Russian MFA Information and Press Department Commentary Regarding Consideration by UN Security Council of UN Secretary General’s Report on UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)

The UN Security Council meeting held on November 26 considered the report of the Organization's Secretary General on the work of the UN Mission in the province, which continues to operate in accordance with UNSC resolution 1244. The Secretary General informed the Council of the accords reached by him with Belgrade on the practical activities of UNMIK in the present-day conditions, particularly in the province's Serb-populated areas, and on the parameters for its cooperation with the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX).

The Serbian Foreign Minister, who attended the meeting, reaffirmed Belgrade's commitment to those accords, welcomed the Secretary General report and asked UNSC members to support the Serbian position.

Taking into account Serbia's consent to the reconfiguration of the external civilian presence in the province and to the modalities for EULEX to play a role in international activities in Kosovo, Russia, following its principled line, joined in supporting the Presidential Statement adopted at the end of the meeting. In particular, the statement welcomed the report of the Secretary General and cooperation between the UN and other international actors under UNSC resolution 1244.

This Council decision in no way concerns the status of the province, whose "quasi-statehood," as was stressed in the debate, has only destabilized the situation. We presume that the outcome of the Security Council meeting will contribute to more regularized, coordinated with Serbia, international activity in Kosovo for solving key problems, particularly removing interethnic tension, ensuring the rights and security of the Serbs, improving the socioeconomic situation and creating conditions for the refugees' return to Kosovo. The report of Ban Ki-moon also acknowledges the unsatisfactory state of affairs in all these spheres.

November 27, 2008