China asks Kosovo authorities to stop unilateral escalatory actions

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Tuesday called on Kosovo authorities to stop unilateral acts that could heighten regional tensions.

The situation in northern Kosovo remains fragile, with frequent incidents of violence and insecurity, said Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, during a UN Security Council briefing on Kosovo.

"We urge the Kosovo authorities to give priority to regional peace and stability, stop unilateral actions that heighten tensions and exacerbate confrontation, and effectively safeguard the safety and legitimate rights and interests of the Serb population."

In northern Kosovo, a considerable number of Serb residents have been arrested and detained, privately owned buildings have been forcibly demolished, and their legitimate rights and interests have been infringed upon, he told the Security Council.

Sun said China's position on Kosovo is consistent and clear. China supports working within the framework of Security Council Resolution 1244 to reach a mutually acceptable solution on the Kosovo issue through genuine dialogue, said Sun, noting that Serbia's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity should be fully respected.

Stressing that dialogue and negotiation are the only way out, Sun said China commends the European Union's mediation efforts and looks forward to the parties concerned resuming high-level dialogue at an early date, working to eliminate divisions, actively seeking consensus, and promoting an early political settlement of the relevant issues.

Unity and mutual trust among the various ethnic communities in Kosovo have long remained fragile, said Sun. The Kosovo authorities should consider the basic aspirations of all ethnic communities to promote ethnic harmony, he said.

With the upcoming parliamentary elections in Serbia, the parties concerned should properly address voting arrangements for Kosovo Serbs and ensure their due political rights are respected, he added.

The international community should work together to maintain security and stability in Kosovo and promote greater dialogue and engagement among communities in the region, said Sun, adding that China stands ready to work with the international community in this regard.

Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008, a move Belgrade rejects as illegal.