By John Caruso
May 1999
Excerpts
Recently a good bit of attention in the independent media has been focused on the sections of the Rambouillet proposal (in particular Appendix B) which would have granted NATO colonial powers over all of Yugoslavia. These sections are important because they make it clear that there was never a serious intention for Yugoslavia to sign the document; indeed, no sovereign nation would have done so willingly. However, the economic provisions of Rambouillet tend to get short shrift, though they are arguably even more important in understanding just how little the proposal had to do with establishing peace between the Yugoslavian government and the separatist KLA.
Here are some relevant quotes from the document:
Chapter 4
Economic Issues
Article I
1. The economy of Kosovo shall function in accordance with free market principles.
[...]
6. Federal and other authorities shall within their respective powers and responsibilities ensure the free movement of persons, goods, services, and capital to Kosovo, including from international sources. They shall in particular allow access to Kosovo without discrimination for persons delivering such goods and services.
7. If expressly required by an international donor or lender, international contracts for reconstruction projects shall be concluded by the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which shall establish appropriate mechanisms to make such funds available to Kosovo authorities. Unless precluded by the terms of contracts, all reconstruction projects that exclusively concern Kosovo shall be managed and implemented by the appropriate Kosovo authority.
[...]
Article II
1. The Parties agree to reallocate ownership and resources in accordance insofar as possible with the distribution of powers and responsibilities set forth in this Agreement, in the following areas: (a) government-owned assets (including educational institutions, hospitals, natural resources, and production facilities); [...]
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