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The decision on Kosova’s status will affect the future
of the entire Balkans. R. Nicholas Burns, U.S. Under
Secretary for Political Affairs has said of Kosova’s
importance to the future of the Balkans, “We believe …
that the status quo of Kosova’s undefined future is not
sustainable or desirable. It satisfies no one and leaves
open the possibility of renewed ethnic violence. Failure
to address Kosova’s status in the near term risks
undoing much of what we have achieved in the Balkans
over the last ten years.”
The converse is also true. Deciding in favor of an
independent Kosova—with civil, economic, and human
rights infrastructures in place in accordance with
international standards—would lead to a new, stable,
free market democracy in Southeastern Europe. A new
Kosova would reflect European governance values, and be
positioned to generate new economic vitality.
Dialogue With Serbia
The UN Kosova Standards Implementation Plan calls for
Kosova to participate “in successful dialogue with
Belgrade … and in stable and peaceful relationships with
its regional neighbors.”
Towards that end, Kosova has begun a formal dialogue
process with Serbia. Binational, multi-ethnic working
groups have been created on Energy, Missing Persons,
Returns, and Transportation and Telecommunications.
Ministers of Kosova have traveled to Serbia to discuss
topics of common concern, including a September 2005
discussion between Kosova and Serbian culture ministers.
A bilateral free trade agreement is being discussed.
These events indicate Kosova’s and Serbia’s capacity to
address specific issues together, and offer hope that
the larger issue of Kosova independence can be resolved.
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