Recent Kosovo Election Marks Most Significant Change to Political Landscape in 12 Years, Special Representative Tells Security Council
Speakers Concerned about Recent Security Incident Involving United Nations Peacekeepers, Call for Restart of Pristina-Belgrade Dialogue
A recent election in Kosovo — characterized by high voter turnout and the victory of unconventional, opposition candidates — marked the most significant shift in the political landscape in more than a decade, the top United Nations official there told the Security Council today, while also touching on the long‑stalled deadlock between Kosovo and Serbia and a recent security incident involving two peacekeepers.
Zahir Tanin, Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), provided an overview of the 6 October snap parliamentary election, noting that it was held against the backdrop of internal political division, broken unity within the governing coalition and negative public perception of the Government. Initial results point to victory by two unconventional parties, including the main opposition, which are currently exploring coalition options.
Pointing out that Kosovo Serb‑majority areas recorded their highest voter turnout in recent times, he said that, while the election was assessed positively overall by observers, incidents of voter intimidation were recorded in the Kosovo Serb‑majority areas. He expressed hope that the new leadership will use its momentum to deliver on promises to the people, and to push forward the stalled dialogue process between Pristina and Belgrade.
Turning to a security incident on 28 May in which two UNMIK staff members were caught up in a Kosovo Police operation targeting organized crime — and subsequently beaten and detained — he said a United Nations team deployed to examine the facts of the case found no evidence of wrongdoing by the staff members. However, the excessive use of force by Kosovo police officers, along with criminal charges brought against United Nations staff, constitute violations of Council resolution 1244 (1999) and human rights law standards.
Council members, as well as representatives of Kosovo and Serbia, then took the floor to weigh in on those developments.
Ivica Dačić, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, underlined the urgency of making sure that Serbs and other non‑Albanians in Kosovo are provided physical safety, freedom of movement and religion and the right to employment and political participation. Noting that Belgrade is ready to resume negotiations provided the conditions are right, he denounced the high tariffs imposed by Pristina on goods from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Serbia had previously warned that Kosovo’s parliamentary election would be used to ramp up hype against the Serbs. “Regrettably, it came to pass,” he said, noting that the Serbs were attacked, their shrines vandalized and provocations abounded.
Vlora Çitaku of Kosovo described the 6 October election as a paradigm shift resulting from decades of effort by the United Nations and other partners. The process was free and fair and saw record high participation, with the exception of threats against members of the Serbian community who were pressured to vote for a Serbian party. Kosovo has demonstrated its ability to undergo a smooth democratic transition, a testament to its maturity. On the matter involving UNMIK staff members, she said the Kosovo Police acted with the utmost professionalism. Urging the Council to stop meeting so often to discuss Kosovo, she characterized the fact that the organ convenes more frequently on that topic than it does on Syria as “paradoxical”.
Germany’s delegate, while describing Kosovo as a “young, beautiful democracy”, expressed concern about the electoral problems recorded in Kosovo Serb‑majority areas. Calling for the urgent continuation of the Belgrade‑Pristina dialogue, he warned that too much time has been lost as that process lay dormant. He went on to call on Kosovo to remove its high tariffs, and on Belgrade to stop urging other Governments to withdraw their recognition of Kosovo. Meanwhile, UNMIK should adapt to the changing realities on the ground, including through a formal transition of its tasks to Kosovo institutions, he said.
The United States representative emphasized that every one of the goals mandated to UNMIK in 1999 have been either completed or become obsolete. While the United Nations and the international community can provide Kosovo with support, they no longer need a peacekeeping mission to do so. Against that backdrop, he called for the phase‑out of UNMIK, while calling on Serbia to end its provocations and cease its derecognition campaign. Meanwhile, both sides should commit to engaging in dialogue and to making critical reforms, he said.
The representative of the United Kingdom also welcomed progress in Kosovo. However, he said, more needs to be done to counter corruption and organized crime. Affirming that the Kosovo Police should be able to confront organized crime wherever they find it, he stressed that international personnel must also be given their due immunities. Among other things, he called on the new Government to focus on tackling the pressing issues facing the country, to improve inclusivity and to work towards regional security.
The Russian Federation’s delegate, meanwhile, said that the situation in Kosovo remains inauspicious and the dialogue seems to be in a coma. Unfortunately, no progress has been registered in ensuring respect for the rights of Kosovo’s Serbian community. With regards to the detention and beating of UNMIK staff, he said the findings of the United Nations investigation mirror those of a Russian one: the goal was to prevent the staff members from carrying out their duties. Warning that UNMIK is being squeezed out of Kosovo so no one will be able to witness the lawlessness there, he stressed that the situation requires a watchful eye.
Also speaking were the representatives of France, Dominican Republic, Poland, China, Indonesia, Kuwait, Côte d’Ivoire, Belgium, Equatorial Guinea, Peru and South Africa.
The meeting began at 3:20 p.m. and ended at 5:51 p.m.
Briefing
ZAHIR TANIN, Special Representative of the Secretary‑General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), provided an overview of the recent parliamentary election — held on 6 October — which “has brought forth the most significant change in the landscape in Kosovo in 12 years”. Noting that the turnout was the highest since 2010, he recalled that the snap decisions were convened at a time characterized by internal political division, broken unity within the governing coalition and a public perception that the Government was unable to deliver on its promises. The preliminary results point to victory by the opposition party, known as Vetëvendosje, or “Self‑Determination”, and the Democratic League of Kosovo, which are currently exploring coalition options.
Noting the decision of most voters to rally behind unconventional political candidates — who do not share the background or visions of past leaders — he said the Kosovo Serb‑majority areas recorded their highest voter turnout in recent times, confirming a trend of active participation in Kosovo elections. Overall, the elections were assessed positively by international observers, but several challenges — including campaign financing issues, intimidation and voter pressure in Kosovo Serb‑majority areas — were also registered. Noting that the elections also marked the first time a major political party nominated a female prime ministerial candidate in Kosovo, he cited other encouraging signs such as high women’s participation and campaign pledges made with a view towards greater gender parity in the Government.
Expressing hope that the new leadership will use that momentum to deliver on its promises of advancing the rule of law, fighting corruption and organized crime and tackling unemployment, he said the international community also expects the new leaders to affirm their commitment to the negotiations with Belgrade and ensure that obstacles are removed. Welcoming efforts being made by many international partners to push forward that dialogue, he went on to recall that on 28 May, two UNMIK staff members were arrested by Kosovo police during an operation targeting smuggling and organized crime. Noting that the Mission stands fully behind efforts of Kosovo institutions to combat those phenomena, he said the two staff members were badly beaten and criminal proceedings instituted against them. To ascertain the facts, he established an investigation team comprised of United Nations Secretariat staff from outside the Mission with extensive expertise, which has now submitted a report.
Outlining the facts of that case, he said the investigative team found no evidence to support the accusations of wrongdoing. They found evidence of excessive use of force by the Kosovo police, which resulted in the staff members suffering significant injuries. The arrest and detention of UNMIK personnel while on official duty, as well as the institution of criminal proceedings against them, were in clear violation of their immunity from arrest and detention and from legal process. He noted that those actions, as well as the excessive use of force, are in clear violation of Council resolution 1244 (1999) as well as UNMIK regulations and human rights law standards. All ongoing criminal proceedings against the two staff members must therefore be terminated immediately, he stressed, calling on the Kosovo authorities to investigate the police officers involved in the incidents.
“In advancing our mandate, we continue to foster the rule of law and human rights, an essential element of which is access to justice for every individual,” he said. Noting that an UNMIK‑funded legal aid centre provides free access to justice to people from vulnerable groups, he said the Mission is also assisting the local authorities in northern Kosovo to establish the first‑ever shelter for survivors of gender‑based violence. Among other things, it has engaged language experts from Belgrade and Pristina to prepare the first Serbian‑Albanian/Albanian‑Serbian dictionary since 1984, which is now available. He also encouraged Member States to support the United Nations Trust Fund in support of the Ashkali, Egyptian and Roma communities in Kosovo.
Statements
IVICA DAČIĆ, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, said this is his twenty‑second time delivering a statement in the Security Council over the past seven years and he has seen nothing done in Kosovo and Metohija to enable the Serbs and other non‑Albanians to lead a life worthy of man. Even before any agreement is reached, these people must be ensured physical safety; freedom of movement and religion; the right to return, to employment and to participate in political life; and protection of their cultural and religious heritage. These rights have disappeared from this Council’s deliberations after the unilateral declaration of independence by so‑called Kosovo. The Brussels Agreement signed six years ago was a ray of hope. The agreement was the result of difficult negotiations. The people in Kosovo and Metohija must not be made dependent on Pristina’s whims and one‑sided acts aimed at aborting the continuation of dialogue, he said, declaring that Serbia is ready to resume the negotiations even tomorrow, provided the conditions to do so concur.
He noted that Pristina last November increased tariffs on goods from central Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina by 100 per cent. The tariffs have been in force for almost a year, with the damage from this measure estimated at several hundred million dollars. It is not fair for the representatives of the United States and the United Kingdom, at almost every Council meeting, to call on Member States to recognize the independence of Kosovo while asking Serbia to end a campaign to get the recognition of so‑called Kosovo withdrawn. Turning to the general elections held in Kosovo and Metohija recently, Serbia had warned that the election campaign would be used to ramp up political and other hype against the Serbs. “Regrettably, it came to pass,” he said, noting that the Serbs were attacked, their shrines vandalized and provocations abounded.
He went on to warn that the rising new leader, Albin Kurti, has no intention of giving up on the idea of creating “Greater Albania”. The potential prime minister refused to speak with the legitimate representative of the Kosovo and Metohija Serbs, saying he would demand that all the agreements reached thus far be re‑examined once he gets in power and the establishment of the community of Serb municipalities set out in the Brussels Agreement will be a “dead letter”. Recalling that in June, his counterpart from Kosovo said, without any legal, political or moral foundation, that the question of Kosovo and Metohija was a matter of decolonization. Kosovo and Metohija are not mentioned in any United Nations decolonization document. Citing increased security incidents and other measures against the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, he said the review of the situation on the ground gives a reason for the continued presence of UNMIK and other missions. Serbia will continue to seek a solution to make the space where Serbs and Albanians have cohabitated for centuries a better place to live in the twenty‑first century.
VLORA ÇITAKU of Kosovo stated: “While the long shadows of conflict continue to chase us, we meet here today in an atmosphere of rising hope.” Underscoring the importance of Kosovo’s 6 October elections, she described them as a paradigm shift resulting from the efforts of the United Nations and its various partner agencies over recent decades. Thanking the international community for support in rebuilding Kosovo from the ashes and devastation of war, she said that the elections were preceded by a competitive but cordial campaign characterized by robust debate and a plurality of ideas. The elections were free and fair, with record high participation from all communities, which represents a testament to the maturity of Kosovo’s democracy. The humility with which the winners accepted the results was paralleled by the grace the losers showed in conceding, without drama or contestation.
While those results are no cause for self‑satisfaction, she said they do signal cause for hope and faith in Kosovo’s democracy. The one exception to that healthy atmosphere was the fact that members of the Serbian community were threatened, intimidated and pressured to vote for one particular Serbian party. Noting that the violations were recorded by international observers, she said Belgrade is the only actor involved which is perpetrating disenfranchisement in Kosovo. “These intimidation tactics are not a novelty,” she said, adding that they are used daily against Serbian members of the Kosovo Security Forces and others, whose homes are attacked with grenades and their families terrorized. “These kinds of practices must come to an end, once and for all,” she stressed. Moreover, for over two decades, the Serbian State has employed “creative accounting” to bolster their claims that 200,000 Serbs fled Kosovo after the liberation in 1999. Such claims are mathematically impossible, she said, declaring: “Despite Serbia’s ambitions, we do not live in a post‑truth world.”
Urging Belgrade to stop using false data to concoct false narratives, she expressed concern that “there is something fundamentally wrong with a people so consumed by the bitterness and hatred of the past that they can find no peace with the present”. She expressed hope that, one day in the future, Serbia will own up to the brutal savagery that it perpetrated in the Balkans, and denounce the monsters who slaughtered women and children. Kosovo has already demonstrated its ability to undergo a smooth transition from consumer to contributor of society, and made great strides in capacity‑building, modernization and harmonization with the standards of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). It is a highly tolerant, secular and diverse society.
On the matter of the recent arrest of an UNMIK staff member, she said the Kosovo Police acted with the utmost professionalism, including by filming and making the footage of the entire operation available to the public. That evidence makes it clear that the UNMIK employee refused to show identification and cooperate with the police. The police and judiciary are currently conducting an investigation of the matter, whose results will be shared with the Council. Emphasizing that there is no reason for the Council to continue to convene with the current level of frequency on Kosovo, she stated: “It is paradoxical that the Council gathers more often to discuss Kosovo than it does Syria, or other pressing issues which need your attention.” UNMIK’s mandate has long been surpassed and those valuable resources should be used elsewhere, she said.
DAVID CLAY (United Kingdom), welcoming progress in Kosovo, said that, however, much more needs to be done to counter corruption and organized crime and to strengthen the judicial system. Affirming that Kosovo police should be able to confront organized crime wherever they find it, he stressed that it is also important that international personnel should be given the immunities due. He urged both Pristina and Belgrade to cooperate fully with the Special Chambers and proceed with domestic prosecution of historic crimes. He also highlighted the importance of support to survivors of sexual crimes. Commending the country on the elections, he expressed concern about some reports of intimidation. He called on the new Government to focus on tackling the pressing issues facing the country, to improve inclusivity and to work for regional security. He called on Pristina to remove tariffs and on Belgrade to cease the “derecognition” campaign, also calling on both sides to resume European‑sponsored talks under a renewed commitment to helping secure peace for future generations. He thanked UNMIK and all those who contributed to Kosovo’s stability and development and pledged his country’s continued support.
ANNE GUEGUEN (France), congratulating Kosovo on the conduct of elections, expressed hope for progress in reform in the rule‑of‑law sector. Welcoming UNMIK’s work in bringing people together and other areas, she emphasized the need to respect immunity for international personnel. Stressing the importance of normalization between Pristina and Belgrade, she called on the two parties to resume dialogue. Her country will continue to work with Germany to move the dialogue forward, she said.
VASSILY A. NEBENZIA (Russian Federation) said that the situation in Kosovo remains inauspicious and the dialogue seems to be in a coma. Expecting an intensification of European Union activity to resume the talks, he said that in order for progress, however, the tolerance for Pristina’s provocations needs to be nipped in the bud. Unfortunately, he saw no progress regarding respect for the rights of Kosovo’s Serbian community, given reports of intimidation, raids by police and growing aggression towards UNMIK personnel. The commission’s conclusions on the detention and beating of an UNMIK staff member coincided with the findings of the Russian investigation: the goal was to prevent the staff member from carrying out his duties. The images of the incident do not show a young beautiful democracy as has been claimed. He said that the brutal beating showed how low the police culture is in the country and why Kosovo should not participate in the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). At the same time, UNMIK is basically being squeezed out of Kosovo so no one will be able to witness the lawlessness there. In addition, regional security is threatened by the Greater Albania project and the return of terrorist fighters to Kosovo. Nothing is being done by the European Union to address this, or to address the tariffs and impunity of criminals in Kosovo. His country’s position is clear: a settlement must be agreed upon by the parties themselves based on Council resolution 1244 (1999). Meanwhile, the situation requires a watchful eye. He called for the distribution of a draft presidential statement his country had submitted on the issue.
CHRISTOPH HEUSGEN (Germany) echoed other speakers, welcoming the fact that free and fair elections were held in most parts of Kosovo and that a change of Government is possible. Describing Kosovo as a “young, beautiful democracy”, he pointed out that the only problems recorded were seen in Kosovo Serb‑majority areas and asked the representative of that country to account for them. Calling for the urgent continuation of the Belgrade‑Pristina dialogue, he warned that too much time has been lost as that process lay dormant. He went on to call on Kosovo to remove its tariffs on products from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and on Belgrade to stop urging other Governments to withdraw their recognition of Kosovo. Meanwhile, UNMIK should adapt to the changing realities on the ground, including through a formal transition of its tasks to Kosovo institutions. Turning to the recent incident involving the arrest of UNMIK personnel, he called on all parties to respect international law.
JOSÉ MANUEL TRULLOLS YABRA (Dominican Republic), commending the Kosovo people and authorities for their recently convened elections, nevertheless voiced concern about the ongoing deadlock between Serbia and Kosovo and urged the parties to reconsider all unilateral measures that may be inhibiting talks. Underlining the importance of inclusion, tolerance and respect for human rights, he welcomed the resumption of work to identify information on disappeared persons in Kosovo — a key part of reconciliation and a right of the families of missing people. He also called for efforts to assess past harm caused by sexual violence, which must be a part of any reconciliation process going forward, and asked for more clarity on the worrisome and opaque circumstances surrounding the arrest of UNMIK staff members. All parties must respect the rules of international law and Security Council resolutions, he said.
MICHAEL BARKIN (United States), recalling that UNMIK was established in 1999 to resolve grave challenges in Kosovo, said that two decades later every one of the goals enumerated in the resolutions establishing the Mission have either been completed or become obsolete. While the United Nations and the international community can provide valuable support, they no longer need a peacekeeping mission to do so. Against that backdrop, he called for the phase-out of UNMIK, while calling on Serbia to end its provocations and cease its derecognition campaign. Meanwhile, both sides should commit to engaging in dialogue — which must include women — and to making critical reforms. The United States strongly supports Kosovo’s efforts to combat smuggling and organized crime, and while it supports the safety and security of all United Nations staff, it remains concerned about the presence of UNMIK personnel at the police operation that resulted in their arrest — which could have been avoided. The Mission’s mandate should be carefully reviewed as to ensure that it does not interfere with Kosovo policing efforts, he said.
JOANNA WRONECKA (Poland), congratulating Kosovo on the conduct of the elections, expressed hope that the change in the political spectrum will bring about effective governance that is able to continue reforms. In regard to the United Nations Mission, she said that the need to freshly assess its comparative advantage is becoming even more apparent as time passes. At the same time, she expressed deep appreciation for UNMIK’s historic role, commending the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo and the International Security Force in Kosovo for their contributions as well. As her country continues to view the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina as key to the stability of the whole region, she called on the parties to resume talks towards a comprehensive agreement for that purpose. In that context, she encouraged Kosovo to remove punitive tariffs, encouraging Serbia to desist in actions aimed at undermining Kosovo’s international position. She called on the political elites in Kosovo, regardless of affiliation, to continue reforms that lay the basis for a just, inclusive and prosperous environment. Adding that Kosovo is fully capable of managing its own future, she pledged her country’s willingness to continue to extend assistance and share experiences.
WU HAITAO (China), affirming that resolution 1244 (1999) is the legal basis for the settlement of Kosovo, said the issue must be decided upon through a mutually acceptable agreement of the parties. Sharing Serbia’s concerns and welcoming the country’s efforts to improve the situation, he called on stakeholders in Kosovo to intensify reform efforts and to ensure inclusion of all communities. He also expressed hope that all parties will refrain from actions or rhetoric that destabilize the situation, calling for them to work together to create an environment suitable for development. Firmly supporting UNMIK’s implementation of its mandate, he said that the investigation over the incident revealed serious violations. The Council should clearly state its disapproval of such actions.
MUHSIN SYIHAB (Indonesia) called on both parties to engage in sincere actions to deescalate tensions on the ground. Religious sites are sacred sanctuaries to create a positive spirit, he said, condemning all vandalism and calling on law enforcement to investigate and bring those responsible to justice. Dialogue remains the only feasible way to achieve a win‑win solution for both parties. He regretted that no high‑level meetings were held between Belgrade and Pristina within the framework of the European Union‑facilitated dialogue. Trust‑building cannot be successful if the rule of law is not strengthened and the judiciary is not perceived as credible, independent and impartial. Underscoring the vital role of UNMIK in engaging grass‑roots communities, he expressed concern about the incident in Zubin Potok, involving the arrest of UNMIK staff by the authorities in northern Kosovo. “We urge a thorough investigation on the incident that clearly violated international law and immunities of international United Nations staff members,” he said.
JARRAH JABER ALAHMAD ALJABER ALSABAH (Kuwait), affirming the important role of UNMIK in Kosovo, welcomed the holding of parliamentary elections and said they created an opportunity to strengthen democracy at all levels, intensify progress in reforms and allow a return to dialogue. In regard to the UNMIK incident, he reiterated the need to respect the immunity of international staff and bring violators to justice, thus showing respect for the Mission’s mandate. Welcoming the accomplishments of the working group on disappeared persons as well as the new law on those persons, he stressed the importance of shedding light on their fate in order to advance reconciliation. In that vein, he commended UNMIK on its efforts to bolster confidence between communities and said the rule of law must be strengthened in Kosovo for that purpose. He called on Pristina and Belgrade to resume their dialogue and redouble their efforts to reach mutually acceptable agreements in favour of lasting regional stability.
TIEMOKO MORIKO (Côte d’Ivoire), welcoming the holding of elections in Kosovo, called on the winners to form a new Government that can make progress on resolving all challenges. Regretting the delay of dialogue and implementation of agreements that could normalize relations between Pristina and Belgrade, he also called for the elimination of punitive tariffs, an end to blocking Kosovo’s participation in international forums and progress on the association of Serb municipalities in Kosovo and on other stalled reforms. He reiterated support for the personnel of UNMIK and the European missions in Kosovo.
MARC PECSTEEN DE BUYTSWERVE (Belgium), welcoming the conduct of elections, regretted, however, reports of intimidation in Serbian areas. All allegations should be investigated to consolidate confidence in the results. He urged the new Government to continue with the process of reform particularly in the rule of law, for which he underlined the importance of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo. Regretting also the lack of progress in the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, he stressed the importance of normalizing relations. “Unilateral actions and statements should be replaced by a spirit of compromise,” he said. Customs duties should be revoked and regional reconciliation accelerated. In that context, he urged all stakeholders to fully cooperate with the Kosovo Special Chambers. He also called for intensification of actions to resolve the issue of the disappeared persons. Affirming the importance of UNMIK, he said there must be respect for immunity of international personnel, calling the use of force in the May incident unacceptable. While the international community should continue to encourage progress in Kosovo, it is up to the parties to create conditions for regional reconciliation and abide by their agreements.
AMPARO MELE COLIFA (Equatorial Guinea) expressed concern about the ongoing political deadlock in talks between Belgrade and Pristina. In addition to that lack of progress, she voiced concern about the parties’ inflammatory rhetoric, which contributes to impeding a resumed dialogue. Ensuring stability in Kosovo requires the commitment of both parties, she said, calling on Kosovo and Serbia to implement the agreements reached and make use of the European Union‑facilitated talks with a view towards normalization. All parties must abide by the terms of Council resolution 1244 (1999) and international law, she said, declaring her delegation’s respect for Kosovo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Meanwhile, she urged UNMIK to continue fulfilling its mandate, including providing support to all communities.
PAUL DUCLOS (Peru) voiced regret that nearly a year has elapsed since the suspension of the Kosovo‑Serbia dialogue. Echoing calls for all obstacles to those talks to be removed, he said inflammatory rhetoric and the imposition of tariffs do not help the situation. The parties must abide by their commitments under the Brussels Agreement and Council resolution 1244 (1999). Welcoming UNMIK’s work, he called for respect for the rights of linguistic and cultural minorities and efforts to strengthen the rule of law. In addition, he hailed UNMIK’s efforts to protect human rights, assist victims of sexual violence and support the return of internally displaced persons. Initiatives aimed at combating organized crime are another crucial part of the rule of law, he said, expressing regret that action was taken against UNMIK staff, which must be able to carry out their work.
XOLISA MFUNDISO MABHONGO (South Africa), Council President for October, speaking in his national capacity, reiterated his country’s support to UNMIK in creating an environment conducive to compromise, reconciliation and stability. “We commend UNMIK’s continued engagement with all stakeholders in pursuit of building trust amongst the communities through dialogue and with initiatives aimed at empowering the youth and women,” he said. South Africa remains concerned about the situation regarding the arrest of UNMIK personnel. The continued stalemate in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is of concern as well. “We call on the two sides to refrain from actions or rhetoric that may increase tensions and further entrench divisions between the parties,” he added. South Africa can attest that the path to achieving long‑term solutions to what seems like intractable situations may not be easy but is vital to the peace and security of the region. South Africa called on all parties to show flexibility and take the necessary steps to actively pursue the resumption of dialogue, with the aim of working towards a viable and mutually acceptable solution and the normalization of relations between the two sides.