New York Declaration
Declaration accepted by Belgrade and Pristina following the first round of direct talks in New York on September 28.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
At their meeting with the Troika on 28 September in New York City, both delegations welcomed the first direct talks between the parties held under Troika auspices. The parties reiterated their commitment to engage seriously in these talks. The Troika reminded the parties of the Secretary-General's statement of 1 August that the status quo is not sustainable.
The two delegations were informed of the statement of the Contact Group at its Ministerial Meeting in New York City on 27 September. Ministers reiterated, inter alia that an early resolution of Kosovo's status is crucial to the stability and security of the Western Balkans and Europe as a whole. Ministers reaffirmed their resolve to seek a negotiated settlement endorsed by the UNSC. Contact Group Guiding principles should continue to set the framework for status process, based on UNSC Resolution 1244. Ministers also urged both sides to approach the remaining negotiations with creativity, boldness and in a spirit of compromise. They urged the parties to take seriously the opportunity created by the Troika process to secure a negotiated settlement. They also reminded the parties that the onus was on each of them to develop realistic proposals and that neither party could unilaterally block the process from advancing. Ministers underlined that any future status settlement should focus on developing the special nature of the relations between the two sides, especially in their historical, economic, cultural and human dimensions.
Acknowledging that violence, provocation and intimidation would constitute a grave risk for the Troika process as well as for the stability and security of the region, both parties reaffirmed their commitment, as expressed in the Vienna document of 30 August, to refrain from any activities or statements that might jeopardize the security situation.
Both parties understand that the Contact Group will report to the UN Secretary General by 10 December, 2007. In this regard, they welcomed the Troika's intention to intensify its work programme with a view to reaching agreement before the Troika's mandate concludes.
Accepted by both delegations at the first Troika-led direct meeting in New York City on 28 September and confirmed in the presence of all members of the Troika.
