EU short of unity over Kosovo

BREMEN EU policy chiefs Friday fell short of reaching consensus over UN envoy’s plan that envisages supervised independence for Kosovo. In a two-day meeting that began Friday in Bremen, EU policy chiefs have gathered to discuss manners of assuming a joint position over the UN-sponsored plan for the future status of Kosovo before the UN Security Council. EU short of unity over Kosovo Following an eleven-hour long session Friday, EU foreign ministers speaking on behalf of their states fell short of reaching a compromise regarding their joint position over the content Ahtisaari's plan. In spite of Germany’s effort to provide EU’s backing of Martti Ahtisaari’s plan, several states, including Spain, Greece and Slovakia, expressed doubts over the prospects of quasi-independence for Kosovo, fearing this could trigger demands for similar treatment by other disputed territories and minority groups in Europe. “The EU states welcome UN special Kosovo envoy’s Martti Ahtisaari’s efforts in the process of Kosovo’s status settlement,” German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said following the meeting, without unequivocally stating whether the EU in its entirety backed Ahtisaari’s results in terms of his draft proposal that would, if adopted, grant Kosovo supervised independence. Nevertheless, EU ministers agreed to press for the rapid adoption of a UN Security Council resolution on the future status of the Serb province. Frank-Walter Steinmeier insisted the UN resolution should 'respect the legitimate interests' of both Serbia and Kosovo. Several EU states have also voiced concern that support for supervised independence in Kosovo will further strain the bloc's relations with Belgrade. However, most EU states, including Germany - currently in charge of the EU presidency - have come out firmly in favor of the UN plan as essential for stability in Europe and in the western Balkans. 'Stability and security in Kosovo is vital for Europe's security interests,' said Steinmeier. Backing the UN plan, EU enlargement chief Olli Rehn also insisted Ahtisaari's blueprint - also fully supported by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon - would foster the building of a 'democratic, multi- ethnic society in Kosovo, based on the rule of law.' A statement by Germany released after talks in Bremen said all EU states agreed that a new Security Council resolution 'must provide the framework for the implementation of the status solution, in particular the civilian and military international presence overseeing implementation.' It promised that the EU would work 'actively and in a united fashion' in the Security Council and vowed 'strong support for the Serbian people's quest for a European future.' 'We will try to find ways to allow for more young people from the region, including from Serbia, to visit our countries,' said the statement, adding that the EU would work on a 'more liberal visa regime' for Serbs and other nationals from the western Balkans. Ministers in Bremen also endorsed a report on Kosovo drawn up by EU chief diplomat Javier Solana and Rehn, calling for increased international aid for the territory. Highlighting the EU's 'special responsibility' in Kosovo, the report said EU funds for the territory would have to be backed up by help from other nations.

EU short of unity over Kosovo

Following an eleven-hour long session Friday, EU foreign ministers speaking on behalf of their states fell short of reaching a compromise regarding their joint position over the content Ahtisaari's plan.

In spite of Germany’s effort to provide EU’s backing of Martti Ahtisaari’s plan, several states, including Spain, Greece and Slovakia, expressed doubts over the prospects of quasi-independence for Kosovo, fearing this could trigger demands for similar treatment by other disputed territories and minority groups in Europe.

“The EU states welcome UN special Kosovo envoy’s Martti Ahtisaari’s efforts in the process of Kosovo’s status settlement,” German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said following the meeting, without unequivocally stating whether the EU in its entirety backed Ahtisaari’s results in terms of his draft proposal that would, if adopted, grant Kosovo supervised independence.

Nevertheless, EU ministers agreed to press for the rapid adoption of a UN Security Council resolution on the future status of the Serb province.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier insisted the UN resolution should 'respect the legitimate interests' of both Serbia and Kosovo.

Several EU states have also voiced concern that support for supervised independence in Kosovo will further strain the bloc's relations with Belgrade.

However, most EU states, including Germany - currently in charge of the EU presidency - have come out firmly in favor of the UN plan as essential for stability in Europe and in the western Balkans.

'Stability and security in Kosovo is vital for Europe's security interests,' said Steinmeier.

Backing the UN plan, EU enlargement chief Olli Rehn also insisted Ahtisaari's blueprint - also fully supported by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon - would foster the building of a 'democratic, multi- ethnic society in Kosovo, based on the rule of law.'

A statement by Germany released after talks in Bremen said all EU states agreed that a new Security Council resolution 'must provide the framework for the implementation of the status solution, in particular the civilian and military international presence overseeing implementation.'

It promised that the EU would work 'actively and in a united fashion' in the Security Council and vowed 'strong support for the Serbian people's quest for a European future.'

'We will try to find ways to allow for more young people from the region, including from Serbia, to visit our countries,' said the statement, adding that the EU would work on a 'more liberal visa regime' for Serbs and other nationals from the western Balkans.

Ministers in Bremen also endorsed a report on Kosovo drawn up by EU chief diplomat Javier Solana and Rehn, calling for increased international aid for the territory.

Highlighting the EU's 'special responsibility' in Kosovo, the report said EU funds for the territory would have to be backed up by help from other nations.