Statement by Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Samuel Žbogar at the UNSC meeting on Security Council resolutions 1160 (1998), 1199 (1998), 1203 (1998), 1239 (1999) and 1244 (1999)

Thank you very much Mr. President.

I thank SRSG Ziadeh for her briefing. We welcome both ministers in the Chamber.

At the outset, I want to commend UNMIK, EULEX, and KFOR for their contributions to peace and stability in Kosovo.

Mr. President,

According to reports, the security situation in Kosovo remains calm despite a few serious incidents.

I want to start with some encouraging and positive developments. Earlier in the year, Kosovo held peaceful, competitive, and inclusive parliamentary elections. This is a positive step forward in strengthening Kosovo’s democratic credentials and Slovenia very much welcomes it.

In a similar vein, we also welcome the recent talks between EU high officials and the political leaders in Kosovo and Serbia. We praise the reaffirmation of all sides to foster dialogue and support integration into the EU.

We also recognize the establishment of the Joint Commission on Missing Persons. This is a positive step, and we call on both sides to swiftly commence the Commission’s work and to continue taking forward-looking steps in other areas.

Mr. President,

Our expectations for both sides remain high and we believe that the year 2025 could and should mark a fresh start.

First, on the continuation of the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina towards the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo.

This process needs to be furthered. We expect the leadership of both, Serbia and Kosovo, to address outstanding issues through constructive dialogue. Their leadership must work towards creating an environment of mutual trust and respect, with a focus on long-term stability and reconciliation. We also expect full implementation by both parties of agreements reached so far.

Second. On de-escalation and refraining from unilateral actions.

We expect the concerns of non-majority communities, particularly the Kosovo Serb community, to be adequately addressed, especially regarding the closure of institutions providing essential services. We must ensure that the voices of communities, particularly non-majority groups, are well heard and their concerns addressed.

Progress can only be achieved when all citizens are treated equally and with respect and when all feel welcome in Kosovo. Kosovo’s judicial institutions must promote adequate representation of non-majority communities among judges, prosecutors, notaries, and other public law roles in accordance with Kosovo’s legal framework.

Mr. President,

We strongly condemn the attack on the Ibar-Lepenac water canal last November and call for accountability of perpetrators. We expect the same also for the attack in Banjska in September 2023.

Third, on inclusive governance and establishment of a future of mutual understanding, respect, and progress in Kosovo.

All political parties must recognize the importance of the aforementioned principles. The same expectation goes for the international community in Kosovo, which must continue investing in youth-led initiatives that promote dialogue, understanding, and collaboration across ethnic and political divides.

The international community’s support is also needed to ensure that UN peacekeeping operations, including UNMIK, are regularly reviewed and, when necessary, adapted in terms of their strategic and operational tasks to reflect the evolving realities on the ground and thus better support long-term stability.

Mr. President,

If for no one else, it is for Kosovo youth that things need to start moving forward. They deserve a future shaped by shared values of respect, tolerance, and solidarity. It is time for the region to break free from the chains of the past and move forward. And with the strong support of the international community, it can be achieved.

I thank you.

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