Lithuanian Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Raimonda Murmokaitė, speaking in her national capacity, welcomed the progress achieved in the implementation of the agreement on principles governing the normalization of relations between Pristina and Belgrade, and stressed the importance of further efforts in advancing the European integration.
Talking about the consolidation of the society, Lithuanian Ambassador stressed the importance of the responsibility and accountability of Serbian and Kosovar political leaders. "We encourage the two sides and their leaders to continue showing the decisiveness necessary to bring about that common European future and contribute to the stability in the region. The progress in the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo can trigger positive spill-over effects on the neighbouring countries", - said the Ambassador.
In the statement, Lithuanian Ambassador also expressed the hope that March elections in Serbia will be conducive to the new political developments in the region.
The Lithuanian Ambassador also highlighted the role of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and encouraged Serbia and Kosovo to continue full cooperation with EULEX. Referring to the death of a Lithuanian EULEX Kosovo staff member, Audrius Šenavičius, the Ambassador reiterated the call to speed up the investigation and bring perpetrators to justice.
UN Security Council members were briefed by Farid Zarif, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. Ivica Dačič, Prime Minister of Serbia, and Hashim Thaçi, Prime Minister of Kosovo took part in the debate.
