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Search for durable solution to Kosovo issue should continue: Chinese envoy

Xinhua, May 17, 2016 Adjust font size:

A Chinese envoy to the UN said Monday that the search for durable solution to the Kosovo issue needs to continue, so as to maintain security and stability of the Balkans and Europe at large.

Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the world body, told a Security Council meeting that the security situation in Kosovo is generally stable, though "elements of complexity and uncertainty remain."

China commends the efforts carried out by the government of Serbia in searching for the political solution to the Kosovo question and welcomes that the high-level political dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina has achieved progress and that existing agreements are being implemented, said Wu.

"We support the continued efforts by both parties to maintain a pragmatic and constructive dialogue, effectively protect the legitimate rights of different ethnic groups in Kosovo and promote national reconciliation," he said.

"We hope that parties refrain from taking any actions that might escalate or complicate the situation and continue to search for durable solution to the question of Kosovo in an effort to maintain security and stability of the Balkans and Europe at large," he added.

The envoy said that China hopes the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and the Kosovo Force will enhance their coordination and play a positive, constructive role in finding a proper solution of the Kosovo issue.

Zahir Tanin, the UN Secretary-General Special Representative in Kosovo and head of the UNMIK told the council that despite some positive developments, Kosovo still faces the hard realities caused by unemployment, inequality, the challenges of developing a productive economy to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), overcome legacies of impunity, and weaknesses in its rule of law institutions.

Kosovo is the subject of a long-running political and territorial dispute between Belgrade and Pristina. Serbia categorically refuses to recognize Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence in 2008, though most leading European countries and the United States have exchanged diplomats with Kosovo. Enditem