(As delivered)

STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. KOICHI HARAGUCHI
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF JAPAN
AT THE PUBLIC MEETING OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL
ON THE SITUATION IN KOSOVO

11 MAY 2004

Mr. President,

I would like to thank you for convening this public meeting. I would also like to thank Mr. Harri Holkeri, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his comprehensive briefing on the situation in Kosovo.

Mr. President,

As I stated in the previous public meeting, the Government of Japan is very concerned of the violence that erupted in March in Kosovo. Based on that incident, we wish to reiterate following points which we consider should be given serious consideration by all members of the international community.

First, I would like to reiterate once again that the most important lesson we have learned from the violence is that we must redouble our efforts towards the establishment of a democratic and multi-ethnic society in Kosovo. There is no alternative to implementing the Kosovo standards in order to reach this goal. As it became clear through the violence, there still is a strong necessity for the improvement of protection of minorities including Serbs. Guarantee of various minority rights including freedom of movement must be one of the most important elements of the democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo. Therefore, with regard to devolution of responsibilities to local authorities, it should not lead to the division of Kosovo along the ethnic lines. It must be considered so that it contributes to the creation of a democratic and multi-ethnic society.

In addition, efforts to strengthen minority rights in Kosovo must be accompanied by the sustainable returns. In this connection, we call for the resumption of the Direct Dialogue, especially the working group on refugee returns. We expect the Secretary-General to reflect these issues in his recommendations for their incorporation into the KSI Plan.

Second, the violence has also demonstrated all too clearly the need for increased security in Kosovo. My government expresses support for the prompt response of SRSG Mr. Harri Holkeri and of UNMIK and KFOR in their efforts to stabilize the situation in the immediate aftermath of the violence. At the same time, on the basis of the assessment of the measures taken by UNMIK prior to the outbreak of violence, we need to study seriously the question of how we can achieve sustained improvement in the security situation.

Mr. President,

The Government of Japan also notes with alarm the fatal incident among UNMIK officers on April 17 and the concern that has been expressed over the issue of discipline in relation to some of the international staff in Kosovo. The need for peacekeepers to win the respect of the people in the region where they are operating should be self-evident. With regard to the issue of trafficking of girls and women, Japan hopes that UNMIK will provide further information and take appropriate measures to address this problem without delay.

Mr. President,

My government intends to adhere to its commitment to achieving stability and prosperity in South Eastern Europe, in cooperation with the international community as a whole. It is our firm belief that stabilizing the situation in Kosovo is essential for the stability and prosperity of the entire region.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations Official Web Site