Wisner: U.S. will immediately recognize the independence of Kosovo
The United States will recognize the independent Kosovo right after the province’s Albanian leaders declare secession from Serbia, Washington’s representative in Kosovo status talks Frank G. Wisner told the Council on Foreign Affairs (CFR).
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Wednesday, February 13, 2008
"The United States will recognize the independent Kosovo. And I expect a heavy percentage of the European Union including many of the larger states will recognize (it) right away," Wisner said, adding that "by early next week, you will see a generous outreach of international acceptance of the fait accompli".
Washington plans to recognize the independency of Kosovo on Monday, February 18, a State Department official told KosovoCompromise.com, speaking in condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to comment the issue.
But, some countries "may not" recognize the independency of Kosovo, including Cyprus and Romania, as well as UN Security Council members Russia and China, Wisner said, adding that Kosovo's secession has been "planned very carefully."
"I don't think there are any legislative hurdles that will cause anyone to trip and fall. But as I say, the day that independence is declared-that's it. The state symbols will then be revealed, the new flag, the national anthem or whatever. And the place will be off and running. And then of course, there will be consequences, some positive, and some not so positive," U.S. envoy said.
Third-ranking U.S. diplomat Nicholas Burns said the time has come for the implementation of Kosovo status proposal drafted by former Finish President and United Nations envoy Martti Ahtisaari.
"Ahtisaari's plan would prepare a transition from UN rule to self-government, and we believe it is correct in all its applications. We do think the Kosovo Albanian relationship has a major responsibility. They need to send the right signals to the Kosovo Serb population. That the Serbs and the other minority populations are welcome in Kosovo, will be able to lead successful and peaceful and happy lives there as communities, and remain part of Kosovo itself, and we have reminded the Kosovo Albanian leadership of that obligation," Burns said in London.
The State Department diplomat, which recently announced his departure from office, also warned Belgrade officials not to "resort to provocations, much less to violence, and that a peaceful application of this United Nations plan is necessary for the peace of the Balkans".
"Serbia is a key country in the region; the same is true of Montenegro and of Kosovo and of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Albania and Macedonia and Croatia. And so a peaceful transition, and a stable transition, is going to be very important and we hope very much that that will be the case as this situation unfolds," Burns said.
