SECRETARY-GENERAL, IN COUNCIL MEETING ON KOSOVO, SAYS UN IS DETERMINED TO LEAD CIVILIAN IMPLEMENTATION OF PEACE EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY
Press Release
SG/SM/7023
SC/6687
SECRETARY-GENERAL, IN COUNCIL MEETING ON KOSOVO, SAYS UN IS DETERMINED TO LEAD CIVILIAN IMPLEMENTATION OF PEACE EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY
19990610 Kofi Annan Says Resolution Gives Strong Legal Underpinning to Task Ahead; 'But Let us Not Be Triumphalist, for that Task is Indeed Daunting'Following is the text of the statement by Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the Security Council resolution on Kosovo adopted today:
With this resolution, the United Nations Security Council has charted the way towards a better future for the inhabitants of Kosovo. A future in which all the refugees and internally displaced persons can return safely to their homes. A future in which full respect is assured for the civil, political and human rights of all.
Today, we are seeing at least the beginning of the end of a dark and desolate chapter in the history of the Balkans. Today, we embark on the path of peace. This path will be marked by difficulties and dangers that will require no less courage and determination than the events that brought us to this point. Let no one be in any doubt about the magnitude of our challenge: after the violence, the human rights abuses, the expulsions and the devastation of the last year, the task of restoring Kosovo to a semblance of normal life is immense.
Rebuilding homes, restoring infrastructure, renewing institutions and revitalizing civil society will require sacrifice, dedication and persistence on the part of all who share responsibility for the future of Kosovo. In planning terms, winter is fast approaching, and we are in a race against time.
The United Nations is determined to lead the civilian implementation of the peace effectively and efficiently. But to do so, we need the cooperation of all parties. And we need the means to carry out the mandate.
The commitment to peace is not enough. The will to implement it -- in all its aspects -- is what counts. This includes tasks for which the United Nations is not responsible, but which are vital if peace and stability are to be restored.
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I have in mind, for example, the need for the full withdrawal of Serb military, paramilitary and police forces, and for the demilitarization of the UCK.
I look to those responsible for the security aspects of the resolution to act swiftly.
I intend very soon to revert to the Council with specific proposals on how to make the civilian operation authorized by this resolution truly integrated and effective.
There also lies ahead the hard and extremely complex work of building a durable peace, of reconciling positions which are far apart. In doing so, we need to deal with the roots of this crisis.
I said a few minutes ago that this was the beginning of the end of a dark and ugly chapter.
Let us rejoice today that the Council has adopted a landmark resolution, which gives strong legal underpinning to the task ahead. But let us not be triumphalist, for that task is indeed daunting.
Instead, let us -- all of us -- buckle down and get on with the job.
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