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Thank you, Mr Chair. I warmly welcome Ambassador McGurk back to the Permanent Council. Thank you for your focused report and for the sustained work of your team during a politically and institutionally demanding period. The report underlines the importance of the Mission’s continued engagement. The Mission’s on-the-ground presence, impartial monitoring and access across communities allow it to identify risks early an...
Thank you, Mr Chair. I warmly welcome Ambassador McGurk back to the Permanent Council. Thank you for your focused report and for the sustained work of your team during a politically and institutionally demanding period. The report underlines the importance of the Mission’s continued engagement. The Mission’s on-the-ground presence, impartial monitoring and access across communities allow it to identify risks early and translate legal commitments into practical action. That work strengthens institutions, protects rights and builds public confidence. The Mission’s practical achievements in the reporting period show what sustained engagement can deliver. We welcome your support for Serbian Orthodox Church clergy to secure temporary residence permits, your assistance to non-majority communities facing barriers to documentation and services, and your work to enable more than 3,000 women to register as joint property owners. These are tangible improvements to people’s lives. The United Kingdom welcomes the formation of Kosovo’s new institutions following the June elections, and the appointment of a new President. Political leaders must now use this opportunity to deliver effective government, advance reforms and serve all of Kosovo’s communities. Disputes between central and municipal authorities should be addressed through consultation, due process and dialogue, not unilateral action. The United Kingdom shares the Mission’s serious concerns over property demolitions, contested ownership and allegations of police misconduct. Property rights and access to effective legal remedies must be protected. Law enforcement must operate professionally and accountably. Kosovo should continue to ensure that decisions affecting communities are implemented in accordance with the rule of law and protect the rights of non-majority communities. Mr Chair, the United Kingdom remains concerned by the limited progress towards normalisation between Kosovo and Serbia. Both sides must engage constructively in the EU-facilitated Dialogue and implement their existing commitments. Continued delays harm communities and regional stability. Kosovo should make progress on establishing an Association of Serb-majority Municipalities, while Serbia should provide access to relevant archives and records to support progress on missing persons. The United Kingdom takes note of the first-instance judgment in the Hashim Thaçi and others case. This judgment concerns the criminal responsibility of individuals. It does not call into question Kosovo’s statehood or sovereignty or right to determine its future. We respect the independence of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and expect all political leaders and public figures to respect the judicial process, use formal legal channels and respond peacefully and responsibly. Kosovo’s continued commitment to the Specialist Chambers and their mandate is an important demonstration of its commitment to justice, accountability and the rule of law. Mr Chair, the United Kingdom will remain a longstanding friend and partner of Kosovo. We reiterate our support for Kosovo’s sovereignty, security, independence and Euro-Atlantic future. We call on all countries who have not done so to recognise Kosovo’s independence. We will continue to work with partners across the region and beyond to support peace and stability for all of Kosovo’s communities. Finally, the United Kingdom is acutely aware of the expectation on the Mission to deliver its mandate with significantly reduced staffing and fewer Regional Centres. While prioritisation and sustainability remain important, it is vital that participating States support the Mission in preserving its unique and indispensable work: credible field reporting, early warning, community access and impartial facilitation. Gerard, you and your team can count on the United Kingdom’s continued support. Thank you, Mr Chair.
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