Vietnam supports UNMIK's continued presence in Kosovo

New York (VNA) - Vietnam supports UNMIK's continued presence in Kosovo, taking into
account the mission's efforts to engage with all sides to facilitate the
implementation of the UN Secretary General's six-point plan regarding the
administration of northern Kosovo.

Ambassador Bui The Giang, Vietnamese deputy permanent representative at the UN
Security Council, made the statement at the Council's meeting on the activities of
the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) for the past four months
held in New York on March 23.

At the same time, he stressed that Belgrade and Pristina should implement the
temporary arrangements to maintain peace and stability on the ground.

The Vietnamese representative took note of the overall stable security situation in
and around Kosovo during the review period, but expressed concerns at the sharp
decline in the number of voluntary minority returning to Kosovo.

"It is imperative to promptly and adequately address this issue, including in
particular the non-implementation of the reintegration strategy for forced
returnees, and ensure real progress in safeguarding the rights and security of
national minorities to avoid the potentially exacerbating inter-ethnic mistrust and
tension," he said.

The Vietnamese diplomat went on to reiterate Viet Nam 's position in support of
independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia
.

He shared the Secretary General's view that UNMIK will continue working towards the
advancement of regional stability and prosperity, based on its continued mandate
under Resolution 1244 (1999), in close coordination with the Organisation for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and KFOR and in cooperation with
authorities in Belgrade and Pristina.

The ambassador took the occasion to emphasise that the reconfiguration of UNMIK
should be conducted in transparency and in respect for the UN's position on strict
neutrality regarding Kosovo's status.

He noted that the coordinated effort undertaken by UNMIK and the European Union
Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), and with the support of both Belgrade
and Pristina and of all international stakeholders at this critical juncture, is of
great importance to the maintenance of peace and stability in Kosovo.

He called on EULEX to continue honoring its commitment to operate under UNSC
Resolution 1244 (1999) and within the status-neutral framework of the UN along with
taking into account the specific circumstances and concerns of all
communities.-Enditem