International opinion on the future make-up of Kosovo may differ, but
the US is already committed to the idea of independence of the Kosovo.
Kosovo is seeking supervised independence from Serbia, which wants the
region to remain autonomous within Serbia's borders.
The Troika of mediators tried to assist Pristina and Belgrade to
arrive to a variety of options" to resolve Kosovo's status. These
options included full independence, supervised independence, a
territorial partition,substantial autonomy and con federal
arrangements.
Their efforts failed in the two emerging state in state of
sovereignties the troika's re****t said that both groups have pledged
to "refrain from actions that might jeopardize the security situation
in Kosovo or elsewhere and not use violence,threats or intimidation."
Some of the European countries including Spain, Slovakia and Greece
are more fearful and skeptical about Kosovo declaring its own
independence fearing that this way of independence could set a
precedent for separatist groups in other regions.
Russia has an optimistic view in this regards and called for further
negotiations expressing that "a solution is possible,"
Russia, Serbia's long-time ally, has repeatedly warned that
independence would serve as a precedent and could have a knock-on
effect, provoking instability in other secessionist territories,
including those in the former Soviet Union. Contact Group troika of
mediators - Russia, the United States and the European Union -
concluded months of talks last week.
A diplomatic source said that no agreement was in sight either between
Belgrade and Pristina, or within the troika itself, adding that Russia
stood firm on its view that independence could only be granted to
Kosovo if both Pristina and Belgrade were in agreement.
NATO announced on Friday that it would maintain its KFOR Kosovo peace
force at present levels, and would supply new troops as necessary to
counter any violence in the province, as Serbia spoke of "war".
"KFOR shall remain in Kosovo on the basis of UN Security Council
resolution 1244, unless the Security Council decides otherwise. We
renew our commitment to maintain KFOR's national force, contributions,
including reserves, at current levels," the NATO communique said after
a meeting of foreign ministers of the 26-nation alliance.
Earlier on Friday, at the start of the talks, NATO Secretary General
Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, told foreign ministers that, "We will act
resolutely against anyone who seeks to resort to violence."
Scheffer's statement came after Aleksandar Simic, an adviser to
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, said Serbia had the right
to use military force to defend its interests in Kosovo.
"The State has no recourse other than war when someone does not
respect the UN Security Council," he told Serbian state television.
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