Kosovo: Final Status 'Should Be Decided By December' - RADIO FREE EUROPE / RADIO LIBERTY

 

RFE/RL: The UN secretary-general made clear that he expects a report from Contact Group before December 10. Does it mean that Kosovo's status issue will go back to Security Council after that date?

Wisner: We are not yet at December 10 so you’re kind of asking me a very hypothetical question. As far as the United States is concerned this is the final round of negotiations, which ought to bring the matter to the conclusion. We should be able at the end of 120 days to reach a decision on final status.

RFE/RL: Keeping in mind the current positions of the two sides, it is unlikely that an agreement will be reached at the end of the 120 days. Have you thought what next, how you would proceed in such a case?

Wisner: I try to answer that from the point of view of the United States of America. This is the forum for the final review of the Kosovo matter, and then a decision on the final status should be made.

RFE/RL: So after 120 days would you be ready to recognize Kosovo’s independence, a solution that is supported by U.S. President George W. Bush, despite Russia’s opposition?

Wisner: I think, at this stage, let’s get through these 120 days. The position of the United States is clear. President Bush announced it in Tirana, as you noted. That position is not going to change, we stand firmly beside it. But the task immediately ahead is to get the two parties to lay out their final ideas, proposals, and suggestions, and bring this matter to a conclusion before December 10.

Source: Kosovo: Final Status 'Should Be Decided By December' - RADIO FREE EUROPE / RADIO LIBERTY

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