David Miliband

Foreign Secretary

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Sunday 17 February, 2008

Kosovo: Is It Legal?

The situation in Kosovo is unique given its history and the extent of Security Council involvement over the last 9 years. The international legal framework for Kosovo stems from UN Security Council Resolution 1244 adopted in 1999. That resolution created a political process as well as establishing an international regime for Kosovo within the territory of Serbia. It was about restoring peace and security. Resolution 1244 does not determine or constrain the final status process, nor exclude outcomes. But it does envisage a final status process and it needs to be brought to a conclusion.

Independence has been declared by Kosovo after a totally exhaustive series of negotiations under which the settlement brokered by the UN Special Envoy could not be agreed because Serbia could not countenance the principle of independence, even with the degree of international supervision and limitations envisaged in the UN Special Envoy's proposal. It is important not to be confused by 1244's references to the "sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (now Serbia)". This is a qualified preambular reference which in its context clearly refers only to the interim phase of administration in Kosovo. Importantly it is qualified by reference to the Helsinki Final Act, a political declaration, with 10 interacting principles covering human rights as well sovereignty and territorial integrity. We need to balance these claims. Furthermore the reference to Annex 2 of the UN resolution is important - it deals with the interim status of Kosovo, rather than its final status, which is important given the arguments about what the resolution means.

The situation on the ground is moving quite fast, after a couple of months of calm since the end of the discussion process on december 10th. The presence of Nato forces has been an important influence and the political lead from Europe and elsewhere important too. Over the next few hours and days we need to be clear about European determination to speak to the European perspective for all the countries of the former Yugoslavia. It will then be for individual countries to make decisions about recognition.

Centre for European Reform - Great Work, Job Half Done

Thursday marked the tenth birthday party of the Centre for European reform which I helped to found in the 1990s. The CER has done outstanding work under the leadership of Charles Grant. It was set up with two purposes: to help reshape the debate in Europe about the future of the EU, and to help reshape the debate in Britain about its relationship to the EU. The CER has been strikingly more successful in one than the other (you can guess which).

In terms of the debate about the future direction of the EU, there is a different EU than ten years ago - marked by enlargement as well as EMU. The CER has contributed to that - issues like Turkish accession, defence co-operation, and energy security (including relations with Russia) have been led from the CER. But the debate in Britain often seems stuck in a prism of 1940s Europe rather than the present day. Sometimes the EU has contributed to its own difficulties - whether with qualified accounts or interminable institutional wrangling and that is why the Reform word is important in the CER's title. But we also have to update our own way of engaging.

Here are some starters. We don't need to see or describe the EU as a plot from which we are seeking perpetual protection - other countries also want to maintain sovereignty on key issues like foreign policy and the agenda for the EU is now dominated by issues of shared interest not invasions of sovereignty. We can benefit from as well as lead European debate - it is not a one way street. We should trumpet the modern successes of the EU - from climate change to trade and stability on our borders in the new accession countries. We need to see reform as a shared project - negotiating successfully with Russia on a Europe wide basis is in all our interests, so is continuing the reform of the CAP and the greening of the budget.

Posted at 19:47 17 February 2008 by David Miliband  |  Comments[30]

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I write as a retired C of E priest, with no particular axe to grind. I agree with much of your analysis. I in no way regard the Serbs as whiter than white in the recent conflicts, but have great concern for the Serb minority in Kosovo. Kosovo is the Serbs' "cultural homeland". Over 100 churches and monasteries, dating from the 12th century onwards, have been desecrated or destroyed. UNESCO has listed some of them as World Heritage Sites in danger. No Kosovan independence should be acknowledged until these are safeguarded, for the sake not only of Serbian Orthodox Christians, but also of European culture as a whole. I hope the U.K. doesn't use current problems vis-a-vis Russia as part of the reasoning to recognise Kosovan independence. I am very uneasy about the U.K., E.U. and U.S. recognising the Kosovan U.D.I. without proper international agreement. Please do not go ahead with recognition.brbr

Posted by (Rev) Ian Falconer on February 18, 2008 at 10:18 AM GMT #

It appears that Serbia is entirely correct to question the legitimacy of Kosovo's statement of independence, based on legal grounds. Under int'l law, such a settlement cannot be legally binding since Serbia did not acquiesce to it and they have signed no such document. The strength of 1244 is also its weakness - the grey area not addressed about Kosovo's final outcome brough short-term security for the province but far from fully safeguards its future. Another resolution would be needed but probably veoted by the Russian govt. brbrThat is not to say, however, that there are no good grounds for Kosovo's independence, but the fact that two sides have formed qucikly both for and against independence clearly demonstrates that Kosovo is being used as an opportunity to strengthen a certain alliance in Europe. It strikes me that for some countries in Europe to recognise Kosovo as an independent state and others to not will do nothing but create further social unrest there and risk derailing an already fragile process.

Posted by Francis on February 18, 2008 at 02:16 PM GMT #

Unfortunately not David Miliband nor British Mass Media do not understand that this "unique" Kosovo case will have profound impact on whole system of international relations that Russia, USA and Great Britain created after WW2. I already anticipate next unique case. In Ukraine, where 80 of population is either Russian or Russian speaking people, everybody begins running around with Russian flags in hands, the same way Albanians in Kosovo are doing right now with Albanians flags. brbrWhy Russian population of Ukraine 80 isn’t doing it right now? Only because Russia respects the system which three great countries created after WW2. But David Milliband represents a new generation of politicians. This new generation of politicians thinks they’re creating a new world. brbrWorld of freedom and democracy! brbrMaybe they will create this new world, world of happiness and freedom for everybody, but another outcome is also possible – WW3. I’m personally think that Serbs does not have any rights for Kosovo. They took it from Turks in 1912 after 500 years some Serbian prince supposedly had suzerainty over this country 1300 something? But we should respect the system which was created after WW2. Maybe this system is not good, but nevertheless we lived in relative peace almost 64 years!!! br

Posted by Mikhail Mayorov on February 18, 2008 at 05:13 PM GMT #

The trouble with people like mr miliband and mr bush is that they have never been to kosovo to understand the serbian viewpoint . brhow does one suppose ancient serbian churches came to be in kosovo ? by magic ? brserbs are no angles its true , but only ever gave what they received from the albanians , only BBC or CNN never bothered to report on that . bri feel partly responsible for the serbs fate as a westerner .

Posted by lee coleman , hampton london . on February 18, 2008 at 07:24 PM GMT #

As a country which led international opinion against the Unilateral Declaration of Independence UDI by Rhodesia in 1965, it is sad to see the UK swayed by the specious diplospeak of "unique" situations in rushing to recognize the UDI by Kosovo. Ultimately, it took 14 years for Rhodesia to be brought back into the negotiating process, and the Lancaster House Agreement created Zimbabwe. Why can't Kosovo be dealt with similarly, with the patience and statesmanship of the West? Have you read Harold Wilson's speech to Parliament on the UDI by Rhodesia?

Posted by biswas on February 19, 2008 at 01:22 AM GMT #

Recognition of Kosovo is without doubt illegal. The Government's decision to recognise so quickly, and the shameful "explanation" given in your statement demonstrate the complicity of UK in the lawless "new world order". brbrTo use Resolution 1244 as justification for UDI and recognition is shocking, while the statement that Kosovo is "unique" only shows that UK believes that there isn't the same law for everybody.brbrThis recognition is not helping peace or stability, it is an inflamatory action, polarising the world, as is now plain to see.brbrIf the FCO has any shame and principles left, you will find ways to withdraw recognition and to work to stabilise the the situation. I hope with all my heart that you do so.

Posted by Olga Desnica on February 19, 2008 at 08:24 AM GMT #

David Notwithstanding the previous Serb actions, I guess you are admitting that the international community failed here. Is UDI going to be the new fad because either side having in the most ethnically cleansed their quarters play chicken, being unable to resolve the issue with some kind of devolution perhaps? Regions claim independence or independent people living in regions with their right guaranteed is the choice here and the later is much preferred as if this goes on, Newcastle or Hackney may claim a precedent on day.

Posted by tahir ishaque on February 19, 2008 at 12:52 PM GMT #

To carry further the point made by Biswas, should we not take the eagerness for support of the Kosovar UDI as a clear signal of deeper motives.brbrCan this be seen as anything other than geo-political move by the EU top brass GR, FR, UK and IT based on energy security needs and as such a means to bypass russian supply lines?brbrThe risks are high by such a bold move, so I personally cant see anything more pressing than energy to motivate this entire episode. Surely we cant be fooled by such benign intentions as goodwill and notions of doing whats right for the Kosovan population. Big nations do not make such swift moves without pressing needs. brbrSpeaking personally, i see energy security is the only motive that truely fits the bill.

Posted by Richard Hayes on February 19, 2008 at 08:45 PM GMT #

"the EU is now dominated by issues of shared interest not invasions of sovereignty"brDavid, can you keep a straight face when you say this with the furore over the treaty of Lisbon giving away just such constitutional and sovereign rights without a referendum and all the lies and shenanigans that the Labour party are indulging in to stop the voters getting a referendum? The denial of 'line by line' scrutiny, issuing a three line whip on every day when the reform treaty is discussed, reducing the time available for scrutiny, insisting that the same red lines that were made for the abandoned European constitution will hold water legally for the treaty of Lisbon when challenged by Europe. Not to mention the lies by Hoon to stop a mini referendum claiming falsely that Aberconwy MP Betty Williams was "very poorly", the shameful outburst by Slaughter on Radio 4 etc. Or perhaps you are referring to more concrete forms of "invasion of sovereignty" such as the illegal invasion of Iraq based on Labour spin? Sorry chum, your arguments don't hold water - you have lost the trust of the country.

Posted by Paul Everest on February 19, 2008 at 09:41 PM GMT #

By recognising the independence of Kosovo Britain is committing an illegal act which is contrary to the UN Charter, the final Helsinki Act, the 1990 European Charter for a New Europe, the conclusions of the Badinter Commission and UN Security Council Resolution 1244.brbrbrThe Serbs, having suffered bombng by NATO, got rid of Milosevic and established democracy, deserve better than this. Now they have to accept the rape of part of their territory, the cradle of their civilisation.How would we feel if we lost Canterbury, Winchester and Stonehenge? Britain, the US and some other large EU countries may well have opened a can of worms by encouraging other ethnic/ cultural/ linguistic groups to seek independence. I take it it is OK now for Cornwall to declare independence. I hope we do not live to regret it.br brI have Serbian friends living in Belgrade and have been there three times in recent years and found it is safer to walk the streets of Belgrade at night than London. I have come to respect the Serbs as a highly cultured, courteous and, yes, peaceful nation. I hope the EU will make some amends for its ill-considered decision by fast-tracking Serbia's membership.br brbr

Posted by Christine Williams on February 19, 2008 at 10:14 PM GMT #

Just think of all the bits of this country that could be lopped off if all our ethnic minorities took it into their heads to move to regions of the UK. Cornwall might become Chinese Cornwall, Kent might become African Kent and so on.brbrAnd just suppose all the Arab Moslems in this country were to go and live in East Anglia. Would we be happy for them to declare an independent state of Arabian East Anglia? Suppose they desecrated all the churches in East Anglia and the Christians had to flee and find somewhere else to live? Happy with that? brbrAnd then just look a little further down the line and Islamist agents from overseas are now so pleased to have a little part of Britain they can set their sights on to establish a base - and Westminster can do nothing to stop it because it isn't ours any more.brbrDavid, you have recognised a Moslem country in Europe. That is clearly a dangerous thing. These are not Moslems like so many of ours, moderate and tolerant. These are Moslems who have desecrated churches and forced many Serbians to flee. Please take advice and reconsider. brbrI don't claim to be an expert in such issues but I do see that the media condition us to accept the viewpoint they put across and my own common sense is telling me we'll regret this.

Posted by Ann Burgess on February 20, 2008 at 01:28 AM GMT #

As a businessman who has done business in the region I an see both sides of the argument. After the debacle of Iraq, Britain has no legitimacy to start making pompous statements about international law that it may later regret. Our country has no need to get involved in a situation which may very well go pear shaped quickly. Are we going to put out troops into North Kosovo to seperate one group of Serbs from their fellow brothers? I hope not.brbrbrbr

Posted by Jon on February 20, 2008 at 12:47 PM GMT #

First of all I would like to apologize due to my poor English. br1. In June 22nd 1999. after successful air campaign incredible bombing, according to my attitudes illegal as well, my family and me were forced to escape from Kosovo because of KLA terror. We had time enough to pack necessary clothes and PC, and thanking to God we have successfully reached Montenegrin border. Thus we saved our life. brI remember, my wife was pregnant, and after 5 months we got the most beautiful girl in the entire world. br2. Those days 250.000 Serbs escaped as well. I remember also, KFOR including British troops didn't make any step to protect us. I remember as well British general Michael, or Mike Jackson, promised us full protection. It was just an easy promise, but obviously he was not serious. My house was robbed same day, perhaps 1 hour after we went. My house is still occupied by Albanian family Shehu. I can do nothing, to bring back my property. Within these 8 years, I have just succeed once to see my house from 200m distance. One can easily understand that life in such circumstances isn't possible. There are thousands and thousands Serb Muslim, Roma, Gorani as well families having same or similar experience. I am very positive that people in EU and US do not have a clue about what really is going on in Kosovo, despite of numerous media. br3. If you multiply average value of house or arable land 150.000EUR with a figure of cca 45000 families you can easily reach value of cca 7 billion EUR. This is rough but conservative value of private property fixed assets. If we add: furniture, tractors, trucks, vehicles, machines, offices, stores, etc, this value may reach 10 billions. This is only stolen private, Serb Roma, Muslim, Gorani... as well property. .br4. What about Serbian state property? There are many facilities, airports, railroads, arable land, touristic resorts, mines, surface coal mines, power plants, etc. For this estimation I am not qualified, but I assume this value can reach big chunk of money. br5. Let's go further; Serbs remaining in Kosovo about 115.000 have the most exciting life in Europe. Surrounded by barbed-wire, protected by KFOR troops, very often spend their life in 1-3km circle!? Taking step beyond barbed-wire, very often means losing life, or at least physical torture. Psychical torture is something normal. br6. Serbs are Slavic people, got Christianity in IX Century. Guess where - in Kosovo. Therefore the most valuable churches and monasteries of Serbian people are, guess where - in Kosovo again. What happened with more than 130 churches and monasteries after 1999? DESTROYED! Usually, western media, minimize importance of Kosovo for Serbian Christianity and culture. Frankly I can not imagine root of Islam in Alaska. For me it will always be Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the roots of Serbian Christianity can be only in Kosovo. Nowhere else!br7. We, Serbs can not do anything in correcting our position and image in front of world. We are small and poor, but proud people. We have presented to the our civilization numerous very nice people: Tesla, Pupin, Divac, Novak Djokovic, St Sava, Mehmed Pasha Sokolovic, Ivo Andric, Szandor Poetefi, Ana Ivanovic... and many, many more. In this moment we do not have material resources to improve our image in the world. Therefore, we bag mighty nations British as well to help us. Unfortunately, governments of mighty countries are more committed to Albanians. Probably money is the key word. Albanian lobby, supported by drug business is very influent. Did anybody notice Afghanistan was the first country recognized "independent" Kosovo state? Aghanistan - Turkey - Kosovo- Europe, in drug business has the same meaning like: source - creek -river - sea, in nature. Serbia is mostly agricultural country, but breeding much less profitable plants than countries above mentioned. br8. Crime against legality hurts us very much. We are the only people globe wide having such problem. I do not understand why. Maybe we are not the best nation, but surely neither the worst. Obviously our children will inherit this problem, and probably children of our children. If we simplify problem, Kosovo is our Israel. br9. Finally, but the most important, more than 2000 Serbs were killed or still missing after KFOR British army also overtaking power in Kosovo. Many of them are my relatives, friends, neighbors...brAt the end I would like to tell you a story about Dr Zlatomir Gligorijevic, paediatrician, my close friend and brilliant person. He was 100 dedicated to the health of children of all nations in Pristina. In early July 1999, he remains among rare Serb doctors doing his job as usual. Majority of them already were expelled. In his ambulance entered Albanian woman, carrying her baby. Dr Gligorijevic begun usual routine examination of babies health. Suddenly, mother took a gun and killed poor doctor. The reason? He was Serb. If some of nice people world wide will sometime, somewhere, donate some pediatric ambulance, it would be nice to give it name of this, brilliant personality, doctor. brbrExcuse me for a bit longer comments, but this topic is something special to me , my family, my students, my friends, my nation, my country. brbrKosovo is Serbia!brbrRespectfuly yours, brbrAlexander B. Djikic, PhDbrPristina, temporarily refugee in Belgradebr+381652508288brbrbrbrbr

Posted by Alexander Djikic on February 22, 2008 at 12:41 AM GMT #

Dear Mr Miliband,brbrI sincerely agree with you that indepence for Kosova was the best solution to the issue. If Kosova have the right to indepence than Britain should also pursue the rights of Kurdish people in Turkey at least for equality and freedom of speech. brbrKosova's population is around 2 million, i guess. Do you know that there are over 20 million Kurds in Turkey? and that they still are not alowed to have education in Kurdish language? That they still get prosecuted because of speaking Kurdish in political rallies. Are you aware of elected Kurdish mayor's facing prosecution due to greeting cards they send out to the Turkish president and PM which were in Turkish, English and Kurdish? Mr Miliband, Turkey is not sincere in its treatment of Kurdish people and in its aims towards Iraqi Kurdistan. brbrRather than encouraging Turkey for a peacefull solution to the Kurdish question, I am afraid the blank cheque Britain has provided to Turkey is making things worst in Turkey. You may know that the Turkish troops, over 10,000 of them according to the Turkish media, have crossed the border in the name of fighting PKK guerrillas. Turkey is aiming at undermining Kurdistan Regional Government not the PKK. There are more PKK fighters in Turkey according to the Turkish PM Mr Erdogan than in Iraqi Kurdistan. brbrI know that you have been trying your best with your Turkish counterparts but Kurdish peoples struggle for freedom and their thirst is still there. Mr Milband, today is the right moment for Britain to amend the mistake she made in 1920's when she did not kept her promise to the Kurdish people of a homeland. Now, Kurdish people are not asking for an independent homeland but rather to live in Turkey as equal citizens with their basic human rights guaranteed under a common constitution.brbrBritain has a historical role to play for a peacefull solution to the Kurdish question. Mr Miliband, you are right person with right ideas to do this.brbrI and over 200,000 Kurdish population of the UK are keen to see your effort on this. brbribrahim dogusbr

Posted by Ibrahim Dogus on February 23, 2008 at 01:12 AM GMT #

“Kosovo is the oddest state in the world. The people living there separated from Serbia, although the state had got its name by the Serbian nominal designation of a bird ‘kos’ Latin: Turdus merula. The ‘now’ majority of people there are not of Christian religion although they are surrounded by thousands of Christian monasteries, churches and sanctums. They are not afraid of a curse that such an inheritance could invoke. They have benefactors some tens of thousands of miles away who know nothing about them and their writers’ works have, until recently, been translated mostly in Belgrade. These people were given an independent state, if it is at all, since the independence is supervised and will last as long as the military base of Bondstill near Gnjilane lasts.brIn the Western world that nation is well-known by its reputation of white slave trafficking and drug smuggling, but its virtues were best described by Serbian writers and ethnologists, from Miljanov to Cvijic. I would not like to belong to such a nation. Even in these days it is nicer and more honorable to be a Serb. Compared to winners, more hope has remained with ‘losers’. As we all know - history is a marathon race to be run for centuries.”brThe above could be seen as an average Serbian opinion articulated by Milovan Danojlic, a famous Serbian writer. In spite of such a spoiled picture of true Serbian people, we deeply believe in justice - but not the one being administered by filthy hands. I have just read the article on British troops who executed Iraqi prisoners in 2004 ‘with the clearest evidence available’ now. Sounds familiar?! Of course. Not so long ago there was a “massacre” in Racak Kosovo and in no time the whole world learnt about the Bad Guys who did it – Dirty Serbs. Who cared about no evidence found to support that allegation? Yes, that was the excellent performance in which KLA terrorists were made innocent civilian victims and a perfect rehearsal for what happened next – the bombing of Serbia in 1999, the orchestrated international condemnation of my nation – the echoes of which have become even louder these days. Playing the God’s role could be fascinating but that slippery road inevitably leads to the ugly, cunning and untrustworthy face – not recognizable in the mirror. Good luck, Mighty Albion!!! Sleeping tight?brbr

Posted by Ljiljana Vukicevic on February 23, 2008 at 03:15 AM GMT #

It is unique because it is illegal, isn't Mr. Miliband? Western countries are advocating the theory of rule of law. Is it legal to separate a sovereign country? Which set of law does the independence of Kosovo comform with? If this issue is unique, why isn't others? If you are not a coward, read carefully all these postings and reply them! If there isn't any sth you dare not tell, show yourself!

Posted by Charles on February 25, 2008 at 12:55 PM GMT #

According to so many European and USA legal experts Kosovo represents a case of its own lex specialis and it will not be applied for the other regions. There is no such a stipulation in law and legal practice in regard with accepting of unilateral independence. At least, there must be two sides so that an agreement of this kind can be accepted and applied. Pandora's box is opened now and all the seccessionist movements around the world will demand exactly the same rule be applied for them, too. Precedent is used only for the first time, after that it becomes common practice. How can the USA and the EU persuade other countries that the rule shall not be applied for them, although it was already applied in Kosovo y unilateral decision? Are Kosovans something special and others are second grade citizens? all those having a little knowledge of Kosovo might ask: And what about standards? Human rights, free movement, free access to institutions, the right to be trated equally before the law? The motto of UN in Kosovo in 2003 and 2004 was Standards and Then Status, but 17 March happened and instead of being punished for another ethnic cleansing, Kosovo Albanians were rewarded, and standards overlooked and forgotten. And this is supposed to be impartiality and fair treatment of International Community. BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by sevand on February 25, 2008 at 03:09 PM GMT #

Legal or Not? – I guess it was, you would not even think of it for a second.brbrAs always it depends who or what one chooses to believe to: the Propaganda or the Truth. And although Propaganda tries to become the Truth and write the history – it never is anything else but:br1- Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view The New Oxford Dictionary of English,br2- Deceptive or Distorted information that is systematically spread Encarta Dictionary of English UK.brbrOn the other hand no amount of fabrication or ‘sexing-up’ can change the Truth - a few cases in recent years surely spring to mind. brbrKosovo is unique – lets see:brSince 1999 arrival of NATO forces which followed the illegal aggression and 33,000 bombing missions on a sovereign European country, initiated by skilled fabrication of evidence see Kosovo reports in AP archives 15 and 16 Jan 1999, Le Figaro 20 Jan 99 and Le Monde 21 Jan 99, over 250.000 Serbs have been Ethnically Cleansed from Kosovo under the watchful eye of those who were supposedly sent there to: “restore peace and security”. brbrNATO did nothing again in March 2004 when ethnic Albanians burned down another 35 Serbian churches and monasteries, more then 800 houses and expelled another 5000 Serbs from Kosovo. So the recent claim of so called government of Kosovo that it will protect all ‘national minorities’ in Kosovo after it has “ethnically cleansed” most of them is nothing but laughable and cynical to say the least. We all know that the vast majority of Albanians living there are illegal immigrants who came from Albania with only one thing on their mind, but one has to wonder what NATO mandate REALLY is when it has so TOTALLY FAILED in every single aspect of its initial mission. not to add drugs, prostitution, money laundering, … Did they actually do anything good? And if so - What?brbrYes, the UN resolution 1244 was absolutely clear, as it sets – “A political process towards the establishment of an interim political framework agreement providing for a substantial self-government for Kosovo, taking full account of the Rambouillet accords and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia now Serbia and the other countries of the region”br– NOT rewarding and endorsing Ethnic Cleansing by establishing Kosovo as an independent state on the territory of Serbia.brbrWe have all witnessed endless injustice towards Serbian people over the last 20 years and one can only wonder why. brThere has got to be a reason. Would you mind at least telling us all - what it is? br

Posted by Peda Uk on February 25, 2008 at 04:46 PM GMT #

Thank for publishing my comment, however the first sentence should read:brbr"Legal or Not? – I guess IF it was, you would not even think of it for a second."brbrAnyway, so far only one person agreeing that independence for Kosovo was the best solution to the issue, and then he went on writing about 20 million Kurds in Turkey and their independence. I wonder where he got this idea.brStrange world.

Posted by Peda UK on February 26, 2008 at 10:14 AM GMT #

I agree wholeheartedly with the majority of the above comments. However one single item has been missed....The PROMISE made to Belgrade in 1999 by NATO...of which Britain is a member, that Kosovo would remain within Serbia......You, the government representative seem to have forgotten such a promise...why not, you have also forgotten that what has been committed here IS illegal.brbrKosovo i Metohija je Serbia

Posted by David J. Jones on February 27, 2008 at 09:01 PM GMT #

It appears that Mr. Milliband underestimated public opinion...NOT ONE Single reply. You have shown your true colours here and those of the 'New' Labour party.brWhat is the purpose of a blog if you don't intend to maintain it?

Posted by David J. Jones on March 02, 2008 at 06:16 AM GMT #

The case for Kosova's independence is overwhelming, constitutionally, legally, politically, historically and morally. Kosova was occupied by force in 1912 without consulting its population, most of whom were Albanian and certainly did not wish to be ruled by Serbia, which treated it as a colony. The territory was never in fact incorporated legally into Serbia, but in 1918 was indeed incorporated into the new kingdom of Yugoslavia, dominated by Serbia, where it continued to be treated as a colony and its majority Albanian population was denied basic linguistic or cultural rights. Briefly united with Albania under fascist occupation in World War II again without its population having any say in the matter, it produced a Partisan movement whose leaders took it into the second Titoist Yugoslavia in 1944/5 - this time the decision was taken voluntarily and in the name of Kosova. For a number of reasons - including the rupture in relations between Albania under Hoxha and Yugoslavia under Tito - and the brutality of rule from Belgrade until 1966, when the interior minister Aleksandar Rankovic was dismissed, the experience of Kosova in the second Yugoslavia was not a very happy one in the first years after World War II. Nevertheless, it was constituted as a separate province, with established borders and institutions, and the Albanian majority of its population were accorded linguistic and cultural rights.brFrom 1966 until the death of Tito in 1980 Kosova's situation improved markedly, and its elevation to the status of a constituent member of the Yugoslav federation under the 1974 constitution put it on the road to full satisfaction of its national rights. However, its anomalous position as in formal terms part of the Republic of Serbia - while its population was larger than two if not three of the constituent republics - stimulated pressure for it too to become a republic. This aspiration, however, came up against hostility from the Serbian political elite, hostility which became open and violent after the rise to power of Slobodan Milosevic - something that was partly achieved on the back of anti-Albanian agitation, culminating in the violent suppression of Kosova's autonomy in 1989. Without going into detail concerning the well known events of the following decade, it is worth stressing that all the gains of the 1966-81 period were taken away, and that by the time NATO felt compelled to intervene in 1999 some three hundred thousand Albanians had been driven from their homes by Belgrade's policy of violent repression - and policy that following NATO's intervention became openly genocidal in intent.brFinally, Kosova's independence is not merely something to be welcomed for its own sake, it is also something that will turn out to be very much in the real interests of Serbia itself, and of the non-Albanian minorities including Serbs in Kosova itself. brFortunately Serbia showed in the recent presidential elections that a majority of its population is in favour of integration into the EU, and that a small but significant minority grouped round the LDP won support for the only rational policy for the country, which is to accept Kosova's independence and work for good neighbourly relations between Kosova and Serbia. That policy offers hope for the future.

Posted by quintin hoare on March 02, 2008 at 09:24 PM GMT #

PS I had meant to conclude by saying that Tony Blair's role in the 1999 NATO intervention to prevent genocide in Kosova represents one of the most important and positive elements of his political legacy, and that the recent firmness of the UK's Labour government over recognition of Kosova will for me at least be an overriding additional reason to vote for it come the next general election.

Posted by quintin hoare on March 02, 2008 at 09:38 PM GMT #

Quintin,brbrWhilst you are very informed you only appear to have a one sided view of the more recent events in Kosovo. Take a look through the events of 1981 - 1998 to see the other side of the coin.brbrSee how many serbs were murdered or just disappeared. Look at the total number of Churches that were raised in the last 25 years and you will realise it is a frightening statistic.brbrThe british government is supporting a nation of terrorism here, what I would like to know is what they will get in return.....What deals have been struck already?brbr

Posted by David J. Jones on March 03, 2008 at 01:10 PM GMT #

There was one and only one thing to do and it was to let the new Serbian goverment rule again in Kosovo with the supervision of EU, nato or whatever. brbrIt's obvious that EU and of course Mr. Bush in primis might not be aware that the new government has nothing to do with the Milosevic regime, and at the same time they gave they're green card for the formation of an illegal nation led by a wanted terrorist.brbrMr. Miliband, you went to Pristina and that is absolutely ok, but have you ever benn to mitrovica or to any serbian enclave? How would you feel if from one day to another you had to live under a strange, new flag?brbrThank you, and it might take a long time but we will get Kosovo back one day.brbr

Posted by Marco on March 03, 2008 at 03:03 PM GMT #

br To whoever reads this commentbrI am surprised how little people know about the balkans and still talk about it out of their personal feelings.brWe have to remember that if it is about international law, Serbia is the first country in this world who can not rely on it. Serbia walked over international law when it started war with Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, never mind Kosovo. To all of you, please before you make any comment about the delicate situation of Kosovo, go and read the Yugoslavian constitution of 1974. That constitution is the last legitimate act that happened in Ex-Yugoslavia, and is the one that guarantied Kosovo as every other part of Yougoslavia the right to self-determination. brSince everybody seems to have forgoten, politics is not about personal feelings, is about what majority thinks, and that is how the democratic world has reacted to it.br I would like to thank the british government our great politicians for helping a nation that was going to be cleaned out of the face of the earth.

Posted by Mrs G. Price on March 06, 2008 at 05:08 PM GMT #

regarding the last post i would like to point out that Mrs.Price instead of reading the 1974 Constitution of Yugoslavia, should read the more recent one of Serbia that states clearly that Serbia is conutry that spans from Vojvodina all the way to Pristina.brThank you for your time,brbrMarko br

Posted by Marco on March 07, 2008 at 05:43 PM GMT #

Dear Marco,brIt is not important what the serbian government says as long as nobody takes them seriosly. When I was little I remember my father saying to my big sister, do not bring yourself to the point where nobody will take you seriously. Serbia would be one of the examples why we should not do that.brI have to say that I do feel sorry for the Kosovo serbs, as Serbia is just using them for its political games, whenever is done and finished with them, it will dump them the way serbian government did with serbs in Sllavonia.brAs I can tell from your writting, you did not notice that I said the 1974 constitution was the last LEGTIMATE act, therefor as recent events have proven, Kosova is a state, and all kosovars should be proud of it.....

Posted by Mrs Price on March 10, 2008 at 11:12 PM GMT #

So according to Mrs. price Serbia is NOT a seroius country. To me these words are very offensive, by the way in the terms and conditions it's clearly written: Comments should be civil and tasteful, and must not be malicious or designed to offend. brAnyway, we, serbs, tried hard to follow the path of democracy after Milosevic, we tried to pull ourselves up again and what do we get? Nothing, or at least that a piece of our country goes to someone, Thaci, who knows how he got himselfs in power voted by only 35 of the voters, let me just reminde that only 45 of the eligible population voted. This Thaci only few years ago was wanted by the Haugue for terrorism, but of course I keep forgetting that the only wanted criminals are serbians, and yes we are not to be considered serius people.

Posted by Marko on March 13, 2008 at 01:20 PM GMT #

It's about time to recognize the historical right of Kosova Dardania to have its destiny fulfilled-That is full independence. Kosova never was a Serbian province. It was there, since the times of birth of European civilization, a very distinct Dardanian/llyrian identity. Always populated by Dardanias who, although under constant pressure of forcefully migration by Serbian shovinism, Tito's Yugoslavia & Milloshevic's Serbia, still make up 92 of the population. They speak ilirian language with the dialect GEGE. Serbs always have been a minority there. We know that Serbs appeared in Balkans then llyria only by the 6th Century AD, and they speak a language more similar to Ukrainian then Russian. They have always been a minority and 'the story' of Kosova being the Heartland of Serbia is just a pure Serbian nationalist fantasy. Facts Speak Louder Than Words and Serbian’s Lies Will Collapse by Themselves. Serbs always have been considered as oppressors there, not just by Albanian majority, but also by other ethnic groups too. Serbs just occupied Kosova during the rise of the Serbian nationalism early 20th century from Ottomans, who by then were loosing the Balkans after 500 years of occupation. The borders of Kosova are well established and recognized. Now Kosova should be Free! a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/62/094.html"http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/62/094.html/abrI can’t comprehend how a minority of 7 of the population, pretend to take off the land, the language, culture and the life of the rest of Kosova. Kosovars have the right to live free and independent in their land where they are born, generation after generation, live and will die.br

Posted by Adrian on March 26, 2008 at 03:53 PM GMT #

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