654th Meeting of the Permanent Council
The EU warmly welcomes Ambassador Wnendt and his team to the Permanent Council and thanks him for his detailed and comprehensive report.Mr. Chairman, the European Union remains strongly committed to building a democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo within Europe. The visit of Ambassador Wnendt comes at a critical time for the future of Kosovo with the Vienna talks on President Ahtisaari’s proposal. The status process has now entered its decisive stage.
The European Union fully supports the UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari and his efforts in conducting the political process to determine Kosovo's future status. His proposals presented to both parties on 2 February provide comprehensive arrangements, including the future role of the OSCE. According to the proposals the OSCE is requested to maintain a Mission in Kosovo, including a comprehensive field presence, to support the democratic development of Kosovo and the work of the International Civilian Representative (ICR) and his/her Office. Specific arrangements for such support by the OSCE shall be established between the OSCE and the ICR (Article 3 of ANNEX IX).
Mr. Chairman, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo continues to play an essential role in supporting our common goal of promoting in Kosovo a peaceful, democratic and multi-ethnic society based on the rule of law, highest level of internationally recognised human rights and fundamental freedoms.
We commend the Mission in Kosovo for its balanced and targeted approach which addresses important issues such as capacity building and active monitoring of local administration and structures. OMiK focuses on areas where the OSCE can provide an added value.
We support the mission’s newly established structure, open to further adjustment, which will enable it to perform its future role in Kosovo effectively. We commend the Mission for its pro-active approach on the issue of reorganisation in view of a possible new mandate. We share the view of Ambassador Wnendt that the Mission needs to have the necessary capacities in order to fulfil existing and eventual new tasks. The future international presence will have to be shaped in close consultation and coordination between the international actors on the ground. This includes also the possible future civilian Rule of Law Mission of the EU (ESDP). The EU considers it essential that the EU and OSCE continue to coordinate their work closely and ensure a seamless exchange of information in order to reinforce each others’ efforts.
A reinforced dialogue and coordination between the EU and the OSCE will remain important even after the completion of the status talks. A common approach and close coordination between both organisations will be indispensable in order to create synergies, make best use of their comparative advantages and ensure a maximum use of financial means.
The European Union continues to attach importance to the implementation of standards. Important areas include the building of democratic structures and good governance, decentralisation, the protection of multi-ethnicity and the development of free media.
Finally, the European Union wishes Ambassador Wnendt and his team all the best for the challenging times ahead. We look forward to continuing a close dialogue with the Mission in the future.
The Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, as well as EFTA countries Iceland and Liechtenstein, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.
* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.
