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2008 Kosovo declaration of independence



Main article: International reaction to the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence

Unlike the 1990 Kosovo declaration of independence, which only Albania recognised,[45] Kosovo's second declaration of independence has already been recognized as of 21 May 2008 by 42 foreign states, including also Afghanistan, Australia,[46] Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada,[47] Republic of China (Taiwan), Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark,,[48] Estonia, Finland, France,[49] Germany,[50] Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan,,[51] Latvia, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,[52] Luxemburg, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Nauru, Peru,[53] Poland, San Marino, Senegal, Slovenia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey,[54] the United Kingdom,[55] and the United States,[36] with an act of recognition pending from Saudi Arabia. There have been opinions that the speed and rate of international recognition is slower than expected.[56][57]

However 27 other countries, including Algeria, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cuba, Cyprus, Georgia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Libya, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Serbia,[58] Slovakia, Spain,[59] Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uruguay, Venezuela and Vietnam have either officially and explicitly denied recognition or are unlikely to grant recogniton any time soon, while 20 or so others, including Chile, China, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Mali, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, Philippines , Singapore, South Africa, Sudan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vatican City (Holy See) have either expressed their concern while urging continued negotiations under the UN Resolution 1244 (Serbia vs. province of Serbia) or did so while suggesting that new negotiations be brokered to settle the issue once and for all without unilateral moves or ensuing violence.

The situation is far from settled, with more states expected to assume definite positions one way or another as the events unfold in Kosovo and Serbia, including the elections scheduled in Serbia for 11 May 2008, and as political allegiances and influences are brought to bear by diplomats persuading on behalf of each side and influential countries such as China or Saudi Arabia making their position official.

Serbia had announced even before the declaration that it will withdraw its ambassador from any state which recognizes independent Kosovo,[46] and indeed ,has consequently done so without exception.[46]

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Reaction within the European Union

Kosovo is Serbia protest in Vienna, Austria on 24 February 2008
Kosovo is Serbia protest in Vienna, Austria on 24 February 2008

The European Union has sent in a non-military 2,000-member peacekeeping mission (consisting of police and customs officers, judges and prosecutors) to aid Kosovo's independence. Serbia has claimed that this is an occupation and that the EU's move is illegal.[60]

On 18 February 2008 the EU presidency announced after a day of intense talks between foreign ministers that member countries were free to decide individually whether to recognize Kosovo's independence. The majority of states in the EU have recognised Kosovo, but some member states, such as Spain, were unhappy about the signal a recognition would send.[61]

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Outside of the EU

People celebrating Kosovo's declaration of independence in Lausanne, Switzerland, with their car holding the Swiss, Albanian, and American flags
People celebrating Kosovo's declaration of independence in Lausanne, Switzerland, with their car holding the Swiss, Albanian, and American flags

United States president George W. Bush welcomed the declaration of independence as well as its proclamation of friendship with Serbia, stating: "We have strongly supported the Ahtisaari plan [implying Kosovo's independence …]. We are heartened by the fact that the Kosovo government has clearly proclaimed its willingness and its desire to support Serbian rights in Kosovo. We also believe it's in Serbia's interests to be aligned with Europe and the Serbian people can know that they have a friend in America.”[62]

Russia reacted with condemnation, stating they "expect the UN mission and NATO-led forces in Kosovo to take immediate action to carry out their mandate […] including the annulling of the decisions of Pristina's self-governing organs and the taking of tough administrative measures against them.”[62]

In Tirana, the capital of Albania, 'Kosovo Day' was held as a celebration.[63]

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdoğan phoned Prime Minister of Kosovo Hashim Thaçi saying the declaration of independence "will bring to Balkans peace and stability”.[64]

The Republic of China's (commonly known as Taiwan; non-UN member) Foreign Ministry stated "We congratulate the Kosovo people on their winning independence and hope they enjoy the fruits of democracy and freedom. […] Democracy and self-determination are the rights endorsed by the United Nations. The Republic of China always supports sovereign countries' seeking democracy, sovereignty and independence through peaceful means."[65] Taiwan's political rival, the People's Republic of China, responded quickly, saying that "Taiwan, as a part of China, has no right and qualification at all to make the so-called recognition". [66]

Amongst Southeast Asian countries where Muslim separatist movements were active in at least three states, Indonesia, with the world's largest Muslim population, deferred recognition of an independent Kosovo ,[67] while the Philippines declared it will not oppose, but nor will it support Kosovo's independence.[68].[69] Both countries face pressures from Muslim separatist movements within their territories, notably Aceh and southern Mindanao respectively. Vietnam expressed opposition,[70] while Singapore reported that it was still studying the situation.[71] Malaysia, which headed the Organisation of the Islamic Conference at the time, formally recognized Kosovo's sovereignty three days after its independence.[72]

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd backed Kosovan independence on the morning of 18 February, saying "This would appear to be the right course of action. That's why, diplomatically, we would extend recognition at the earliest opportunity."[73] New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said that New Zealand would neither recognise nor not recognise an independent Kosovo.[74] Pro-Independence rallies were held by ethnic Albanians in Canada in the days leading up to the declaration.[75]

President of Northern Cyprus (a state not recognised by the UN) Mehmet Ali Talat saluted the independence of Kosovo and hopes that the state is respected and assisted, in staunch opposition to the position of the Republic of Cyprus. [76]

An Albanian-owned van destroyed in a blast in Pula, Croatia
An Albanian-owned van destroyed in a blast in Pula, Croatia

In Croatia, two blasts destroyed two Fiat Doblo vans owned by ethnic-Albanian bakers in the coastal city of Pula on 21 February 2008. The perpetrators are unknown. Albanian community leaders called the incidents as 'terrorist attacks', reported that some shop owners received threats via SMS messages and said the attacks were connected to the Kosovo situation in a statement.[77] The local police later reported that the SMS messages with threats were sent by another Albanian.[78][79]

On February 23, 44 protesters were arrested after burning the Serbian flag, in the main square of Zagreb, following Serb protesters attacking the Croatian embassy in Belgrade, Serbia.[80]

Hundreds of Serbs of Bosnia and Herzegovina demonstrators broke away from a peaceful rally in Banja Luka on February 26, 2008 and headed for the United States Embassy's office there, clashing with police along the way.[80]

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United Nations

Following a request from Russia, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency session in the afternoon of 17 February.[60] The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, issued a statement that avoided taking sides and urged all parties "to refrain from any actions of statements that could endanger peace, incite violence or jeopardize security in Kosovo or the region." [81] Speaking on behalf of six western countries - Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy and the United States - the Belgian ambassador expressed regret "that the Security Council cannot agree on the way forward, but this impasse has been clear for many months. Today's events… represent the conclusion of a status process that has exhausted all avenues in pursuit of a negotiated outcome." [82]

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See also

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References and Sources

  1. ^ a b "Kosovo MPs proclaim independence", BBC News Online, 17 February 2008
  2. ^ Howard Clark, Civil Resistance in Kosovo, p. 73. Pluto Press, 2000. ISBN 0745315690
  3. ^ David Binder, "In Yugoslavia, Rising Ethnic Strife Brings Fears of Worse Civil Conflict", The New York Times, November 1, 1987, Late City Final Edition (p.14)"
  4. ^ Russia reportedly rejects fourth draft resolution on Kosovo status. SETimes.com.
  5. ^ UN Security Council remains divided on Kosovo. SETimes.com.
  6. ^ A long reconciliation process is required. Financial Times.
  7. ^ Kosovo julistautui itsenäiseksi (fi). Helsingin Sanomat.
  8. ^ Decision of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia regarding the Confirmation of the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Serbia regarding the Abolition of Illegal Acts of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in Kosovo and Metohia in regards to the unilateral Declaration of Independence
  9. ^ United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999)
  10. ^ United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999)
  11. ^ Rambouillet Accords
  12. ^ Guiding principles of the Contact Group for a settlement of the status of Kosovo
  13. ^ a b "Russia's options limited for Kosovo retaliation", San Diego Union-Tribune, February 15, 2008
  14. ^ www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=95906.
  15. ^ The Associated Press: Serbian President Vows Fight Over Kosovo (2008). Retrieved on 2008-02-22.
  16. ^ Kosovo Declares Independence, Seeks U.S., EU Backing. Bloomberg (2008-02-17). Retrieved on 2008-02-17.
  17. ^ a b Kosovo declares independence. International Herald Tribune Europe (2008-02-17). Retrieved on 2008-02-17.
  18. ^ Divided EU meets to debate Kosovo. BBC News (2008-02-17). Retrieved on 2008-02-17.
  19. ^ "Serb church urges state of war over Kosovo", Reuters AlertNet, 2008-02-17. Retrieved on 2008-02-26. 
  20. ^ "Explosion rocks UN building hours after Kosovo declares independence", International Herald Tribune, 2008-02-17. Retrieved on 2008-02-17. 
  21. ^ www.kosovapress.com/ks/index.php?cid=2,2,38841.
  22. ^ "Kosovo Serbs burn border points", BBC News, 19 February 2008. Retrieved on 2008-02-19. 
  23. ^ "Serbs try to claim a piece of Kosovo", Christian Science Monitor, 2008-02-21. Retrieved on 2008-02-21. 
  24. ^ a b "US to evacuate staff from Serbia", BBC News, 2008-02-22. Retrieved on 2008-02-22. 
  25. ^ Radovanovic, Radul. "Peacekeepers battle Serbs in Kosovo", Associated Press, Yahoo News, 2008-03-17. Retrieved on 2008-03-18. 
  26. ^ "UN officer dies after Kosovo riot", BBC News, 2008-03-18. Retrieved on 2008-03-18. 
  27. ^ "PROTEST CONVEYED TO FRANCE, BRITAIN, COSTA RICA, AUSTRALIA, ALBANIA" The economic team for Kosovo and Metohija and the South of Serbia, 20 February 2008. Link accessed 2008-03-25.
  28. ^ Podnesena krivična prijava protiv Tačija, Sejdijua i Krasnićija
  29. ^ PM Dissolves Serbia's Government, AFP, March 8, 2008.
  30. ^ Divisions over Kosovo cripple Serb government, The Daily Telegraph, March 8, 2008,
  31. ^ Serbia proposes dividing Kosovo along ethnic lines, International Herald Tribune, March 25, 2005.
  32. ^ Serb Ministers Deny Kosovo Partition Talks
  33. ^ Serbia to go to ICJ over Kosovo
  34. ^ "Serbia condemns breakaway Kosovo as "false state"", Reuters, 2008-02-17. Retrieved on 2008-02-17. 
  35. ^ "Jubilation and hatred over Kosovo", The Daily Telegraph, 2008-02-17. Retrieved on 2008-02-17. 
  36. ^ a b U.S. recognizes independent Kosovo, CNN, 18 February 2008
  37. ^ "Kosovo declares independence from Serbia; Russia protests, warning it will stir conflict", Charleston Daily Mail, 2008-02-17. Retrieved on 2008-02-17. 
  38. ^ "Serbian president rejects Kosovo independence declaration", Adelaide Now, 2008-02-17. Retrieved on 2008-02-17. 
  39. ^ Blic Online (2008). Retrieved on 2008-02-22.
  40. ^ B92 - Vesti - Neredi u gradovima Srbije - Internet, Radio i TV stanica; najnovije vesti iz Srbije (2008). Retrieved on 2008-02-22.
  41. ^ SAOPSTENJE ZA STAMPU (2008). Retrieved on 2008-02-22.
  42. ^ BalkanInsight.com - Montenegro Students Protest (2008). Retrieved on 2008-02-22.
  43. ^ a b c "Belgrade's US Embassy set on fire", Associated Press/Yahoo News, 21 February 2008. 
  44. ^ "U.N. council condemns Belgrade embassy attacks", Reuters, 2008-02-21. Retrieved on 2008-02-21. 
  45. ^ ibid, p. 92
  46. ^ a b c Serbia tipped to recall ambassador.
  47. ^ Canada to recognize independent Kosovo. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved on 2008-03-18.
  48. ^ Denmark recognises Kosovo (English). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (2008-02-21). Retrieved on 2008-02-21.
  49. ^ "France Recognises Kosovo", BalkanInsight.com, 2008-02-18. Retrieved on 2008-02-18. 
  50. ^ Deutschland erkennt Kosovo an. Deutsche Bundesregierung (2008-02-20). Retrieved on 2008-02-21.
  51. ^ {{cite web|url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2008/3/0318.html|publisher= Ministry for Foreign Affairs|accessdate=2008-03-18]]
  52. ^ Seimas nutarė pripažinti Kosovo Respublikos nepriklausomybę (Seimas recognizes Republic of Kosovo's independence). Parliament (Seimas) official proceedings (2008-05-06). Retrieved on 2008-05-06.
  53. ^ Perú decide reconocer independencia de Kósovoe. Peruvian Ministry of External Relations (2008-02-22). Retrieved on 2008-02-22.
  54. ^ Statement of H.E. Mr. Ali Babacan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, Regarding the Recognition of Kosovo by Turkey. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey (2008-02-18). Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  55. ^ Country Profiles Foreign & Commonwealth Office (2008). Retrieved on 2008-02-24.
  56. ^ "Recognition slow, Belgrade could cooperate", B92, 2008-03-15. Retrieved on 2008-04-08. 
  57. ^ "Jeremić: Serbia can secure UN majority", 2008-04-07. Retrieved on 2008-04-08. 
  58. ^ "Kosovo MPs proclaim independence", BBC, 2008-02-17. Retrieved on 2008-02-17. 
  59. ^ "Kosovo's proclaimed independence provokes mixed responses from international community", Xinhua, 2008-02-17. Retrieved on 2008-02-17. 
  60. ^ a b "UN Security Council to meet on Kosovo - diplomat UPDATE", AFX News Limited, Forbes, 2008-02-17. Retrieved on 2008-02-17. 
  61. ^ "EU splits on Kosovo recognition", BBC news, 2008-02-18. Retrieved on 2008-02-19. 
  62. ^ a b In quotes: Kosovo reaction, BBC News Online, 17 February 2008; http://whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/02/20080217.html
  63. ^ Tirana celebrates "Kosovo Day". B92.
  64. ^ Ankara'dan Kosova'ya jest, Zaman Newspaper, 18 February 2008 (in Turkish language)
  65. ^ "Taiwan congratulates Kosovo on independence", 2008-02-17. Retrieved on 2008-02-17. 
  66. ^ Spokesman: Taiwan has no right to "recognize" Kosovo's independence. English Xinhua (2008). Retrieved on 2008-02-22.
  67. ^ The Jakarta Post - Malaysia's Islamic opposition drops theocracy from platform (2008). Retrieved on 2008-02-22.
  68. ^ "RP: Seek negotiated settlement to Kosovo independence row", Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2008-02-19. Retrieved on 2008-02-19. 
  69. ^ "RP prefers negotiated settlement to Kosovo's independence declaration", Philippine Star, 2008-02-19. Retrieved on 2008-02-19. 
  70. ^ "Vietnam Says Against Kosovo Independence", Limun.hr, 2008-02-17. Retrieved on 2008-02-28. 
  71. ^ "S'pore studying Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia", Channel NewsAsia, 2008-02-18. Retrieved on 2008-02-18. 
  72. ^ Press Release: KENYATAAN AKHBAR PERISYTIHARAN KEMERDEKAAN KOSOVO (Malay). Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia (2008-02-20). Retrieved on 2008-02-21.
  73. ^ "Rudd backs independent Kosovo", 2008-02-18. Retrieved on 2008-02-18. 
  74. ^ NZ on fence over Kosovo independence (2008-02-18). Retrieved on 2008-02-19.
  75. ^ PRO-INDEPENDENCE RALLIES IN CANADA. Kosova press.
  76. ^ The New Anatolian (2008). Retrieved on 2008-02-22.
  77. ^ BOMBE U PULI: Albancima slali prijeteće SMS poruke, 21 Feb 2008 (Croatian)
  78. ^ Pula: Albanci sami sebi slali prijeteće SMS poruke - TotalPortal
  79. ^ Prijeteće SMS i MMS poruke Albancima u Puli - šala njihovih prijatelja - Dnevnik.hr
  80. ^ a b "Croatia arrests 44 anti-Serb protesters", Reuters, 2008-02-22. Retrieved on 2008-02-22. 
  81. ^ "Kosovo Declares Its Independence From Serbia - New York Times". Retrieved on 2008-02-22. 
  82. ^ Albanian celebrations leave Serbs defiant (2008). Retrieved on 2008-02-22.

www.bbc.co.uk/countryprofiles/kosovo

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