Gervalla: UNMIK misleads the UN Security Council, no longer fulfills the role for which it was in Kosovo

Kosovo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Donika Gervalla, tonight called for the dismantling of UNMIK during a session of the UN Security Council, stating that the mission no longer fulfills the role for which it was established in Kosovo.

Gervala stated that UNMIK loses credibility every day as a UN agency because its actions and behavior obstruct the observations that would represent a true picture of developments in Kosovo.

“UNMIK no longer fulfills the role for which it came... UNMIK misleads the Security Council,” Gervalla said.

She added that UNMIK has misinterpreted several judicial processes, including trials in absentia.

According to her, UNMIK no longer serves its purpose, while Kosovo already cooperates with other UN agencies, such as UNICEF and others, which are partners in development.

Gervalla began her speech by reminding the council of March 24, 1999, the "historical moment" when, as she said, NATO, under the leadership of the SDA, intervened to stop genocide in Europe after all diplomatic efforts to stop the "murderer and war criminal" had failed.

This intervention, she added, was not only legitimate but existential, as it represented the protection of the basic values of the UN and all of humanity.

“It stopped the genocide, saved countless lives. From the destruction caused by Serbia’s aggression and its genocidal campaign, the people of Kosovo rose up and emerged stronger,” Gervalla said.

She noted that today, 26 years later, Kosovo is a sovereign independent country with the rule of law.

“Kosovo is firmly anchored in the West, while maintaining strong ties with all our international partners. Kosovo is a true example of how international intervention against genocide and the support of the international community succeeded in establishing democracy,” Gervalla stated.

According to her, despite strong opposition from Serbia, Russia, and their allies, Kosovo has become a democratic country and a respected international partner.

She said that Kosovo aims to become a member of the Council of Europe, adding that Dora Bakoyannis, the rapporteur for Kosovo at the organization, had stated in her report that "Kosovo is a functional democracy where human rights and the rights of communities are respected."

“We are a democratic country, and we are proud of that. After our painful past, we have built institutions, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights. We are young, resilient, and a country oriented towards Euro-Atlantic integration,” the Kosovo Minister said.

On the other hand, she said that Serbia has not changed much and continues to work on destabilizing Kosovo, not just with words but with concrete violent actions that undermine regional peace and stability.

In this context, she mentioned the case of Banjska on September 24, 2023, stating that Kosovo was the target of an armed attack by a paramilitary organization, whose member is Milan Radojicic, whom she described as "a person known as a liaison with the Serbian state leadership."

She also mentioned the attack on the Ibar-Lepenac canal, claiming it was another attack originating from Serbia.

She called on Belgrade to hand over Milan Radojicic and actively participate in investigations into recent events.

Gervalla condemned the language in UNMIK’s reports, accusing Belgrade of questioning the key needs of hundreds of thousands of people in several actions and causing significant damage.

“Belgrade exports instability, while Pristina exports stability,” Gervalla said.

She also mentioned that Kosovo will continue to participate in the dialogue mediated by the European Union.

Additionally, she stated that Kosovo remains committed to supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia.