Malaysia Wants Resumption Of EU-Facilitated Dialogue Involving Pristina, Belgrade

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia hopes to see the high-level European Union (EU)-facilitated dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade resume, as soon as possible. Malaysia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Siti Hajjar Adnin said the normalisation of relations between the capital cities of Kosovo and Serbia remained a crucial aspect in paving the way towards European integration, in the interest of peace and stability in Kosovo and the region. "With respect to outstanding commitment as agreed in the 15-point Brussels Agreement, Malaysia urges Pristina and Belgrade to redouble efforts in implementing the historic agreement. "These include the establishment of the Association of Serb-majority municipalities and the implementation of the action plan for telecommunications in Kosovo," she said at the UN Security Council Meeting on the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, in New York. Her speech text was released here Thursday. Kosovo was the partially recognised state in southeastern Europe that declared its independence from Serbia in February 2008 as the Republic of Kosovo. It was reported that the dialogue which began in March 2011 was to facilitate negotiation process between the two entities after Serbia claimed Kosovo as its southern province under UN administration, and rejected its independence. Siti Hajar said Malaysia was pleased on the strong economic performance shown by Kosovo, with a four per cent Gross Domestic Product growth and a marked improvement in its global ranking for 'Doing Business' as reported by the World Bank. On the issues of territorial delineation with Montenegro and the Trepca mining and industrial complex, she said Malaysia urged opposition parties and their supporters to cease from political violence in expressing their grievances. "We also urge all parties and stakeholders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and to engage in dialogue and consultations in good faith to resolve the issues amicably and in accordance with the rule of law," she added. Malaysia also commended President Hashim Thaci of Kosovo for his exemplary leadership and reconciliatory gestures in visiting memorials commemorating Kosovo Serb civilian victims in the conflict. It also sent the much-needed signal towards reconciliation, national unity and social integration, she said, adding that Malaysia also called upon the people of Kosovo to similarly focus on rebuilding trust and cease from targeting minorities, as well as religious and cultural sites. Siti Hajjar said Malaysia also took note of the appointment of the Chief Prosecutor of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in the Netherlands, to try cases arising from the findings of the EU Special Investigative Task Force. "We also commend ongoing efforts by the Kosovo Government in countering terrorism, violence, extremism and radicalisation," she said. --BERNAMA