Saturday, September 15, 2007

American Experts: Conclusion

It is preferable for the U.S. and EU to act together to bring stability to Kosovo. But waiting longer for a 27-member EU consensus is not a viable option and threatens to unravel the whole final status process. The decision process foreseen in UN Security Council resolution 1244 has been completed. The outcome is the Ahtisaari plan, which needs to be implemented. Neither the Russian veto nor Belgrade’s insistence on delay should be allowed to obstruct the international community’s decision on Kosovo.

December 10 should be the end of the status process, leading directly to a declaration by the U.S. and principal allies of their willingness to recognize Kosovo’s sovereignty provided it implements essential parts of the Ahtisaari plan. Washington, and as many European capitals as possible, need to find the foresight to begin planning for this scenario at the ministerial and head of state level in early this fall and the courage to act decisively in December. The USG should begin discussing alternative arrangements with its principal allies, in order to prevent prolonging, and likely deterioration, of the present unsatisfactory situation.

Source: Kosovo: Breaking the Deadlock by Daniel Serwer: USIPeace Briefing: U.S. Institute of Peace

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4 comments:

Albiqete said...

This is what will actually happen. We hope of course.

Anonymous said...

I don't know what the situation is like on the ground in Kosova. But it seems to me that the longer this process drags on without the promise of a proper solution the more likely it is that dissatisfaction is going to reach a head. What do you think is likely to happen if the status quo drags on?

WARchild said...

Owen,

The situation is very strained. Kosovar leaders and their Western backers have wasted all their credibility cards. Words of hope don't amount to much anymore.

WARchild said...

albiqete,

We can do more than hope. "Ishalla" is not the answer.