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Regional Stability and Development |
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Regional Stability and Development |
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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More about Kosovo, Here! |
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