The Permanent Missions of Nigeria, the United States of America and United Kingdom to the United Nations have warned all the parties involved in the Kosovo crisis to shun violence and embrace all peace efforts by the international community.
Addressing the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Kosovo, an official of Nigerian Mission to the world body, Mr. Obinna Onowu urged the parties to guard against a relapse into violence and actively promote reconciliation through compromise and mutual respect.
Expressing regret over simmering tension, the Nigerian diplomat said law enforcement must be strengthened.
Welcoming United Nations Mission in Kosovo’s continuing efforts to promote reconciliation, as well as the roles of EULEX and KFOR, Mr. Onowu urged regional and international entities to act in concert.
He also expressed support for proposals to encourage an increase in the number of returning displaced persons, underlining the importance of inclusiveness in the investigation of alleged human-organ trafficking.
Speaking in another briefing, Obinna Onowu noted that peacekeeping had evolved as a “flagship” United Nations activity, and said that as a country in the region with the highest concentration of peacekeepers, Nigeria had a unique perspective.
First and foremost, there was a mismatch between the resources required and the mandates given to peacekeeping missions, he pointed out and added that it was, therefore, not surprising that several missions could not fulfill their assigned tasks.
Mandates must be clear and adequately resourced, he stressed.
His word: “There was also a need for cooperation among all actors, and it was critical to better align communications between troop-contributing countries, the Security Council and the Secretariat.
As for host countries, the real test would be their ability to sustain peace after the withdrawal of a mission”
The representative of the United States, Ambassador Rosemary Dicarlo welcomed the common understanding reached between the authorities on both sides following the recent crisis and called on them to uphold their responsibilities.
“As an independent State, Kosovo had the right to extend national authority and the rule of law in its northern area, she emphasized , even as she expressed concern over the engagement of Serbian police in that area” She added.
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