Kosovo’s Declaration of Independence
By the St. Kitts-Nevis Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Kosovo’s Prime Minister Hashim Thaci’s bold declaration of independence from Serbia in Parliament on Sunday, 17th February 2008, shocked not only Serbia, Russia and the rest of Europe but reverberated throughout the world bringing international reaction as it signaled the last act in the breakup of Yugoslavia.
International Reaction to Kosovo’s Independence
But while the Republic of Serbia’s Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, deems the declaration illegal and considers Kosovo a “fake state”, leaders of other countries including France, the United States, Great Britain, Australia and Turkey have responded positively to Kosovo’s independence. In fact, by 20 March, 2008 thirty three (33) of the United Nations 192 members had recognized the new Republic of Kosovo and, while European Member States decide individually whether to recognize Kosovo or note eighteen (18) of the twenty seven (27) members have already recognized Kosovo.
Germany, convinced that further negotiations between Serbia and Kosovo will not avail to much, was the first to formally recognize Kosovo’s independence on 28th February 2008 and has even expressed interest in establishing diplomatic ties. The German government urged states to acknowledge Kosovo’s independence as soon as possible, a move it opines will result in lasting stability in the Balkans.
But Kosovo’s declaration of independence has been denounced by some world leaders. While some claim concern for peace in the region, others are alarmed at the unilateral decision. Of the 120 member Parliament, the Kosovo Assembly (109) voted unanimously for to 0 against, as the Serb minority representation of 11 boycotted the proceedings. No Caribbean State has made any formal statement either in support of or against Kosovo’s declaration of independence.
Events which lead to UN and NATO intervention
Eight years ago, after NATO raged a 3 month bombing campaign against Serbia, causing Milosevic to withdraw his troops from Kosovo, the UN Security Resolution 1244 (1999) authorized a UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) together with a NATO-led peacekeeping force (KFOR), 12,000 strong. In 2001, UNMIK circulated a Constitutional Framework, which established Kosovo's Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG), including an elected Kosovo Assembly, Presidency and office of Prime Minister. In succeeding years UNMIK increasingly devolved responsibilities to the PISG. Kosovo held its first free, Kosovo-wide elections in late 2001. Kosovo’s status has been pending since that time as Serbian and Kosovo leaders have failed to reach a compromise.
But the feud between Serbs and Albanians in Kosovo date back to the 7th century and it would be naïve to expect the conflict will be resolved overnight. The issues relating to territory, sovereignty, religion, ethnicity and minority rights are intricate to the fracas in the Balkans. Europe has commissioned the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) comprising of 2,000 persons to monitor the local police and judicial sectors and to promote peace. However, both Russia and Serbia have called the mission illegitimate and without a UN mandate.
Kosovo’s First Declaration of Independence
This is not however, the first time that Kosovo has declared independence from Serbia. In 1989, Sloban Milosevic, the then President of Serbia instituted a new constitution which significantly reduced Kosovo's autonomy. Kosovo Albanian leaders retaliated in 1990 by organizing a referendum declaring Kosovo’s independence from Serbia. Only Albania recognized that independence at that time.
What may block Kosovo’s Membership in the United Nations
The prevailing question is whether Kosovo will be accepted as an independent state by the United Nations. Interestingly, Russia is among the 25 countries which have explicitly denounced Kosovo’s independence. Of the five (5) members with veto power in the UN Security Council, three (the United States, United Kingdom and France) have recognized Kosovo’s declaration of independence, while the People’s Republic of China and Russia have denied it. Russia has explicitly condemned the unilateral move by Kosovo, stating its intention to use its veto power as a permanent member regarding Kosovo’s prospective membership in the UN. The UN meanwhile has urged Serbia to desist from interfering in Kosovo.
