Kosovo

The primary problem in Kosovo is to find a sustainable solution that both the population in Kosovo and neighbouring countries can accept and live with. Nobody will benefit from the creation of some long-term non-aggression treaty which not really can be recognised as peace. The images and wars in Israel and Palestine are discouraging as examples of not very successful former UN interventions.   The historical influence and dominance from Serbia must be put aside and be accepted as history and nothing else.

The problem has many aspects. The historical bound between Serbia and Kosovo is one aspect. Another is the fact that some 10 % of the population in Kosovo is Serbian, which needs to be granted rights and security. The Serbian claims on Kosovo are backed by Russia, who already in the UN Security Council has blocked a resolution for independence. This policy is obviously dependent on Russia’s political, military and economic strategic strategy. The bounds between Serbia and Russia have been strong for many years. The former war in Kosovo was naturally the cause of much bitterness and hatred between the local parties. Serbia’s ambition to be accepted as EU member is also a factor to consider. Even Italy has experience of previous involvement, since Kosovo was part of Albania during Second World War, and as such conquered and ruled by Italy for six years.

The Committee should work to support the negotiations by Russia, EU and the USA with Kosovo and Serbia. This includes making sure that any suggestion and agreement reached must be truly accepted by the population in both Serbia and Kosovo. It is obvious that some memories and bitterness only can be forgotten with time. A stepwise transformation to autonomy and gradual independence can therefore be a possible compromise.

The International Community should not interfere in bilateral form. The standpoints of the UN and the EU are crucial for achieving a long term solution. Italy is in principle supporting...