Differing Kosovo stances at UN meeting

Differing Kosovo stances at UN meeting

The meeting was held to hear the report of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan regarding the work of UNMIK and standards in Kosovo.

Kosovo Coordination Center Chief Sanda Rašković-Ivić told B92 that the meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere. She said that there is still a level of polarization within the Security Council.

“Some countries, Russia, China, Argentina and Ghana, support a solution that would follow the international laws and Resolution 1244, and there are also countries who want to see a solution as soon as possible.” Rašković-Ivić said.

“Only great Britain was open and openly suggested Kosovo independence as the best solution. This was not done by the Americans or the French. Albania, of course, supported Kosovo independence.” Rašković-Ivić said.

She added that most countries wanted to see the standards implemented at a better and faster rate.

“There was also support shown for the negotiation process, and it was said that the optimal solution for Kosovo could be reached through a compromise. A majority of the countries supported the continuation of discussions and to not have the talks include a deadline.” Rašković-Ivić said.

Independence, the only solution

In an open letter to the UN Security Council, Kosovo Prime Minister Agim Ceku said that Kosovo independence is the only solution for the status of the province.

He stated that with recognition of Kosovo’s independence by the UN Security Council, it will free the entire region of confusion and instability and allow everyone to live in long-term stability and prosperity.

“Every day passes in postponement and suspicion, in illusionary hope that some kind of a solution can be found or a cynical hope for personal political gain, which is worsening economic stagnation and the political frustration of the Kosovo people.” Ceku said.

“This purposely constructed instability strips us of our identities and investments. The minorities suffer the most, in the traps of a state that does not exist yet but needs to be recognized.” Ceku said.

“Kosovo has always been multi-ethnic. No one is denying the challenges of reconciliation after many years of separation, but this challenge is our responsibility and wish. Kosovo without minorities is not Kosovo,” he added.

“Nothing new”

Kosovo Serbian List leader Oliver Ivanović told B92 that, as he had expected, the UN Security Council meeting brought nothing new to the table.

Ivanović said that the story that the situation in Kosovo is improving is being repeated by UNMIK and the Kosovo institutions, and the Serbian side tried to disapprove that again.

Ivanović said the meeting will not have any effect on UN envoy Martti Ahtisaari’s coming proposal for the Kosovo status solution.