Statement by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at Security Council meeting on 'Security Council resolutions 1160 (1998), 1199 (1998), 1203 (1998), 1239 (1999) and 1244 (1999)' - Kosovo

Thank you, Madame President  

I thank SRSG Caroline Ziadeh for her briefing and welcome the presence of their Excellencies, the Presidents of Serbia and Kosovo at today’s meeting. 

Guyana acknowledges and supports the important work of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) in the promotion of peace, security, stability, and respect for human rights in Kosovo. We believe that the Mission’s objectives to promote inter-community trust-building, to support human rights and the rule of law, and to support progress towards the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, remain critically important.  

We also acknowledge the critical assistance provided by the wider UN system to UNMIK in the execution of its mandate.  The collaboration of a wide spectrum of UN agencies, including UNODC, UNDP, UNOPS, UN-Women and IOM, among others, with Kosovo’s government and civil society, are essential to building a stable state and in contributing to securing a lasting peace.  

We express our concern regarding the instances of interference with the premises and assets of UNMIK, including vandalism of the Mission’s offices. We call on the relevant authorities of Kosovo to ensure the protection of UNMIK’s premises and assets, and to further ensure that the Mission has full access to its premises in northern Kosovo.

Madame President,

Guyana applauds the leadership of the European Union in facilitating dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo and believes that this mechanism remains the most vital avenue for ensuring that a just and sustainable solution to this conflict is achieved.

The significant progress made through the dialogue in 2023 was encouraging, however, we are deeply concerned by recent actions that have contributed to an escalation in tension, and by the absence of effort by the parties toward the implementation of the agreed provisions of the February 2023 Agreement.

We encourage a re-examination of any actions that have the potential to disrupt the economic and social well-being of minority communities.  It is essential that the human rights of all are upheld.

We commend the actions taken by the Government of Kosovo to implement policies that advance gender equality and women’s empowerment. We also urge continued efforts to address concerns related to gender-based violence.

Madame President,

Guyana continues to support an independent, democratic Kosovo that can fully participate in the international multilateral system.  We call on all parties to recommit to the EU led Belgrade – Pristina dialogue, and to safeguard the hard-won gains, through the full implementation of existing agreements. We firmly believe that through dialogue and diplomacy the people of Serbia and Kosovo will be able to live side-by-side in peace and prosperity.

I thank you.