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DE RUEHC #5444 3311746
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O 261739Z NOV 08
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TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0000
INFO UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
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UNCLAS STATE 125444 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: UNSC UNMIK KPKO PREL YI KV
SUBJECT: KOSOVO - GUIDANCE FOR U.S. INTERVENTION AT 
NOVEMBER 26 SECURITY COUNCIL CONSULTATIONS 
 
¶1.  The Department requests that USUN draw from the 
following points in delivering its intervention and 
additional discussions during the November 26 UNSC 
consultations on the Secretary-General's report on the UN 
Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). 
 
¶2. Begin Points: 
 
Thank you Mr. President: 
 
I would like to thank Special Representative Zannier 
for his comprehensive briefing today. 
The United States commends his service to the 
international community. 
 
I would also like to welcome Foreign Minister Jeremic and 
Foreign Minister Hyseni and thank them for sharing their 
perspectives today on the situation in Kosovo. 
 
Mr. President, 52 members of the United Nations from 
around the world have now recognized Kosovo as a sovereign 
and independent state.  In nine months since its 
declaration of independence, the Republic of Kosovo has 
established the framework for a stable, multi-ethnic 
democracy.  It is realizing the vision set forth in UN 
Envoy and now Nobel Laureate Martti Ahtisaari's 
Comprehensive Settlement Proposal. 
 
Mr. President, 
 
Kosovo's independence is irreversible. 
 
The Secretary-General's report notes the changed reality 
in Kosovo and highlights the progress made: the adoption 
of a modern and progressive constitution that ensures the 
rights of all ethnic groups, the establishment of 
institutions of governance, including a Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs; steps to provide for Kosovo's basic 
security needs through the establishment of a 
civilian-controlled security force; and the issuance of 
Kosovo passports. 
 
Real challenges remain with regard to inter-ethnic 
relations although the report makes clear that interethnic 
violence remains low. We encourage Kosovar leaders to 
build on their previous efforts to develop multi-ethnic 
institutions and to implement fully the Ahtisaari Plan. 
 
Mr. President, 
 
It is appropriate that UNMIK should adapt its role in 
response to changed realities in Kosovo.  We welcome the 
Secretary-General's decision outlined in the report to 
accelerate reconfiguration of UNMIK to allow for the 
deployment of the EU's Rule of Law Mission, EULEX, 
throughout Kosovo.  This, we believe, is vitally important 
to protect and preserve Kosovo's territorial integrity. 
 
The Secretary-General's report calls for certain interim 
arrangements that will guide UNMIK cooperation with 
Belgrade pending full deployment of EULEX.  Kosovar 
leaders have made clear that their government does not 
agree to these arrangements but that the Republic of 
Kosovo welcomes and will facilitate the deployment of 
EULEX. 
 
Mr. President, 
 
We welcome the commitment of the Secretary-General to 
consult and coordinate continuously with Kosovo 
authorities on the implementation of these arrangements. 
Implementation of these arrangements and reconfiguration 
of UNMIK must be done in such a way as not to infringe on 
Kosovo's sovereignty. 
 
Mr. President, the Secretary-General's decision will 
accelerate the transfer of UNMIK's residual rule of law 
responsibilities to EULEX throughout all of Kosovo.  The 
Government of Kosovo of course also has a major and 
complementary responsibility for exercising rule of 
law-related functions in the country.  EULEX's deployment 
under the mandate specified in the EU's Joint action of 
February 4 will ensure a unified customs regime and a 
single police chain of command.  It will help address the 
problem of parallel institutions that currently hinder 
economic and political development.  The United States 
will have an active role in EULEX with 80 police officers, 
judges and prosecutors working alongside their European 
counterparts throughout Kosovo. 
 
We urge all stakeholders, especially the governments of 
Serbia and Kosovo, to ensure that EULEX is deployed 
without delay. 
 
Minister Jeremic, my government shares your concerns 
regarding the rights of Kosovo Serbs.  We will continue to 
work alongside the authorities in Pristina to ensure that 
all ethnic groups have a safe and secure future in 
Kosovo.  And despite our disagreement on the issue of 
Kosovo's status, we will continue to support a European 
future for Serbia, Kosovo and all countries in the Western 
Balkans. 
RICE