Kosovo Declares Its Independence
February 17 Announcement of Province’s Official Break from Serbia
Kosovo's government has officially declared its independence from Serbia. Serbia and Russia protest the announcement, which is supported by most other countries.
On February 17, 2008, Kosovo’s Parliamentary lawmakers met in an extraordinary session in which they formally approved their declaration of independence from Serbia. Prime Minister Hashim Thaci then read the document aloud in Albanian, Serbian and English.
Thaci, elected Prime Minister in November 2007, stated that Kosovo was an “independent and democratic state ... From this day onwards, Kosovo is proud, independent and free.”
Thousands of celebrants flooded the streets of Kosovo’s captial, Pristina, braving freezing wind and cold to sing, dance, wave ethnic-Albanian flags and light firecrackers.
Formal Proceedings
In a 45-minute session, Kosovo’s parliament voted 109-0 in favor of severing ties with Serbia. The official written document, presented to Parliament by Thaci, commits Kosovo to respecting minority rights, set a goal of joining the European Union and NATO, and rejected Russia’s assertions that Kosovar independence will influence other separatist conflicts around the world. The legislators also approved a new flag and coat of arms.
Serbian Response
Immediately responding to the declaration, recently re-elected Serbian President Boris Tadic said,”Serbia will never recognize the independence of Kosovo. Serbia has reacted and will react with all peaceful, diplomatic and legal means to annul this act committed by Kosovo’s institutions.... Serbia will not resort to violence and that is the only approach which can enable us to continue our legitimate fight to preserve the integrity of our country.”
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica denounced the declaration, calling independent Kosovo a “fake state” and promised to re-establish Serbia’s authority via peaceful means.
Russian Reaction
In mid-2007, Russia threatened to veto a United Nations resolution supporting Kosovo independence. Moscow believes the separation cannot be legal without Serbia’s consent.
Two days before the declaration, Russia, anticipating Kosovo’s announcement, warned that it will consider the proclamation of Kosovo’s independence when revising its own policy toward Georgia’s breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
After Kosovo’s declaration, the Russian Foreign Ministry called for an immediate session of the UN Security Council to review the issue of Kosovo’s independence. The Ministry expects the UN Mission in Kosovo and the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) to take immediate action including voiding the declaration.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the declaration illegitimate according to international law because it contradicts provisions of the 1244 UN Security Council resolution, the Helsinki Final Act and agreements of the Contract Group.
Other International Comments
The United States and most European countries including Britain, France and Germany intend to establish diplomatic ties with Kosovo. However, five European Union members (Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Spain) plan to withhold recognition, fearing it would encourage separatists in their own countries.
The day before Kosovo’s declaration, all 27 EU members agreed to send a team of 1,900 administrative experts to Kosovo to take over the UN’s management role in the province. These administrators, including police officers, judges, prosecutors, customs officials and other local staff will arrive in Kosovo within the next four months. The mission’s objective is to support Kosovar authorities by monitoring, mentoring and advising on the rule of law.
References
“Kosovo declares independence.” CNN Europe. February 17, 2008.
“Russia warns Kosovo independence will affect Georgian breakaway regions policy.” Xinhua News Agency. February 15, 2008.
“Serbia will never recognize Kosovo independence - president.” AFX News. February 17, 2008.
Tirone, Jonathan and James G. Neuger. “Kosovo Declares Independence, Seeks U.S.,EU Backing.” Bloomberg.com. February 17, 2008.
Wilson, Tracy. “Dvisions cloud Kosovo’s independence day.” The Sydney Morning Herald. February 18, 2008.
