International reactions to status proposal

International reactions to status proposal

“I strongly encourage both Belgrade and Priština to engage actively with Martti Ahtisaari on the basis of his proposal. I expect both parties to demonstrate responsibility, flexibility and a recognition of the need for realistic compromise-based solutions”, Solana’s office statement said.

The High EU Representative also praised Ahtisaari’s efforts and welcomed his presentation Kosovo status blueprint.

European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said that he counted on both sides to “show responsibility and flexibility and see the urgency of making a realistic compromise”.

He offered support to Ahtisaari’s intention to bring about “an active participation of both sides in finalizing of the permanent and feasible solution”.

Russia: Solution to be based on compromise and Resolution 1244

Russian ambassador to Belgrade Alexandar Alekseyev told Itar-Tass that Moscow remains convinced the final Kosovo status solution must be based on a compromise acceptable to both sides, and the UN Security Council Resolution 1244.

Alekseyev added that Russia intends to “maintain its active role” in a search for the solution to Kosovo’s problem.

“As for the next step, we support constructive approach to the essence of the problem, without artificial deadlines”, the Russian ambassador said.

“Ahtisaari’s proposal practically offers Kosovo an independent state status and will as such hardly contribute to the solution of the problem in the Balkans”, Russian deputy Duma foreign policy committee chairman Leonid Slutsky said.

“Moscow cannot accept a unilateral approach to the Balkans. Belgrade’s opinion must be sought while reaching a compromise”, Slutsky told Itar-Tass.

He described Ahtisaari’s document as “far from ideal”, adding that imposed solutions to the problem were “wrong and dangerous”.

U.S. calls on Belgrade and Priština to work on the solution

Ahtisaari has envisaged “a stable, perspective and multiethnic Kosovo”, said State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack, estimating that the proposed framework for the protection of human rights will contribute to further democratization of Kosovo.

“We encourage Martti Ahtisaari to complete his assignment fast so that Kosovo and the whole region could get a clear picture of its future. We remain committed to the solution that will promote regional stability, and multiethnic nature of Kosovo, and the solution acceptable to the people of Kosovo”, McCormack concluded.

NATO welcomes the plan

NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer welcomed Ahtisaari’s proposal and assessed that Belgrade and Priština should co-operate fully with the UN Special Envoy “in a spirit of flexibility and compromise”.

He said that the Kosovo status process had entered an important new phase.

”President Ahtisaari has presented a way forward on this issue which offers the prospect of a better, more secure future for the entire region, including through integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures.“

On behalf of NATO, Scheffer expressed his appreciation to President Ahtisaari for his efforts, and welcomed his proposals.

NATO Secretary-General urged all parties to act responsibly during the sensitive period ahead and confirmed that NATO will continue to play its full part in providing a safe and secure environment in Kosovo, through and beyond a status decision.

“KFOR will respond firmly to any attempts to use violence to disrupt the political process“, Scheffer concluded in his statement.

UK supports proposal

Commenting on the Kosovo final status process, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said that the United Kingdom fully supports Ahtisaari’s efforts.

“We are confident that his proposals can form the basis for a fair and sustainable settlement for Kosovo which will enhance regional stability and the region’s Euro-Atlantic prospects”, she said.

Ms Beckett also added that an important moment is reached in the Kosovo status process.

“There will now be a period of consultation with the parties. The UK is encouraging both sides to engage positively and constructively with the Special Envoy in the forthcoming period. I believe that these proposals hold out the prospect of a secure, better future for all of Kosovo’s communities”, she ends her statement.