UN SC divided over UNMIK reconfiguration

Russia cannot agree with reconfiguration of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) without consent of the UN Security Council and calls for further consultations involving Serbia, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin said.

By reconfiguring the UNMIK without authorization of the UN Security Council, the Secretary-General "exceeded his powers and intruded the area of the UN Security Council," Churkin said.

He voiced concern over attempts to ruin formats of the international presence in Kosovo under the pretext of their  obsoleteness.

"We view these attempts as the wish to legalize the structure, which would implement the Ahtisaari Plan, which  was not approved by the UN Security Council, and thus promote the unilateral sovereignization of the illegally proclaimed  entity", he said.

China's representative Wang Guangya said that the Kosovo issue can be resolved only through negotiations that should result in a mutually acceptable solution.

US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad welcomed the decision on UNMIK reconfiguration and expressed the US suport to the new UNMIK chief to this effect.

UNMIK must adapt to the new reality created by the declaration of Kosovo's independence, he said, adding that the  decision on UNMIK reconfiguration is fully in keeping with the UN SC Resolution 1244.

The EU mission will play a key role in Kosovo, he said.

French Ambassador Jean Maurice Ripert said that the  decision on UNMIK reconfiguration will contribute to Kosovo stabilization and added that EULEX will work within the framework of the UN SC Resolution 1244.

UK Ambassador John Sawers said that despite different views, the UN SC has a common goal and that the new reality in Kosovo cannot be ignored regardless of whether various countries recognize Kosovo's independence.

Reconfiguration is in the interest of peace and stability in Kosovo and the region, he said, adding that EULEX must be deployed as planned.

Dialogue with Serbia must be constructive and transparent, but this does not mean resumption of negotiations, he said.

Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic said that UNMIK reconfiguration must not violate Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

UNMIK chief Lamberto Zannier said that reconfiguration is planned due to the new situation on the ground, but in strict compliance with the Resolution 1244.

Speaking as a member of the Zannier's delegation, Kosovo's "foreign minister" Skender Hisseni, said the

deployment of the EU mission throughout Kosovo will contribute to peace and stability in Kosovo and the region.

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