Statement by Ambassador Trishala Persaud, Deputy Permanent Representative of Guyana at the 9545th meeting of the United Nations Security Council on ‘Security Council resolutions 1160 (1998), 1199 (1998), 1203 (1998), 1239 (1999) and 1244 (1999)’ – Kosovo

I thank SRSG Caroline Ziadeh, Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) for her insightful brief.  I also welcome the presence of H.E. Aleksandar Vucic, President of the Republic of Serbia and H.E. Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of Kosovo, and their respective delegations, at today’s meeting.

Guyana is deeply troubled by the rising tensions and incidents that have been reported and call on all parties to take steps to bring calm and to return to active dialogue in the interest of ensuring stability for the peoples of both Kosovo and Serbia, as well as the wider region.

We are also concerned about the recent events in Kosovo and their possible negative consequences on the lives and well-being of members of the ethnic Serb minority community in Kosovo. 

It is imperative that all parties act responsibly and in a manner that respects the human rights of all. Guyana underscores the importance of promoting policies that are responsive to the needs and concerns of all persons, including ethnic minorities.

We welcome the efforts by the European Union in facilitating the ongoing dialogue between the parties and believes that this mechanism remains a critical avenue for ensuring the achievement of a final resolution that will allow all the people of Kosovo and of Serbia to live side by side in peace and prosperity.

While we were encouraged by progress made early last year through the dialogue, we are deeply concerned by the ongoing gridlock and possible reversal in advancement toward implementation of the agreed provisions of the February 2023 Agreement on the Path to Normalisation. 

Guyana supports a multi-ethnic, democratic Kosovo that receives international recognition and that can become a full member of the international multilateral system. This can only be achieved through renewed commitment to the EU led Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and through Kosovo’s dedication to the enforcement of principles of democracy, the protection of the human rights of all its population and respect for the rule of law.

Thank you.