Eleven years after the war in Kosovo, the establishment of an atmosphere of cooperation and understanding in Southeastern Europe is significant. The future of all the countries of the Western Balkans lies in line with its European perspective, which can only be achieved by practicing the values of cooperation, reconciliation, and good neighbourly relations.
In only three years, Kosovo has made significant progress in the face of difficult situation. It has established all state institutions and implemented in practice the provisions contained in the Comprehensive Plan devised by former President of Finland and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maartti Ahtisaari. Kosovo has adopted a constitution, which provides far-reaching guarantees for all ethnic communities and has successfully held democratic elections. Heavy turnout at polling stations by members of all communities showed a growing determination among all citizens in building a European future for Kosovo.
The recognition of the independence of Kosovo reflects the support the new country has within the international community and the legitimate right of the people of Kosovo for self-governance. To date, 75 countries around the world, including all immediate neighbors other than Serbia, have formally recognized Kosovo. The most recent recognitions this year came from the State of Qatar, Guinea-Bissau and the Sultanate of Oman. Kosovo was also granted membership in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in June 2009.
Independence of Kosovo has been reconfirmed by the International Court of Justice, which acted upon a request of the Republic of Serbia and tasked by the United Nations General Assembly with rendering an advisory opinion on the independence of Kosovo. On July 22, 2010, with an overwhelming majority, the Court concluded that the Declaration of Independence of Kosovo did not violate International Law.
Kosovo’s independence has contributed to strengthening security and stability in Southeastern Europe, by putting an end to two decades of violence and destruction. Because of improved security throughout Kosovo, NATO is downsizing its forces today.
Apart from international recognition of its independence, Kosovo is eager to force a pace for economic development. Kosovo is a new democracy in Europe, with a wide spectrum of developmental requirements. It will continue to transit through the growing pains common to many young nations but will not be detracted from its core aims, central to which is to develop its economy through private sector growth.
Kosovo also faces challenges in its path to join the European Union. The government of the Republic of Kosovo is working hard to receive an EU visa liberalization roadmap this year. Kosovo has yet to sign a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU and continuing delay of the situation makes Kosovars more isolated that other countries in Southeastern Europe—without the right to visa free travel in European Union countries.
Our leadership has made cooperation with all of its neighbors a high priority. In light of this Kosovo has built very good relations with Macedonia, Montenegro, and Albania. Today a dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia on our future cooperation is underway. The dialogue will offer a chance between two sovereign countries to settle practical and technical issues and overcome obstacles towards EU and NATO membership.
During her last visit to Kosovo, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton offered an uplifting assessment. She said, “I was impressed with the promise of such a young country. The dynamic, engaged youth who represent so much of Kosovo’s future are working with civil society to build up democratic institutions, expand economic opportunities, and promote the rule of law.“
It remains the hope of the Government of Kosovo that one day all the countries of the Western Balkans, in spite of their unfortunate past, will live side-by-side as peaceful, cooperative neighbors and full members of the European and North Atlantic community of nations. The Republic of Kosovo looks forward to working with all of the countries to promote the shared goal of peace and security.
Avni Spahiu is the Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the United States.
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Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic Future
June 5, 2011
Eleven years after the war in Kosovo, the establishment of an atmosphere of cooperation and understanding in Southeastern Europe is significant. The future of all the countries of the Western Balkans lies in line with its European perspective, which can only be achieved by practicing the values of cooperation, reconciliation, and good neighbourly relations.
In only three years, Kosovo has made significant progress in the face of difficult situation. It has established all state institutions and implemented in practice the provisions contained in the Comprehensive Plan devised by former President of Finland and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maartti Ahtisaari. Kosovo has adopted a constitution, which provides far-reaching guarantees for all ethnic communities and has successfully held democratic elections. Heavy turnout at polling stations by members of all communities showed a growing determination among all citizens in building a European future for Kosovo.
The recognition of the independence of Kosovo reflects the support the new country has within the international community and the legitimate right of the people of Kosovo for self-governance. To date, 75 countries around the world, including all immediate neighbors other than Serbia, have formally recognized Kosovo. The most recent recognitions this year came from the State of Qatar, Guinea-Bissau and the Sultanate of Oman. Kosovo was also granted membership in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in June 2009.
Independence of Kosovo has been reconfirmed by the International Court of Justice, which acted upon a request of the Republic of Serbia and tasked by the United Nations General Assembly with rendering an advisory opinion on the independence of Kosovo. On July 22, 2010, with an overwhelming majority, the Court concluded that the Declaration of Independence of Kosovo did not violate International Law.
Kosovo’s independence has contributed to strengthening security and stability in Southeastern Europe, by putting an end to two decades of violence and destruction. Because of improved security throughout Kosovo, NATO is downsizing its forces today.
Apart from international recognition of its independence, Kosovo is eager to force a pace for economic development. Kosovo is a new democracy in Europe, with a wide spectrum of developmental requirements. It will continue to transit through the growing pains common to many young nations but will not be detracted from its core aims, central to which is to develop its economy through private sector growth.
Kosovo also faces challenges in its path to join the European Union. The government of the Republic of Kosovo is working hard to receive an EU visa liberalization roadmap this year. Kosovo has yet to sign a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU and continuing delay of the situation makes Kosovars more isolated that other countries in Southeastern Europe—without the right to visa free travel in European Union countries.
Our leadership has made cooperation with all of its neighbors a high priority. In light of this Kosovo has built very good relations with Macedonia, Montenegro, and Albania. Today a dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia on our future cooperation is underway. The dialogue will offer a chance between two sovereign countries to settle practical and technical issues and overcome obstacles towards EU and NATO membership.
During her last visit to Kosovo, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton offered an uplifting assessment. She said, “I was impressed with the promise of such a young country. The dynamic, engaged youth who represent so much of Kosovo’s future are working with civil society to build up democratic institutions, expand economic opportunities, and promote the rule of law.“
It remains the hope of the Government of Kosovo that one day all the countries of the Western Balkans, in spite of their unfortunate past, will live side-by-side as peaceful, cooperative neighbors and full members of the European and North Atlantic community of nations. The Republic of Kosovo looks forward to working with all of the countries to promote the shared goal of peace and security.
Avni Spahiu is the Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the United States.
