Jul 28, 2006

UN Security Council Reportedly to Vote on Conditional Independence for Kosova


After the meeting of the top Pristina and Belgrade officials in Vienna, it is clear to the international community as to when and how Kosova's status will be solved. The UN Security Council will vote on special conditional independence in November this year
Below is the text of report by Radio-Television Kosova TV on 26 July


[Announcer] The UN Security Council will vote on special conditional independence [for Kosova] in November this year, international sources have told RTK. UN special envoy for Kosova status talks Martti Ahtisaari will recommend to the UN Security Council an imposed solution for Kosova [Kosova], justifying this with the fact that the sides cannot reach a compromise on anything, the source said. [Reporter] After the meeting of the top Pristina and Belgrade officials in Vienna, it is clear to the international community as to when and how Kosova's status will be solved. The source briefed RTK on the five point agenda for solving the Kosova issue.

1. Several high level meetings are foreseen in August and September. In September there will be another meeting of the elephants [Kosova and Serbian leaders].
2. In November 2006 at a regular session of the United Nations, UN special envoy for Kosova status talks Martti Ahtisaari will give his recommendation for Kosova's future status. Specifically, it is expected that sui generis independence will be proposed, or a special case which is expected to be approved by the members of the UN Security Council. However, this does not mean that the resolution will have immediate effect.
3. It is expected that after this UNMIK will enter the transitory phase to the international civilian mission. This phase will last at least six months, which means that the European Union will place its mission under the mandate of the United Nations, especially in the filed of justice, minorities and economy. During this time the finalizing of Kosova's new constitution is expected.

4. After this comes "Status Day" or the day UNMIK and Resolution 1244 expire and the implementation of the new status and new resolution start.
5. After this it is expected that elections will be announced and several basic laws changed.

According to the source, UN special envoy for Kosova status talks Martti Ahtisaari has achieved its aim of bringing Albanians and Serbs into the game with the top meeting in Vienna. Ahtisaari will now recommend to the UN Security Council an imposed solution for Kosova, explaining that the sides cannot reach a compromise on anything.