POSITION PAPER

The Republic of South Africa

Damianagatayuvens (0806341671)
I G A Putra Trisnajaya (0806317054)
Margaretha Quina (08063426363)
Security Council – Matters Regarding Kosovo

On 17th of February 2008, Provisional Institutions of Self-Government of Kosovo

declared her independence unilaterally. The unilateral declaration conducted by Kosovo
triggered strong response from Serbia since Kosovo indeed a part of Serbia. This action also
triggered various responses from international community. The supporting parties consider
the right of self-determination which is inherent to each and every nation, while in the other
hand the opposing parties concerned about the separatist movement that might be triggered.
The most important matters that these parties missed are the Kosovo independency problem
is not only about Kosovo or about the possibility of separatism. Bottom line, it’s more about
the relation between Kosovo and Serbia.
Since the Kosovo’s declaration of independence is a unilateral action while at the
same time, the conflict between Kosovo and Serbia has not been resolved, the Republic of
South Africa declares that Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence is not yet construe
as legitimate. Whether Kosovo gain independency or not is not the most important problem
in this matter. Indeed, the most important matter is to settle the conflict that has been existed
and still occur between Kosovo and Serbia.
Basically, the problem between Kosovo and Serbia is the matter related to mistakes of
that regime in taking policies. It’s undeniable that Kosovo had experienced very difficult
times in the past, slaughter, poverty, fear, and uncertainty. But, if Serbia keeps being isolated
in the darkness of the past, Kosovo will not be able to see the light of the promising future.
The unilateral declaration of independency is a hasty act that has been done by Kosovo with
the consideration of the past events without reconsidering other aspects, such as the economic
and social matters.
In the status quo, the Kosovar Serbs that inhabit Kosovo are intimidated even in their
own city. They are threatened and attacked. It is an effect of the unilateral declaration that
held by Kosovo without prior settlement with their problems with Serbia and keeps isolated
in the darkness of the past. Furthermore, the economic instability of Kosovo is affected
because the uncertainty of Kosovo’s status. In the other hand, Serbia has struggled with all
the possible diplomatic channels that could be done to settle the matters with Kosovo and
attempted to reintegrate all of its territory. It is not the future that the world wants to see
which is the fearful future and instability inside Kosovo and the continuous punishment for
Serbia, when everything is only because the unwillingness to accept the past and to welcome
a better future. Kosovo and Serbia deserve to get a better thing. However, this better future
will not be established unless the two parties willing to exempt their interest and try to let off
the past.
South Africa request to United Nations to immediately urge Kosovo and Serbia to
settle the existing problems without delay, and suggest the Kosovo and Serbia to settle a
Tripartite Agreement with negotiators consisted of three person, each selected by Kosovo,
Serbia, and United Nations. Considering the past conflict between South Africa and Namibia
which had settled through this method, hopefully each party could reach the best settlement
regarding this conflict.
Since Kosovo’s legitimate independence declaration hasn’t been certain, therefore the
matter of supervision by European Union, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization above
Kosovo cannot be decided. Before determining the supervision matter, the result of the
Tripartite Agreement that would be hold in the future must be first established.
It's not a question of South Africa being in the majority or minority, as it has never
been. It's not a question of South Africa being with Russia or USA and it has never been and
it will never be. It is neither the question about independence nor integrity. It is all about
peace.