The Republic of Kosovo welcomes 2009

2008 has been a very important year for the Republic of Kosovo. Our Republic has been recognized by 53 countries the world over, and with very good outlook for more recognitions to come in 2009. Predictions that foresaw instability for Europe have not come to fruition. In short, though a lot more could be done, 2008 can be marked as an important turning and starting point for the Republic of Kosovo.
In the next year, we hope to see an improved foreign policy, and more concrete plans for the economic development of our Republic. We are also hoping to see more activity in streamlining various processes for citizens, such as information about passports.
And of course, more recognitions.
We wish all our supporters, allies and friends a Happy New Year.
May peace and light continue to prevail in 2009.

Kosovo congratulates and thanks Martti Ahtisaari, Nobel Peace Prize laureate of 2008

“All conflicts can be settled, and there are no excuses for allowing them to become eternal,” are the words of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Martti Ahtisaari, upon taking this well deserved recognition.

Martti Ahtisaari was the first to tell the world that freedom of Kosovo will not spell the end of the world, or set a precedent, or bring the Balkans into a new war. Ahtisaari was the first to counter those who argued that if Kosovo people were free, that if 2 million citizens of Kosovo tasted freedom, somehow this corner of Europe would see its end.

During the past 30 years, the former Finnish president has played an active role in resolving numerous conflicts, such as Namibian independence from South Africa in 1989, the Kosovo-Serbia war in 1999, and of course the Ahtisaari package for Kosovo independence.

On February 2nd 2007, after almost a year of negotiations between Kosovar and Serbian authorities, the laureate Ahtisaari delivered a proposal for resolving the status issue for Republic of Kosovo. After another year of negotiations, the proposal’s conclusion was that Kosovo should be governed by its citizens, become an internationally supported state, with strong guarantees for minorities and a clear plan for building a modern and democratic European state. The Athisaari package was a realistic and unavoidable outcome that was accepted by the government of what was to be one day Republic of Kosovo. On 17th of February 2008, Republic of Kosovo declared independence. This makes Kosovo the state that gives the widest breadth of guarantees for its minorities in the whole of South East Europe. Today the Republic implements the Ahtisaari agreement on its own accord.

Belgrade refused to accept this proposal, in the same manner it refused the autonomy agreement of 1999 in Rambouillet, France.

The former Finnish president has given the world an important legacy. Ahtisaari’s work is proof that obstacles can be overcome through discussion, rather than bullets, and that justice must be the driving motive for making important world reaching decisions. He has also shown us that self-determination is not a catastrophe but an opportunity to build something that is long-lasting and good for all the parties involved, as is the case with Namibia, and one day also Kosovo.

We would like to thank Martti for this. We would like to thank Martti for saying that our freedom is not dangerous for others. We need this freedom to grow and stand shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors and one day with the rest of Europe. In a proper Finnish realistic fashion, he has made the world a slightly better place.

Kiitos Martti!!!

Against the Belgrade sponsored 6 point plan for deployment of EULEX

This site would like to express its disagreement at the Belgrade sponsored 6 point plan for deployment of EULEX and disappointment that some members of the European Union have shown support for the very idea that could divide Kosovar society.

It is the firm belief of this site that the Belgrade sponsored 6 point plan for deployment of EULEX goes against the concept of multi-ethnicity, a concept that the international community has requested to be fulfilled as one of the standards for the provisional institutions of Kosovo before February 17th, 2008, and a concept that is enshrined in the Constitution of Republic of Kosovo. The Belgrade sponsored 6 point plan for deployment of EULEX also infringes and disrespects the Former President Ahtisaari’s plan for solving the Kosovar conflict after years of negotiations and compromise from the Kosovar side to reach a peaceful solution.

The Ahtisaari plan is a package built on compromise, for all sides, for building a modern European state.

The Belgrade sponsored 6 point plan for deployment of EULEX undermines democracy, the government, and the people, of Republic of Kosovo. It also puts in doubt the very existence of our Republic and its Constitution, two very important things for the people of Kosova.

The government and the people of Kosovo have welcomed the idea of an EU Law and Justice mission, EULEX, to be deployed throughout Kosovo with the intention of supporting the Ahtisaari plan but also in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Kosova.

As the world will see this week, the only power to have a say in our Republic is its people and Constitution.

The Belgrade sponsored 6 point plan for deployment of EULEX is an opportunity for the rest to grasp the reality that is the Republic of Kosovo.

100 days of Republic of Kosova

Today is 100 days since the Republic of Kosova was born. Although at times the climate was rough, until now it has been smooth sailing. The newborn state of Europe which has to date been recognized by 41 countries, is acquiring international support and has faced difficulties only to overcome them.

These 100 days have proven the pessimists wrong. Some claimed our independence to be a precedent, yet this has failed to materialize. Others predicted the failure of law and order and rule of chaos. Again, this too has been far from the reality on the ground.

For a country that is 100 days old, with a people that have gone through a lot, but who show such enthusiasm for change, progress and future, we can say confidently that Republic of Kosova is on the right track.

Problems exist. The state is being built bit by bit. It is a hard and daunting task. But in the face of this all, we can be sure that the next 100 days will only bring improvements.

The Economist Intelligence Unit’s index of democracy

The Economist last year published a study about democracies in 167 countries (2007). The Economist Index of Democracy focuses mainly on five categories: free and fair election process, civil liberties, functioning of government, political participation and political culture. According to the study almost half of the World’s countries can be considered democracies, but only 28 qualify as “full democracies”.

Kosova has been formally recognized by 20 out of 28 “full democracy” countries.

The Economist Intelligence Unit’s index of democracy

UN Secretary-General Report

We are glad that on the latest report of the Secretary-General on the UNMIK (March 28, 2008), the map of Kosova has been updated. For the first time the label “Province of Kosovo” has been updated to just “Kosovo”, as well as the Kosova border with Serbia has been more emphasized. We are aware that all the borders are not labeled as international, but it is still a sign that UN is accepting a new reality.
Map Comparison