We would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General for his briefing as well as the Foreign Ministers of Serbia and Kosovo for their statements.
The normalization of the relations between Serbia and Kosovo is the key to regional stability. We strongly support the efforts of the EU Special Representative Miroslaw Lajčák for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue. We welcome the resumption of the Dialogue process on 12 July. The two sides have shown commitment and engagement and we are encouraged by the substantial work done since July. It is crucial that in the end all open issues will be solved. We encourage both parties to advance engagement with their civil societies, in particular with women and youth, as they can significantly contribute to the solutions on the issues at the negotiation table.
We welcome that both governments of Serbia and Kosovo have confirmed their strategic commitment to their EU future. The EU Facilitated Dialogue is key condition for taking steps in their respective European path.
Estonia commends Mr. Tanin for leading the work of UNMIK in helping to advance Kosovo’s democratization process and promoting human rights. We particularly appreciate UNMIK’s support for women’s participation in decision-making processes, as well as for initiatives aimed at the youth and the fight against gender-based violence. During the critical time of the COVID-19 pandemic we commend the supportive actions taken by UNMIK in helping Kosovo to alleviate the challenges caused by pandemic.
We welcome that the new government of Kosovo has confirmed their strategic commitment to the EU path. Now all political actors should demonstrate that they could work together and build political consensus towards the common goals. It is essential for Kosovo to reinvigorate the reform processes and ensure that citizens receive the needed medical assistance and economic support. We also stress that respect of and cooperation with the Specialist Chambers is an international obligation for Kosovo.
As strong cooperation with EULEX becomes increasingly more significant, we would welcome the strategic review of UNMIK in due course.
Finally, we call on both parties to further trust building and refrain from the negative rhetoric that could raise tensions and cause a setback in the Dialogue. We expect both parties to engage in good faith, in a spirit of compromise and to work on reaching a legally binding comprehensive agreement on the normalisation of relations in accordance with international law and the EU acquis.
Thank you.