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I thank Mr. Ivica Dacic, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, and Ambassador Vlora Çitaku of Kosovo for their statement. I also thank Dr. Zahir Tanin, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), for his briefing. Mr. President, Today Kosovo is peaceful, more prosperous, a place where reconciliation is taking place. The Kosovo government, formed last year, has actively embarked on wide-ranging reforms. Normalisation of the relations between Belgrade and Pristina now is measured in deeds, not words. Kosovo has strengthened its relations with the EU. It has made an undeniable progress in light of the challenges, faced by many regional states, of strengthening the rule of law or social and economic situation.

In October the EU and Kosovo signed the Stabilisation and Association Agreement setting out a clear path for the stronger relations, deeper political dialogue and economic cooperation. It is an opportunity for the people of Kosovo to access new markets, boost trade and investment provided reforms take place. It is indeed up to the Kosovo authorities to make full use of this instrument and we look forward to the swift entry into force of this Agreement. Lithuania has been a consistent supporter of the Kosovo path towards the EU. We are ready to continue sharing our reform experience, including through the EU twinning programme. Historic decisions require courage. We welcome solid steps by the leaders towards the normalisation of the relations between Belgrade and Pristina in the framework of the EU-facilitated dialogue and the Brussels Agreement of 2013. Results have been achieved in the areas of justice, civil protection integration. The dialogue has brought about the agreements on energy, telecoms, and establishment of the Association/Community of Serb majority municipalities and Freedom of Movement/Mitrovica Bridge. The time has come to implement the reached agreements. We encourage Serbia and Kosovo to move forward and towards reconciliation. It is at the core of the European integration agenda for both countries and key to the regional prosperity and stability. The progress is in the hands of the leaders of both countries. The region needs less inflammatory rhetoric, and more cooperation, trade and increased connectivity. Mr. President, The leaders of Kosovo have demonstrated their ability to unite in taking the difficult and necessary decisions as seen by adopting decisions enabling establishment of the Specialist Chambers to try cases brought forward by the Investigative Task Force. Further efforts to pursue an inclusive political dialogue, culture of compromise and respect for democratic process are essential in moving forward with the necessary reforms. At the same time we encourage the government of Kosovo to do more in fostering the interfaith and inter-ethnic dialogue. [The commitment of Kosovo to abide by the UNESCO standards is welcome. We believe that all communities and their heritage throughout Kosovo would benefit from the umbrella of protection for cultural and other heritage provided by UNESCO.] The situation on the ground remains stable and UNMIK, KFOR, EULEX continue to play an important role in contributing to security, stability and the rule of law. Lithuanian will continue its contributions to KFOR and EULEX, as confirmed during the recent visit of the Prime Minister of Kosovo to Lithuania. Let me to take this opportunity to thank the EULEX, and call for cooperation from all sides to expedite the investigation into the killing of the EULEX customs officer Audrius Šenavičius in 2013. Mr. President, The support of international community for a stable and prosperous Kosovo remains firm. The international community helped to bring security and stability in the region. The Kosovo authorities have demonstrated that they are able to take matters in their own hands. Given the progress on the ground we believe it has been long overdue to reduce the frequency of the Council debates on UNMIK.