Spiegel: Independence Plan: Europe Looking for Kosovo's Future - International
What to do about Kosovo will be high up on the agenda at the European Union summit on Friday. But Slovenia, which takes over the EU presidency in January, may have a plan. According to a report in the International Herald Tribune this week, the approach would see the international community recognize Kosovo in stages with the core EU group including Britain, France, Italy and Germany going first, within 48 hours. The US would recognize Kosovo's independence soon after with Switzerland, Iceland and Norway following. The next group, the plan foresees, would comprise countries in the neighborhood including Turkey, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, and Slovenia itself. Finally, the 56 members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference would offer their rubber stamp to the independence declaration. With Serbia continuing its opposition to Kosovo independence, and Russia firmly behind Belgrade, the EU is concerned about the possibility of renewed violence breaking out in the region. In addition, the EU is planning on taking over the administration of Kosovo from the UN, but all 27 countries need to approve to put such a plan in motion.
Note EU-Digest: This will require some bluff poker by the EU, but it has lots of merits. The Russians might get upset, but they certainly won't want to get involved in a war over Kosovo.
