Brussels, 11/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - Although UN discussions about the final status of Kosovo are still clashing with opposition from Moscow to a non-negotiated settlement, US president George W. Bush this week appealed for the independence of this currently Serbian province.
Speaking in Albania on Sunday, Bush explained that prevarication had to end. On a visit to the capital in Tirana, the US president exclaimed: “At some point in time, sooner rather than later, you've got to say enough is enough, Kosovo is independent”. He indicated that “the question is whether or not there is going to be endless dialogue on a subject that we have made up our mind about”. He added: “We believe that Kosovo ought to be independent”.
The hypothesis of unilateral recognition of Kosovo from the USA, was denied by the White House, which explained that a decision should soon be made at the UN. Olli Rehn, the commissioner for enlargement, also said that the UN should remain the appropriate framework for this kind of decision. The commissioner's spokesperson reminded the press on Monday that “discussions are continuing at the UN Security Council”. The Commission wants a decision and an end to wasteful delays. It supports Martti Ahtisaari's proposal that is expected to “constitute the basis of a new UN resolution”. The Commission wants to avoid speculating on the possibilities of going forward without a resolution from the Security Council and is hoping for “a sustainable, politically and legally clear solution for Kosovo's future”. (ab)