Statement by First Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy at an open VTC of UNSC members on the situation in Kosovo
Before I start, I would like again to draw attention to disrespect for the Security Council and its decisions, demonstrated by the Kosovo-Albanian representatives, who were invited to this meeting in their private capacity.
We had to put the open VTC on pause in order to discuss this situation, i.a. in light of the fact that the Russian Federation and the majority of other SC members do not recognize Kosovo as an independent state, which is why display of the flag of this non-recognized entity is unacceptable.
Ultimately, our meeting could continue only given the understanding that VTCs of the Security Council be an informal and provisional format that is not fully covered by the Council's rules of procedure. Therefore, whatever background Ms. Gërvalla might choose – a flag or a photo of the Eiffel Tower – this is not relevant and creates no precedent for the future.
Mr. President,
We thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Zahir Tanin for briefing us on the situation in Kosovo. We welcome the participation of Serbia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Nikola Selaković. Mr. Minister, we agree with your assessments and concerns you expressed regarding the situation in the Province.
The Russian position with regard to the Kosovo settlement is principle-based and unchanging. This problem can only be solved in the framework of the international law, first of all UNSC resolution 1244.
We regret the lack of progress in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina under the auspices of the European Union, which was authorized to act as a mediator by a decision of the United Nations General Assembly. The main reason for this lack of progress is Pristina’s unconstructive position. Even though it has been 12 years since the Brussels Agreements were signed, Kosovo-Albanians failed to recognize futility of artificial ultimatums and rejection of the obligations they had taken upon. The central of those obligations is creating a Community of Serb Municipalities in Kosovo. Besides, Kosovo-Albanian leaders have recently started to make more frequent statements about the possibility of a referendum on Kosovo’s accession to Albania, as well as ultimatums demanding Belgrade to recognize Kosovo’s independence and pay off some “reparations”. As for the dialogue under Brussels’ auspices, Kosovars put it on the backburner as a non-priority task.
We call on the European Union to stick to the principle of impartiality. It is unacceptable to impose any time frames or ready-made scenarios, exert pressure on Belgrade only, even though it has proven its dealmaking capacity – unlike Pristina, which is not ready for any serious dialogue unless fostered from the outside. In the same context, we stand against Kosovo becoming member of international organizations.
Mr. President,
We are little surprised that dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is not moving forward, because the domestic political situation in Kosovo is a never-ending series of crises. The most recent example is the so-called parliamentary elections and their numerous irregularities. The Kosovar authorities suspended (on a very far-fetched pretext) many pro-Serbian candidates from participation, including two already elected “MPs”. In the meantime, 14 “MPs” with outstanding convictions found their way to the “Parliament”. It took the 'Self-Determination Movement' three attempts and active involvement of diplomats from “unindifferent” states before they were able to choose a “president”. To what “triumph of democracy” (as some our colleagues would put it) could this actually refer?
Among positive developments, we note the work of the Hague Special Court regarding the military crimes, organ trafficking, and crimes against humanity committed by members of former ‘Kosovo Liberation Army’. All those guilty must be held duly accountable, despite all attempts of Kosovo-Albanians to discredit the Court’s activity in order to deflect the hit from their leaders.
The Province of Kosovo remains home to many chronical problems, the major ones being pervasive corruption and organized crime. They seem to be part of the reason why Kosovo-Albanian police officers, affiliated with the beating and detention of UNMIK personnel on duty (among them a Russian national – M.Krasnoshchekov) on 28 May 2019, have not been held to account yet. This appalling attack must not be dismissed, otherwise it may affect safety and security of peacekeepers throughout the globe. The investigation needs to be carried through until it is completed.
The immaturity of the political system entails the lack of progress in implementing essential reforms in the Province. The coronavirus pandemic has undermined its subsidized economy. The level of youth unemployment is extremely high. Besides, Kosovo is turning into a hotbed of militant Islamism that spreads its pernicious influence to the neighboring territories. The terrorist attack in Vienna in November 2020 clearly demonstrated it.
We must say that national radicalism leads to the growing number of attacks on Kosovar Serbs and other non-Albanians, as well as schools and other social facilities, while Kosovo’s law-enforcement looks past it. The issue of safeguarding Serb religious and cultural legacy remains pressing for the Province. Therefore, we would like to remind that the responsibility for maintaining peace and security on this territory rests with the Kosovo Force (KFOR) and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX).
The return of refugees and IDPs to their permanent places of residence has long become desperately stuck. The authorities in Pristina make no efforts to maintain trust between national communes inhabiting the area. The situation with return of Serb property that was usurped by Kosovo-Albanians to its lawful owners is absolutely unsatisfactory.
We have taken note of the so-called Kosovar “Defense Ministry” pledging to create a “military base” of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) in the municipality of Mitrovica South. Thus the KSF would gain position on the territory adjacent to the north of the Province, which would oust all non-Albanian population from the area, violate UNSC resolution 1244 and create new threats for peace and security in the Balkans. Besides, such activity undermines Dayton mechanisms of regional arms control that are endorsed by UNSC resolution 1031.
Another reason for concern is the news about KSF units and ‘Bondsteel’ military base (which is situated in Kosovo) participating in NATO exercise ‘Defender Europe 2021’. Should the KSF personnel take part in NATO military maneuvers, it would help legitimize Kosovo’s unapproved “army”. It is worth mentioning that back in 2018 NATO condemned Kosovo’s “Parliament” adopting a legislative package aimed at transforming the KSF. But in practical terms, the Alliance is getting more and more involved in training Kosovo’s militia.
Mr. President,
Amidst such unfavorable conditions, the activity of UNMIK remains in high demand. We stand for preserving the budgetary and staffing capacity of the Mission at the current level. We believe the negotiated frequency of open Security Council briefings on Kosovo should be maintained. Besides, we hope that the next Secretary-General’s report will reflect all challenges that the Province is faced with. The situation there remains volatile. It requires continued attention of the international community.
Thank you.
