Kosovo's Independence Just Days Away

by Jason Green
Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

PRISTINA, Kosovo - Kosovo's Prime Minister Hasim Thaci reported on Thursday that Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia was "an issue of days", and that Kosovo was ready and would declare independence very soon.  Yet he also commented that the delay was because of procedures and consultations that needed to be respected before an exact date could be set.  European diplomats, however, predict that Kosovars will probably have to wait at least another month because of coordinating efforts taking place with the European Union and the United States. 

Kosovo has been run by the United Nations since 1999 when a bitter dispute over the province's status began between Kosovo's ethnic Albanian population and the Serbian government.  Serbia, along with Russia, has vigorously opposed Kosovo's independence, arguing that the Kosovan territory is part of the Serbian heartland.  The United States, along with the EU's 27-member states, continue to support Kosovo in its bid for independence.

Russia's ambassador to NATO urged Serbia to stand up to the Western powers, believing that a split in the Serbian province could result in a "pandora's box" that would destabilize the region.  Perhaps in an effort to pacify Belgrade, the EU is taking steps toward a Stabilization and Association Agreeement (SAA) with Serbia that might speed up its admission into the European Union.  Nevertheless, European leaders will still expect Serbia to comply with efforts to bring war criminals like Ratko Mladic to justice at the U.N. War Crimes Court in The Hague, Netherlands. 

For this reason, Serbia's presidential election is critical.  If Tomislav Nikolic defeats incumbent Boris Tadic for the presidency, his nationalist government is not expected to step up efforts in compliance with the EU's war crimes mandate.  This could further delay Serbia's admission into the EU, and even potentially disrupt democracy in the region. 

For more information, please see:

BBC - Kosovo's independence 'in days' - 24 January 2008

International Herald Tribune - Prime Minister says Kosovo independence an "issue of days" - 24 January 2008

Yahoo (AFP) - Kosovo's independence a matter of days away: Thaci - 24 January 2008