Representatives of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council expressed sharply differing views on the situation in Kosovo, relations between Prishtina and Belgrade, and the future mandate of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).
The discussions highlighted disagreements over the mission’s continued role, the implementation of agreements reached through EU-facilitated dialogue, and accountability for the September 2023 armed attack in Banjska, in northern Kosovo.
US Calls for Restraint and UNMIK Closure
US Deputy Ambassador to the UN Tammy Bruce urged Kosovo and Serbia to exercise restraint and engage constructively in the dialogue facilitated by the European Union.
She reiterated Washington’s position that UNMIK should be closed, arguing that Kosovo has undergone fundamental changes since 1999 and that the mission’s role should reflect the realities on the ground.
UK Urges Serbia to Hold Banjska Attack Perpetrators Accountable
The United Kingdom’s representative to the UN, Jennifer McNaughtan, stressed the need for Serbia to bring those responsible for the Banjska attack to justice.
She also called on both Kosovo and Serbia to fully implement the Ohrid Agreement and urged a strategic review of UNMIK’s responsibilities and funding.
France Calls for Progress in Dialogue and Accountability
France’s Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Jay Darmadhikari, called for renewed momentum in the dialogue between Prishtina and Belgrade to ensure the full implementation of agreements reached with EU facilitation.
He described it as unacceptable that those responsible for the September 24, 2023, terrorist attack in Banjska remain at liberty in Serbia.
Darmadhikari also expressed concern over recently approved amendments to the law governing the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, saying they were inconsistent with Kosovo’s international obligations. France reaffirmed its full support for UNMIK’s mission.
Russia Accuses Kosovo of Violating Serb Rights
Russia’s Ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, claimed that the situation in Kosovo remains fragile because of what he described as attacks on and violations of the rights of Serbs.
He criticised the European Union for failing to ensure Kosovo establishes the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities. Nebenzya also objected to KFOR’s decision to optimise its troop presence following improvements in Kosovo’s security situation.
China Backs Dialogue Under UN Resolution 1244
Fu Cong, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, said Beijing supports a negotiated solution through dialogue, within the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 1244.
He also called on the Security Council to support the continuation of UNMIK’s work.
The contrasting positions underscored the continuing divisions among the Security Council’s permanent members over Kosovo’s international status, the role of the UN mission, and the path towards normalisation between Prishtina and Belgrade.
