We would also like to thank the Secretary General for his report and for the UN's efforts in Kosovo during this difficult period. We also wish to thank the leadership of UNMIK, SRSG Rucker and his deputy, for striving to ensure peace and security even when presented with extremely difficult challenges. They've done an outstanding job for the UN, for which we applaud them.

Today I would like to make three points.

First, the Republic of Kosovo has now been an independent state for two months and is making great progress. Its independence marked the end of the long, difficult process of Yugoslavia's breakup, which created many threats to international peace and security in recent years.

Even as the Council has remain divided, the democratically elected government of Kosovo -- supported by many nations that have recognized Kosovo, including seven on this Council -- is steadfastly working to implement the Ahtisaari plan and offer a brighter future to the country and the region.

We particularly commend the European Union for its leadership on this issue. The EU -- the regional organization with the greatest stake in Kosovo's democratic development--has admirably assumed its responsibilities in this troubled part of Europe. The United States strongly supports the EU's efforts to promote economic and democratic development in Kosovo and will engage actively as part of the 15 country steering group to help Kosovo implement the provisions of the Ahtisaari proposal.

President Tadic, although we continue to disagree about Kosovo, you have heard me say before that the United States respects Serbia and our history of cooperation and looks forward to circumstances that would allow our relationship again to flourish. I urge you and the Serbian nation to grasp the vision being offered to you of a Serbia increasingly integrated within Europe and firmly situated in the Euro-Atlantic family of nations. This is the future that Serbs deserve and should actively seize; not a future of recrimination, isolation and remorse. The United States stands ready to support you in that that cause.

Kosovo's leadership has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to act responsibly and ensure extensive protections for its citizens. The Kosovo Assembly has adopted a constitution that enshrines the provisions of the Ahtisaari plan and has passed 19 of the 30 laws required to implement the plan, including laws to protect minority rights, decentralize authority to local governments, and safeguard cultural and religious heritage.

We are pleased to see that Prime Minister Thaci has included three ministers from minority communities in his government, two of them from the Kosovo Serb community, and has established an office directly under him to reach out to minorities.

On June 15th, Kosovo's new constitution will enter into force. The International Civilian Representative, named by the steering group, has certified that it is compliant with the Ahtisaari plan and international experts have stated that this constitution meets the highest standards for democratic self-governance. The entry into force of this constitution will be another milestone for a free, democratic and independent Kosovo.

Second, Kosovo continues to face great challenges, and UNMIK and KFOR must continue to respond robustly to provocations and challenges to peace and security in Kosovo. Immediately after independence, we saw violent mobs attack United Nations customs stations on the border with Serbia. One Serb minister regrettably referred to this violence as "legitimate." Several weeks later, we saw major, well-organized violence directed against UN and KFOR personnel in northern Mitrovica.

Above all, this Council must stand united in condemning all acts of violence and destruction of property and condemning those who seek to foment or organize violence from within or outside Kosovo. Those who disagree with Kosovo's declaration of independence have a right to do so peacefully, but we should not tolerate violent acts of any kind.

President Tadic: such acts reflect poorly on Serbia, and I call on the Serbian government categorically to condemn them, to help bring the perpetrators to justice, and to do everything in their power to prevent recurrence.

Moreover, we must condemn in the strongest possible terms the attacks on UNMIK and KFOR personnel using fragmentation hand grenades and military assault weapons that led to injuries among UN peacekeepers and the tragic death of a Ukrainian police officer. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Ukrainian government and the officer's family. We call on the Council and UN staff to support UNMIK and KFOR leadership to take all necessary actions to preserve peace and stability in Kosovo and to prevent, deter, and respond to any further incidents of this type.

Also, we all agree that resolution 1244 remains in effect and that per this resolution the United Nations retains certain responsibilities for all of Kosovo's territory. UNMIK must continue to control Kosovo's borders and ensure the implementation of all border
administrative functions, including customs, throughout Kosovo.

Third, we are deeply concerned by Belgrade's recent provocative actions in Kosovo, including its decision to hold municipal elections in Kosovo on May 11, despite repeated statements from UNMIK that such elections would be illegitimate. We and others support this interpretation. We understand that the government of Serbia has decided to go ahead with these elections, regardless of the UN's position. This is unacceptable. President Tadic: efforts to conduct these municipal elections are a provocation, and I call on you not to proceed with them.

We are also concerned by Belgrade's actions to pressure Kosovo Serbs from cooperating with authorities in Pristina or from interacting with their Albanian neighbors. Belgrade's position runs contrary to the principle of multi-ethnicity that the UN has sought to foster in Kosovo over the last nine years.

With the entry into force of Kosovo's new constitution in June, the UN role in Kosovo will necessarily have to adapt further, particularly as other international presences begin to assume their responsibilities in an independent Kosovo.

In its declaration of independence, Kosovo expressed deep gratitude to the United Nations for the role it has played in helping Kosovo recover from war. The Council should work to ensure that this positive UN legacy in Kosovo continues.

Thank you.