.

Madam President,

Guyana is concerned about the incidents highlighted in the Secretary General’s report. Unilateral actions that are likely to have a disproportionate negative impact on the lives of the Serb-minority community will only serve to heighten tensions and erode trust. These actions have the potential to not only cause harm to the economic and social well-being of minority communities but can also put at risk the stability of Kosovo, Serbia and the wider region.

We call on all parties to act responsibly and with foresight of the consequences of their actions. It is the responsibility of Kosovo’s leadership to ensure that the human rights and well-being of all of their population is respected and upheld at all times.

We have taken positive note of the efforts of both UNMIK and Kosovo to advance women’s participation in the peace process, to promote gender equality and to address violence against women.

Madam President,

Guyana believes that progress is always possible. In an era of increasing armed conflicts, we call on the leadership of both Kosovo and Serbia to take heed of the devastating consequences of forsaking diplomacy. We reiterate our call for the parties to maximize the opportunities for bridging divides through the EU led Belgrade – Pristina dialogue, and to recommit to the full implementation of existing agreements.

Guyana continues to believe that there is a future in which an independent, democratic Kosovo can exist alongside Serbia where all of their peoples can thrive in societies that enjoy peace and prosperity. Where diversity is a strength that is celebrated and not a source of instability and division.

I thank you.