Elections for a new Kosovo assembly were held on 23 October. They were monitored by a Council of Europe observation mission, which included four Irish observers. The elections were organised by the Kosovo authorities and there is widespread agreement that they were conducted in a free and fair manner in line with international standards. Following the tragic violence in Kosovo in March, it was important that the elections and the election campaign took place in a peaceful atmosphere. It is regrettable, however, that almost all the Kosovo Serb community decided not to participate in the elections on the grounds that their security has not been fully assured.
The political parties in Kosovo are engaged in discussions on the formation of a coalition government and an announcement is expected soon. It is essential that when a new government is formed, it should demonstrate clearly its commitment to working with the representatives of minority communities in Kosovo with the objective of building a peaceful and stable multi-ethnic society. Kosovo has been under UN administration, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1244, since the end of the conflict in 1999. The EU fully supports the UN mission in Kosovo which is working with the provisional institutions of self-government to implement European standards in the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities in advance of consideration of the constitutional status of Kosovo. The EU has stressed the importance of the early formation of a government following the elections which will continue to work towards the review of progress on the implementation of standards which will be carried out in mid-2005. If the outcome of the review is positive, it will be followed by a process of negotiation to agree the status issue. These negotiations will inevitably be complex and difficult with implications for the western Balkans region.
The European Union remains firmly committed to a multi-ethnic, democratic Kosovo in which the rights of all communities are fully protected. The ethnically motivated violence in March this year was undoubtedly a major setback for Kosovo. Some 19 people were killed and widespread damage was caused to property owned by members of the Kosovo Serb community. Work is under way on the reconstruction of property and it is essential that its early completion remains a priority for the new government.
The security situation has stabilised since March, although it remains tense. There are 213 Irish troops serving with KFOR, the UN-mandated peacekeeping force in Kosovo. I underline the deep appreciation of the Government for the key role being played by members of the Defence Forces in ensuring security and stability in Kosovo.
During Ireland's EU Presidency, the European Council and the General Affairs and External Relations Council paid close attention to developments in Kosovo. The situation will remain high on the agenda of the Council in the months to come. The EU will continue to work closely with the UN mission in Kosovo, and especially with Mr. Soren Jessen-Petersen, the special representative of the UN Secretary General, in preparation for the crucial review of the implementation of standards next year. The EU will also remain in close contact with the US and the wider international community to ensure the eventual process to address the question of Kosovo's final status will also contribute to the stability of the western Balkans region.