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Kosovo problem and European Unionâ€“ ANALYSIS

Kosovo problem and European Union<font color=red>â€“ ANALYSIS </font>

21 January 2008 13:03 (UTC +04:00)

Serbia is supposed to declare its independence after February 3, the day when the election campaign will come to an end. Chairman of the European Union, Sloveniaâ€™s Prime Minister Janez Jansa stated that EU does not hold concrete discussions on the recognition of Kosovo. He said he supports European Unionâ€™s demonstrating unique position on Kosovo problem and noted that new war will not break out in the Balkans because of this problem. But it is the main difficulty. EU countries have different approach to Kosovo problem, and generally to the problem of territorial integrity. As it came from the summit held on December 14, four main players of European Union â€“ France, Germany, England and Italy, as well as other countries supporting this position, support Kosovoâ€™s separation from Serbia and becoming an independent state. These countries have stated that they are ready to recognize Kosovoâ€™s possible independence. But a number of EU states continue â€œto swim against the streamâ€. Greece, Romania, Slovakia, Spain and especially Greek Cyprus are among these countries. The group opposing to the majority claims that Kosovoâ€™s separation from Serbia without the decision of the UN Security Council will encourage separatists in other regions. It is interesting that it is almost impossible to generalize this group for any other feature. The countries that defend Serbia can not be called pro-Russian countries. It is also difficult to regard this position as a logical result of Serbian-Orthodox solidarity: unlike other countries of the group Spain and Slovakia have catholic majority. It is regardless to speak about triumph of Slavic nationalism, as none of Serbiaâ€™s Slavic neighbors-Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria and Croatia occupies close position to Belgrade. The only reason characterizing EU members is their approach to the territorial integrity and inviolability of borders.
Cyprus. This country is against giving independence to Kosovo decisively. Greeksâ€™ losing control in the Turks-living regions, in the north of the country after conflict in 1974 caused it. Nikosiya is afraid that Kosovo can establish precedent for the recognition of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus by world community. Cyprus is the only EU country which supports continuation of Alban-Serb negotiations.
Greece. Athens occupies the same position because of the interests of its compatriots in Cyprus. Greek solidarity, and Greeceâ€™s including Epir province in the north of the country to historical Alban areas and delicate approach to strengthening Alban factor in the region plays great role in this issue.
Slovakia. Slovakia is afraid of that separatist inclinations may be strengthened in the south regions where Hungarian minority comprises 10%.
Romania. There is great resemblance in the interests and arguments of Bucharest and Bratislava. Several claims concerning historical Transylvania make them to be delicate. 1.4 million Hungarians are living in this country.
Spain. Madrid where various ethnic minorities live and which suffers from regional avoiding inclinations demonstrates traditional position against terrorists and separatists. The events in Kosovo may impact Bask region and Catalonia.
If Kosovo announces its independence one-sided, which measures will Serbia take? Serbian government adopted special plan on it on January 14. Serbian Minister on Kosovo Slobodan Samarcich said that the adopted plan is of confidential character and stated that it will not be publicized.
But Serbian government said that plan was adopted in the extraordinary meeting of the Cabinet of the Ministers.
The plan based on principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and protecting constitutional system adopted by Parliament. Protecting of Kosovo- inseparable part of Serbia was declared as priority of state bodies until compromise is achieved in the document. Serbian officials state that they will stop their relations with the countries that will recognize the independence of Kosovo. According to the mediaâ€™s reports, imposing an economical embargo against Kosovo Albanians and travel limitation and extension of the way to Western Europe more is intended among sanctions. Serbia may stop electric supply of Kosovo.
Belgrade devoted its all resources against separatism can be obliged to apply to this phenomenon. The Republic of Serbia, one of unofficial means of Bosnia and Herzegovina gave impetus to occur separatist movement. There are few Serbians in Kosovo.40, 000 of 130,000- Serbian community lived densely in Mitrovitsa. This eliminates separatist movement against Kosovo.
Belgrade knows the situation very well and it is not satisfied with the support of Russia and tries to maneuver over domestic separatist fears of Europe. One of Serbian officials said that Belgrade hope that Brussels and Washington will understand that separation of Serbia will cause shock./APA/