Declaração do Representante Permanente Alterno, Embaixador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, em reunião do Conselho de Segurança sobre Kosovo - 20 de abril de 2022 (texto em inglês)

Madam President,

At the outset, I would like to thank Caroline Ziadeh, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo for her remarks regarding the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) from September of 2021 to March of this year.

Brazil appreciates the efforts of the UNMIK in assisting the people of Kosovo. We understand that, despite remaining challenges, the Mission has been accomplishing some of its mains objectives, as set out in Resolution 1244, especially in overseeing the development of local institutions, supporting peace-building activities, and providing assistance to local authorities to perform basic administrative functions. Nevertheless, the recent report points out that more needs to be done regarding the strengthening of the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organized crime, the respect for the rights of minorities, and, crucially, the establishment of the

Association/Community of Serb-majority Municipalities in Kosovo, as agreed in the Brussels agreements.

We also acknowledge the initiatives led by the European Union and the United States to foster dialogue and understanding between Pristina and Belgrade. In this regard, the resumption of direct contact between authorities from both parties, last October, is particularly welcomed.

We note that despite the continuous support by the international community, a political settlement remains elusive. As the UNMIK report makes clear, there is much distrust and lack of cooperation between Belgrade and Pristina. Furthermore, within Kosovo, Serbs and other minorities feel discriminated and persecuted. This is most unfortunate, since the political stability in Kosovo is of paramount importance for the Western Balkans.

In this regard, we believe that the persistent discussion on the recognition of Kosovo as an independent state has been detrimental to the wider political process and has undermined the prospects for meaningful regional cooperation. Resolution 1244 is clear that the people of Kosovo can enjoy substantial autonomy within Serbia, while the development of self-governing political institutions is aimed at “ensuring conditions for a peaceful and normal life for all the inhabitants of Kosovo.” As the reports of the Secretary-General inform us,

a substantial autonomy of Kosovo has been generally achieved, but the conditions for a peaceful and normal life for all communities in the region are not yet accomplished. Hence, the main objective of UNMIK remains unfulfilled and the debate about an independent Kosovo seems premature.

It is necessary to put in place a broad dialogue between the various communities in the region in order to bring much needed stability and prosperity. The principles for such comprehensive political dialogue must be the strict observance of human rights, including freedom of religion and integrity of religious sites, and the strengthening of the rule of law.

Many observers have noted that the status quo in Kosovo is unsustainable, and that the lack of agreement can not only worsen tensions and deepen the estrangement amongst all communities, but also risks irreversible changes on the ground and further reduce the prospects of a settlement. Hence, Pristina and Belgrade must display a renewed sense of urgency in resuming the negotiating process.

Brazil does not underestimate the complexity of issues involved, in particular regarding the future status of Kosovo. Brazil has always supported, and will remain supportive of, the efforts to bring a negotiated solution that allow the peoples of the Balkans to live in peace, with security and prosperity.

Thank you.