Brussels, 18/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - While waiting for the first international recognitions of its independence, Kosovo has received the support of several MEPs. Immediately after Pristina's declaration of independence on Sunday 17 February, everyone appealed for stability in the region and respect for the rights of the Serbian minority in the country.
Joseph Daul said that the decisions to recognise Kosovo, “will not be dictated by threats of violence or radicalisation”. The president of the EPP-ED said that, “there is an absolute imperative for the preservation of peace and … respect”. He warned that, “it is of the utmost importance that Serbia does not close the door to Europe and goes back to a policy of isolation”.
The former EP rapporteur on Kosovo, Joost Lagendijk (Greens-EFA, Netherlands), his German colleague Anglelika Beer and Bart Staes from Belgium said that they hoped that the EU mission (EULEX) would be operational “as soon as possible”. In a press release published the same day, they welcomed the, “dignified and mature manner” of the way in which independence was proclaimed, which bode well for the country's democratic future. They are therefore calling on the Kosovar authorities to honour their commitments by respecting minority ethnic rights in the new state, “this will be crucial to Kosovo's democratic future and to its progress towards European Union membership, together with the other countries of the Western Balkans”.
Doris Pack (EPP-ED, Germany) stressed that with independence there would also be responsibility. She also emphasised that the new institutions should ensure full implementation of minority rights. The president of the EP delegation for South East Europe said that “a big effort of responsibility is also required from the international community”. She called on, “member states of the European Union to say yes to the people of Kosovo, and recognise” their respective institutions and organisations. She also hoped that neighbouring countries would have a constructive attitude and help to preserve stability.
European Parliament president underlines exceptional nature of new state and calls on all parties to act sensibly
Opening the European Parliament session, its president, Hans-Gert Pöttering, welcomed the decisions of the General Council on Kosovo and pointed out that a year ago, the EP had given its support to the “monitored sovereignty” formula, which was unfortunately not maintained. Kosovo's position as a “protectorate of the United Nations” is, insists, Mr Pöttering, “a special case, which cannot be compared to any other”. In this situation, he called on all parties to acts sensibly and calmly. The EU and EP will have to encourage political leaders in Kosovo to create democratic institutions that ensure respect for everyone's rights in a multiethnic state where everyone can live as good neighbours. Pöttering therefore welcomed the sending out of the Eulex mission, headed by General Yves de Kermabon, and the appointment of Pieter Feith, as the Special Representative of the Union to Kosovo. The European Parliament president said that it was important to help the parties overcome their differences in a European perspective. (A.B.)