(10/01/06) International Crisis Group over Kosovo 12/2005

• 2006-01-10
• Europa in de wereld

Former Finnish President Marti Ahtisaari appointed as Special UN Envoy to lead Kosovo final status talks. Contact Group elaborated guiding principles which process and outcome must satisfy. Ahtisaari travelled to Pristina, meeting with Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serb leaders, as well as Belgrade, where President Tadic proposed reshaping Kosovo within Serbia along dual entity model of Bosnia. Belgrade also announced negotiating team for talks: President Tadic and PM Kostunica to be co-presidents; minimal Kosovo Serb representation. U.S. Under Sec. State Burns called on constructive participation of all sides, emphasised Kosovo Albanians responsible for making convincing case for independence, warned against use of violence. 4 injured in market bomb in mainly Serb town Strpce 17 November.

“Kosovo Albanians, Serbia must help status talks, UN envoy says”, Bloomberg, 29 Nov. 2005.

“Kosovo: U.S. says ethnic Albanians must demonstrate good governance”, RFE/RL, 9 Nov. 2005.

For background, see Crisis Group Europe Report N°165, Bridging Kosovo’s Mitrovica Divide, 13 Sept. 2005.