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October 05, 2006
KiM Info Newsletter 05-10-06 Serbian polls could delay Kosovo plan -Ahtisaari "If the election date will be at the end of this year, it might be that in the Contact Group there is a will to reconsider the timetable and maybe it will mean that my proposal, which is under preparation, would be presented only after the elections," Ahtisaari told Finnish public broadcaster YLE television. HELSINKI, Oct 3 (Reuters)  A possible parliamentary election in Serbia in December could mean a delay in the submission of a proposal to settle the status of Kosovo, U.N.-appointed mediator Martti Ahtisaari said on Tuesday.
Ahtisaari, expected to submit a proposal by November on the future of the U.N.-administered province, said his plan might have to wait until after a Serbian election if one is called for December.
"If the election date will be at the end of this year, it might be that in the Contact Group there is a will to reconsider the timetable and maybe it will mean that my proposal, which is under preparation, would be presented only after the elections," he told Finnish public broadcaster YLE television.
A key party in Serbia's minority coalition resigned its cabinet posts on Sunday in a moved aimed at ensuring an early election.
Ahtisaari declined to comment on the substance of his proposal for Kosovo, which the United Nations could then impose.
But diplomats widely expect the former Finnish president to suggest a form of independence for the territory of 2 million people -- 90 percent of whom are Albanians.
That would set up a showdown with Belgrade seven years after NATO wrested control of the province from Serbia to stop what it said was becoming a bloodbath.
The United States said last week Kosovo was unstable and that its future must be resolved this year. Its stance reflects concern in the West that delaying a decision risks fresh violence, a fear underlined by attacks on Kosovo's remaining Serbs.
Russia, Serbia's traditional ally in the U.N. Security Council, has cautioned against "artificial deadlines" and insists Serbia and Kosovo's Albanians be given time to reach a negotiated settlement in talks that began in February.
The six-member Contact Group overseeing Balkan diplomacy comprises the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and Italy.
Serbian Elections postpone Kosovo Status Settlement
Belgrade, 04 Oct (Beta) For the first time, Martti Ahtisaari mentioned a possible postponement of the Kosovo solution, citing Serbian elections as the reason.
The proposal for the Kosovo status solution, which the chief envoy for the discussions is expected to give in November, will probably be postponed if Serbia announced extraordinary parliamentary elections for December of this year.
Ahtisaari told the Finnish television station ILE that his plan will have to wait for the results of the elections, which may be held in Serbia in December.
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Koštunica’s chief advisor Vladeta Janković told B92 that Ahtisaari’s stance is a step in the right direction.
“It is a lot better to discuss the final Kosovo status solution after the situation within Serbia gains stability, after the constitution is adopted, the elections are completed, and the entire structure gets back on its feet. It will then be more capable of meritoriously reaching a final solution.” Janković said.
He said that the change in Ahtisaari’s stance is probably a result of international pressure being put on his office, adding that the pressure was completely justified.
“It is possible that they are afraid of destabilization in Serbia and potentially the entire region, if a dramatically bad decision for Serbia is made.” Janković said.
Kosovo Serbs Welcome Announced Postponement Of Kosovo Status Settlement
Kosovska Mitrovica, 04 Oct (Tanjug) Kosovo Serb representatives welcomed the announcement by the UN special representative for talks on the future of Kosovo Martti Ahtisaari, that the parliamentary elections in December in Serbia could put off a proposal for resolving the status of the province.
Goran Bogdanovic, a member of the Serbian negotiation team for Kosovo’s status, stated that Ahtisaari’s announcement is acceptable for the Serbian side which insists on a compromise solution for which time is needed.
Solana Says New Serbian Constitution Changes Things
Brussels, 04 Oct (Tanjug) – The EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security, Javier Solana, said in Brussels on Wednesday that the adoption of the new Serbian constitution would completely change the deadlines for the determination of Kosovo-Metohija's future status and that he therefore expected Martti Ahtisaari to postpone the presentation of his proposal.
“Ahtisaari will most likely decide to prolong his proposal for later on, after the elections in Serbia, but it is up to him to reach this decision,” said Solana answering questions from members of the European parliament foreign affairs committee.
Kosovo settlement depends on sides' position, Lavrov says ITAR-TASS (RUSSIAN FEDERATION), 04.10.2006, 15.34 STRASBOURG, October 4 (Itar-Tass) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Kosovo settlement depends on the sides' position and not on what decisions are being taken in the Contact Group. Speaking at the PACE session on Wednesday, Lavrov said, "It is necessary to solve this problem by talks, in particular between the leadership of the province and the national minority." On the U.N. Administration in Kosovo, the minister stressed, "These international forces should be sent to the province to prevent a bloodshed. But the U.N. cannot govern in the province endlessly. In addition, there are objections on the implementation of certain resolutions on Kosovo." Commenting on the deployment of such administrations in other conflict areas, Lavrov said, "There are no reasons for this. In Abkhazia, South Ossetia and the Dniester region the sides agreed themselves on methods to promote the settlement." "It is necessary to work in the existing formats. This is the unique way to ensure 'frozen' conflicts should not grow 'hot'," the Russian minister pointed out.
By Ahto Lobjakas
RADIO FREE EUROPE RADIO LIBERTY (USA) BRUSSELS, October 4, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana today acknowledged that Kosovo's campaign for independence could set a precedent for Georgia's breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Solana also said the European Union could not meet a request made by Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili for peacekeepers, but that Brussels is actively trying to "build confidence" between Moscow and Tbilisi. Solana told the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee in Brussels today that during a recent phone conversation, Saakashvili had confessed to "tremendous worry" about the possible consequences that ongoing UN-sponsored Kosovo status talks could have for Georgia. 'We Are All Trapped' The Serbian province is seeking independence for its 2 million citizens, over 90 percent of whom are ethnic Albanians. Belgrade is staunchly opposed, but international negotiations -- begun earlier this year -- seem destined to end in eventual independence. Solana indicated that he, too, considers it possible that independence for Kosovo could have a negative effect on Georgia's territorial integrity, acknowledging it would set a "precedent." "We are trapped here," he said. "President Saakashvili is trapped, all of us are trapped in a double mechanism that may have good consequences for one, but not for the other. It may not be a win-win situation -- although we should be able to look [for] and find a win-win solution. But it will not be easy." The United States and the European Union both expect that Kosovo will achieve independence. Russia has warned that if Kosovo becomes independent, it will push for the secession of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Tensions between Russia and Georgia are running high. Moscow has blocked all transportation and postal links between the two countries in a continuing dispute over Tbilisi's arrest on September 27 of four Russian military officers on spying charges. Solana also said today he himself is worried about "the manner in which Saakashvili is concerned about" the issue, but did not elaborate. Solana said the EU will continue to stand up for Georgia's territorial integrity. Searching For Way Forward Solana said Saakashvili had also "complained" about the format of the negotiations it is currently involved in with South Ossetia -- where it is faced by Russia and its autonomous area of North Ossetia alongside South Ossetia. According to Solana, Saakashvili would prefer the format used in Moldova for talks with Transdniester, where the European Union and the United States participate as observers, and Ukraine is also a participant. But, Solana said, "for the moment it is difficult to do that," adding that the talks framework for Moldova "is not working very well either." EU Peacekeepers Not An Option Responding to a question by Estonian deputy Toomas Hendrik Ilves suggesting the EU send peacekeepers to Georgia, Solana also said Saakashvili had made that request during their conversation. However, Solana said no. He said today it would be a "very difficult decision" for the EU, and that the EU could not respond positively "at the moment." France, Germany, Italy, and a number of other EU member states have long blocked moves to send EU monitors to Georgia's borders, in fear of angering Russia. Solana noted that sending EU peacekeepers might not be "the best solution" for Georgia in any case. "I mean, for the moment, we have to see what is the best solution for the security of Georgia," he said. "[It] may not be peacekeepers, [it] may be something different. But I think to begin committing European peacekeepers there is something that I would not do at this moment. I said what I told you, I told him [Saakashvili]." The EU foreign-policy chief did not specify what alternative solutions he might have in mind. He did say the EU would continue talking to both Moscow and Tbilisi about the crisis, in a bid to restore confidence.
Kosovo's negotiating team shuns new concessions Pristina, 4.10.2006 08:35
Makfax news agency Kosovo's negotiating team stands ready to resume negotiations in Vienna, however, it rejects the possibility of making further concessions. According to the team's spokesman Skender Hiseni, there is no room left for making concession when it comes to the areas spanning decentralization, cultural and religious heritage. The Pristina's negotiating team, which convened yesterday for a meeting, is expecting UN Envoy Martti Ahtisaari's proposal on solving the Kosovo status, however, the team said that new round of negotiations on issues that have been already discussed is unlikely to take place. Hiseni stated that regardless of the results, which came out from the previous negotiations over the technical issues, the Kosovo's side won't accept any agreement until the full package on the final status of Kosovo is completed. Official Pristina is convinced that the status issue will be resolved by the end of this year, despite Serbian Parliament's move to set up a referendum on the new Constitution, which defines Kosovo as inalienable part of Serbia.
EU sees policing mission of up to 1,000 in Kosovo REUTERS, Tuesday October 3, 10:40 PM LEVI, Finland (Reuters) - The EU is looking to send up to 1,000 police, judges and other law enforcement personnel to Kosovo once the future of the U.N.-administered province of Serbia is settled, an EU official said on Tuesday. France proposed at a meeting of EU defense ministers in northern Finland that the 8-month-old European gendarmerie, a six-nation corps based in Italy, be used for the operation. "It will be a big mission. They will be armed and have powers to arrest," the EU official said of the force, which would take over from the existing U.N. police force in Kosovo. He said a team of EU officials was in the region to study how the mission could operate but added: "Nothing will be launched until the final status is settled." The U.N. is expected to decide within months whether to grant Kosovo a form of independence, seven years after NATO wrested control of the mostly ethnic Albanian province from Serbia to stop what it said was becoming a bloodbath. Washington said last week Kosovo was unstable and that its future must be resolved this year, reflecting concern in the West that delaying a decision risks fresh violence, a fear underlined by attacks on Kosovo's remaining Serbs. U.N. mediator Martti Ahtisaari is expected to propose by November a solution, with diplomats widely expecting a form of supervised independence -- despite Belgrade's objections. Former Finnish President Ahtisaari briefed defense ministers late on Monday on status talks but observers said he gave no indications as to the timing or content of any proposal. The EU has said it has no plans to take over peacekeeping duties from NATO's 17,500-strong force in Kosovo. The European gendarmerie includes police forces from France, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. The EU official said Poland had said it would also join the contingent.
Agreement reached for transfer of 23 Serb bodies exhumed from mass grave in Kosovo Radio Television Serbia, Belgrade
Monday, October 2, 2006 19:20 The transfer of 23 bodies of Serbs exhumed from the mass grave of Volujak in Kosovo and Metohija will take place on October 13 at the administrative crossing of Merdare, Veljko Odalovic, the chairman of the Commission for Missing Persons, confirmed. Odalovic emphasized that these were Serbs from the villages of Opterusa, Retimlje and Orahovac who were first kidnapped and then murdered by members of the Kosovo Liberation Army in summer 1998. "On Friday, October 6, the Commission for Missing Persons will meet to work out in detail all activities connected with the transfer of the human remains of the victims," said Odalovic. He said that the burial and commemoration of the victims is planned for October 14 at the Orlovac Cemetery in Belgrade. So far 380 exhumations have been carried out in Kosovo in the presence of Serbian pathologists. The Serbian side has received 183 bodies and 60 more are in the process of being identified out of a total of 800 missing persons on the Commission's list. On the territory of central Serbia about 800 Albanian bodies have been exhumed so far and all have been turned over to the Albanian side, 750 of them identified and 50 in the process of being identified.
Serbian Government Official requests UNMIK chief to stop illegal construction in Kosovo Belgrade, 04 Oct (Tanjug, KIM Radio) - Serbia's Coordination Center for Kosovo and Metohija vice-president and economic team chief for Kosovo and Metohija and southern Serbia Nenad Popovic has called for an urgent halting of construction work without permits in the vicinity of Gazimestan, Velika Hoca, monasteries and other sites in Kosovo and Metohija that will be declared protection zones once negotiations on the protection of the Serbian cultural heritage are over, said the center on Wednesday.
“We demand for an immediate stop of building on those locations. Having this in mind, we sent a protest note to UNMIK chief. In this letter we offer a detailed explanation about the perfidy attempt to destroy Serbian cultural heritage under the excuse of economic development,” said Popovic during his visit to municipalities of Zubin Potok, in the Kosovska Mitrovica region.
Meanwhile Neeraj Singh, the UNMIK spokesperson said that UNMIK is not in charge of preventing illegal construction around Serbian Cultural-Historical monuments. He also said that UNMIK is not in charge of organizing a referendum about the new Serbian constitution on the territory of Kosovo and Metohija “UNMIK is guided by the Contact Group principals according to which the solutions for Kosovo final status is expected by the end of this year,” said Singh. He gave this statement not wanting to comment on Ahtisaari’s statement that Serbian elections might postpone decision about Kosovo’s status. He also said that Kosovo interim institutions have done a lot in fulfilling the standards, that way bringing Kosovo closer to fulfilling the goal.
On Wednesday, when asked about the entire incident, Joachim Rucker, the chief of UNMIK, said he did not know anything about this and refused to give any comments.
The Coordination Center condemned this destruction of Serbian heritage in Kosovo.
UNMIK Chief unaware of illegal building in Kosovo
4.10.2006 15:37 KOSOVSKA MITROVICA, (Tanjug)
UNMIK Chief Joachim Ruecker on Wednesday denied having any knowledge about illegal building on locations in Kosovo that should become protected zones.
Asked to comment on illegal building works in the near vicinity of Gazimestan, Velika Hoca and some Serbian Monasteries in Kosovo that should become protected zones, Ricker responded that he can not comment on it as he is not aware of it.
NATO peacekeepers seize 400 kilograms of explosives in Kosovo Associated Press: Wednesday, October 04, 2006 8:26 AM PRISTINA, Serbia-NATO-led peacekeepers in Kosovo seized about 400 kilograms (880 pounds) of explosives stashed away in the woodlands of central Kosovo, officials said Wednesday. The stockpile containing 90 mines, ammunition and hand grenades was found during a routine patrol said Col. Reiner Senger a spokesman for the peacekeepers. Senger said there was no indication as to whether the cache was a left-over from the 1999 war or a more recent one. "Some mines are older, some are very dangerous," Senger said referring to anti-personnel mines found in the cache. The explosives and the ammunition have been transported to KFOR premises and will be destroyed, Senger said. Last week Kosovo's police discovered six cases containing a total of 72 rocket-propelled grenades. Fears have been rising of violence erupting in Kosovo as the U.N.-run province approaches a critical stage in talks aimed at settling it's political status. Kosovo's minority Serbs want the province to remain in the realm of Belgrade's control, while majority Albanians want it to become an independent state.
Council of Europe did not dare to declare Kosovo's independence KOMMERSANT (RUSSIAN FEDERATION)
Oct. 04, 2006 PACE discussed Kosovo's status during its session yesterday. Council of Europe prepared a resolution actually proclaiming Kosovo to be an independent state specially for the session. However, PACE did not dare to create the precedent of Kosovo's international recognition this time. Yet, Kosovo will not be affected by this indecisiveness. PACE members believe the UN will soon confirm Kosovo's independence. A supporter of a group called "Self Determination" attends a protest in Pristina, Kosovo, Monday, July 24, 2006. Top Serbian and ethnic Albanian leaders met face-to-face in Vienna, Monday, in unprecedented talks aimed at resolving the dispute over the breakaway province of Kosovo. At issue is whether Kosovo will become independent, as demanded by its ethnic Albanian majority, or gain broad autonomy but remain within Serbia's borders, as the Serb leadership insists. Former PACE president Lord Russell Johnston prepared a report on the current situation in Kosovo. PACE was expected to adopt a resolution supporting Kosovo's independence. So, if that had happened, the Council of Europe would have become the first international organization recognizing the necessity to give independence to Kosovo. PACE invited Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha, President of Bosnia and Herzegovina Suleiman Tihich, and Serbian President Boris Tadic. Yet, it became known the latter would not arrive to the session in Strasbourg. Boris Tadic is now in a very difficult position. On the one hand, he is pressed by the international community which calls for giving independence to Kosovo. On the other hand, Serbian public opinion cannot be reconciled to Kosovo's becoming a separate state. Serbia will hold parliamentary election in December, and it would be a political suicide for any Serbian politician to speak of Kosovo's independence now. Russian delegation to PACE contributed greatly to deciding to discuss the situation in Kosovo without adopting a final resolution. In fact, Russian authorities will not mind at all if Kosovo becomes independent. Moreover, Moscow hopes that Kosovo precedent will later come in handy when struggling for the independence of Transdniestria, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia. However, Russia does not want to offend its ally by overtly supporting Kosovo's independence. Unfortunately, there was no traditional PACE voting on the Kosovo issue, because PACE refrained from adopting the resolution. Thus, it is impossible to find out now how many members are for, and how many are against giving independence to Kosovo. Yet, the discussion in Strasbourg showed many PACE members believe the UN will have the last say in the issue, and that the UN will not hesitate to ratify Kosovo's independence.
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