Wisner: Kosovo independence to bring clarity to region

U.S. Kosovo envoy Frank Wisner believes the time is right to implement Martti Ahtisaari's blueprint. The plan, rejected by Belgrade and blocked by Moscow at the UN last spring, in Wisner's words, is about a perspective of the province's independence. Wisner: Kosovo independence to bring clarity to region "We can't go on like this forever. During the past two years, first with President Ahtisaari and then with the Troika negotiations, we tried to find a solution based on compromise. But it transpired this was impossible," the U.S. diplomat told Belgrade daily Vecernje Novosti in Washington. "The sides remained firmly in their positions. In my opinion, there is absolutely no reason to believe that further talks would lead to a change in behavior." "There is no way for Kosovo to be ready to return under Serbia's sovereignty. And so we arrived at the most logical conclusion that brings stability to Kosovo, and creates badly needed clarity in the whole region, and that is independence," the U.S. member of The Contact Group Troika explained his country's position. Asked about the value of a solution that many European countries and Russia disagree with, Wisner said he believed "a good number of European countries" understood the importance of his words, and added that "we must wait for the Europeans to announce their stance." The diplomat added that "no one will be able to force anyone else to recognize independence," as well as that the Kosovo solution Washington had in mind will not be acceptable to all. As for the future of U.S.-Serbian relations, now in their 125th year, Wisner said these ties "had a long tradition" and reminded that the United States was home to a large Serb community. "Serbia and the United States stood shoulder to shoulder in two world wars. Serbia is developing into a modern, democratic European nations. It is out intention to, despite our differences over Kosovo, return to further building those relations," he told the daily.

Wisner: Kosovo independence to bring clarity to region

"We can't go on like this forever. During the past two years, first with President Ahtisaari and then with the Troika negotiations, we tried to find a solution based on compromise. But it transpired this was impossible," the U.S. diplomat told Belgrade daily Večernje Novosti in Washington.

"The sides remained firmly in their positions. In my opinion, there is absolutely no reason to believe that further talks would lead to a change in behavior."

"There is no way for Kosovo to be ready to return under Serbia's sovereignty. And so we arrived at the most logical conclusion that brings stability to Kosovo, and creates badly needed clarity in the whole region, and that is independence," the U.S. member of The Contact Group Troika explained his country's position.

Asked about the value of a solution that many European countries and Russia disagree with, Wisner said he believed "a good number of European countries" understood the importance of his words, and added that "we must wait for the Europeans to announce their stance."

The diplomat added that "no one will be able to force anyone else to recognize independence," as well as that the Kosovo solution Washington had in mind will not be acceptable to all.

As for the future of U.S.-Serbian relations, now in their 125th year, Wisner said these ties "had a long tradition" and reminded that the United States was home to a large Serb community.

"Serbia and the United States stood shoulder to shoulder in two world wars. Serbia is developing into a modern, democratic European nations. It is out intention to, despite our differences over Kosovo, return to further building those relations," he told the daily.