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

Thank you, Mr. President,

I thank SRSG Ziadeh for her briefing. We also welcome the participation of His Excellency Mr. Marko Djurić, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia and Her Excellency Ms. Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of Kosovo, in today’s meeting. We have listened carefully to their presentations.

Mr. President,

At the outset, I reiterate Guyana’s firm support for the United Nations Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and its critical work to promote security, stability and respect for human rights in Kosovo and the region.

Guyana thanks the Secretary General for his report on the activities of the Mission for the period September 2024 to March 2025, and takes careful note of the key political developments. In this regard, we commend Kosovo for the peaceful elections held on February 9th, where women secured 37.5% of the seats in the legislature.

We also took positive note of the new Law on General Elections aimed at increasing transparency and promoting greater representation of women through the allocation of financial initiatives. However, we are concerned by the reports of harsh rhetoric, including hate speech, and attempts to politicize key institutions. We encourage the parties to work swiftly towards forming a new government and urge all political actors to be more responsible in their rhetoric and conduct.

Responsible leadership and governance will be key in ensuring that both Kosovo and Serbia reaffirm their commitment to the European Union-facilitated dialogue. While it is discouraging that the implementation of agreements for the normalization of relations has been stalled, we continue to believe that this mechanism remains the best avenue for achieving a just and lasting peace. We urge both Kosovo and Serbia to negotiate in good faith with the shared goal of preventing an escalation of tensions.

We remain concerned about unilateral actions being taken by both sides, including actions that could cause harm to ethnic minority communities, or that violate the parties’ obligations under the EU facilitated dialogue. We urge the relevant authorities to exercise restraint and avoid taking any actions that fuel mistrust. Addressing the concerns of non-majority communities and ensuring the protection of their economic and social rights is an obligation that all governments must uphold.

Guyana condemns the 29th November 2024 attack on the Ibar-Lepenac Canal and calls for a transparent and comprehensive investigation to be conducted and for those responsible to be held to account.

We are encouraged by UNMIK’s activities geared towards promoting social cohesion in Kosovo. We commend SRSG Ziadeh and team for the initiatives undertaken through the Barabar Centre and the UNMIK-supported projects held as a follow-up to the sixth UN Youth Assembly, all aimed at fostering dialogue, building trust among ethnically diverse communities and fostering an inclusive society for all ethnic groups in Kosovo.

In closing, Mr. President, Guyana reiterates our firm support and belief in a Europe that includes an independent, democratic Kosovo existing peacefully alongside Serbia.

With leadership committed to respectful and constructive dialogue and the rejection of bellicose rhetoric, we can make progress toward a reality where all the peoples of both Serbia and Kosovo thrive in peace and prosperity.

Thank you.