The Balkans
2006
Serbia, Kosovo Leaders Meet, Remain Split on Independence (July 25, 2006)
The first meeting between Serbian and Kosovar Presidents since NATO bombing in 1999 has cast doubt upon the likelihood of reaching a negotiated settlement on the status of Kosovo. Although Belgrade purports to accept any settlement short of full independence for Kosovo, the province's leaders reject any arrangement other than statehood. Despite the symbolic and political importance of Kosovo to Serbians, failure to achieve a consensus on the region's future will likely result in the UN backing conditional independence for Kosovo. (Los Angeles Times)
Justice for Serbia (July 12, 2006)
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica lays out his arguments against independence for Kosovo in this Washington Postopinion piece. He questions the economic viability of an independent Kosovo and argues that the granting of independence would spark off similar claims by other ethnic groups in the Balkans. Despite all the recent nationalist clashes in recent years and the ongoing bitterness, he describes his government's opposition to independence for Kosovo as a "defense of the future of democracy."
Security Council May Grant Independence to Kosovars (June 14, 2006)
Members of the UN Security Council appear to be leaning towards allowing Kosovo to separate from Serbia and to become an independent nation. The UN has been in control of Kosovo, still part of Serbia, since Serbian forces withdrew following NATO bombing in 1999. However, some countries are worried that the breakup, coming so soon after Montenegro voted for independence from Serbia, could encourage separatist movements elsewhere. (Taipei Times)
Montenegro Votes to Break Away From Serbia (May 22, 2006)
In a move that erases the last remnant of the former Yugoslavia, the people of Montenegro have voted for independence ending the state of "Serbia and Montenegro". Serbia, as successor state, inherits the old state's membership of the United Nations, while Montenegro will have to apply for membership. Despite Montenegro's significant Serbian population and the close referendum result, the vote represents to many a final step in the Balkan stabilization process. (Independent)
2005
Envoy Sees 'Good Chance' of Kosovo Final Status Talks in 2005 (February 24, 2005)
In an address to the Security Council, UN Special Envoy in Kosovo Soren Jessen-Petersen expressed his optimism about the possibility for final status talks in the UN-administered region later in 2005. Jessen-Petersen said he was confident the newly elected ethnic Albanian leadership could improve the rule of law, access to media and ensure that refugees can return to their homes. But Serb official coordinating affairs in Kosovo Nebojsa Covic painted a grim picture of the situation in Kosovo and told the council Jessen-Petersen's assessments were "unjustifiably optimistic." (Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty)
2004
Could UN Fix Iraq? Word from Kosovo Isn't Encouraging (August 2, 2004)
"As the world looks to the United Nations to help calm turmoil in Iraq, another volatile Muslim land freed from tyranny by American firepower has the international body tied in knots." The Wall Street Journaltells the story of UN-led efforts to assist Kosovo's transition to independence, including a policy of privatizing formerly state-run enterprises. The privatization program resulted in widespread resentment and joblessness, with riots leaving many dead and 100 UN vehicles in flames.
2003
Winners and Losers among the Minority Groups in Former Yugoslavia (August 2003)
This Monde Diplomatiquearticle argues that Balkan minority groups are forgotten people in conflict situations. The international community only focuses on dialog between the majority groups, forcing the minorities to choose a side.
Bosnia No Model of Nation-Building (July 1, 2003)
Contrary to a statement by a US congresswoman, Bosnia is not a successful example of "nation-building." The 1995 Dayton Peace Accords aimed to reunite and stabilize the country but instead created worrisome ethnic divisions. (Christian Science Monitor)
Yugoslavia Is Again Reinvented, in Name and Structure (February 4, 2003)
The former Yugoslavia will now be called "Serbia and Montenegro," uniting the two republics for a mandatory three years before they will have the option to split again. The EU hopes the compromise will buy time needed to integrate the region into the rest of Europe, but few people are satisfied with the new state. (New York Times)
2002
Kosovo Needs a Talking-To (August 23, 2002)
As the US is preparing a responsible exit strategy from the Balkans, the Washington Postoutlines challenges Kosovo needs to address if it wants to become a "responsible state and not a perpetual source of instability in southeastern Europe. None of Kosovo's neighbors, with the possible exception of Albania, would accept Kosovo's independence given its current state."
New Questions Raised Over Kosovo's Future (March 20, 2002)
Where does Kosovo stand, now that Serbia and Montenegro have agreed on joint-statehood? If Yugoslavia no longer exists, the region may gain independence. However, if the new agreement fails, Serbia inherits the remains of the Yugoslav federation - including Kosovo. (Institute for War and Peace Reporting)
Serbia: Union With Montenegro Loses Its Appeal (March 20, 2002)
Serbia and Montenegro use different currencies and have separate customs and banking systems. Despite international approval of the recent joint-statehood deal, many Serbians believe these fundamental differences will undermine the agreement, leading to Serbian independence within a few years.(Institute for War and Peace Reporting)
Vojvodina Denied Self-Rule (January 24, 2002)
Vojvodina, like Kosovo, lost its autonomous status within the Serbian state in 1989. As a prosperous area of the country with a distinctive ethnic mixture, a return to self-rule is a high priority. (BBC)
