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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Lieberman, Biden, McCain, and Smith have introduced a bipartisan resolution calling on the U.S. government to support the independence of Kosovo.
In 1999, the United States went to war to protect the people of Kosovo from a Serbia-led ethnic cleansing campaign. Previously part of Yugoslavia, Kosovo has since been governed by an interim United Nations administration—an arrangement that has left the territory's political status in doubt and contributed to its political and economic instability.
Last month, after more than a year of intensive negotiations, the UN Special Envoy for Kosovo, former Finnish president Marrti Ahtisaari, submitted a comprehensive settlement proposal to the UN Security Council, calling for supervised independence of Kosovo.
"President Ahtisaari is correct that independence is the only acceptable outcome for Kosovo," said Senator Lieberman. "Independence for Kosovo is both necessary and just. This Resolution is intended to send the message that, no matter what our differences, Democrats and Republicans are united when it comes to the future of Kosovo."
"For eight years now, Kosovars have been struggling to build their economy and society on a foundation of uncertainty," said Senator Biden. "They are justifiably fed up with the status quo. Stagnation in Kosovo is hurting Serbia as well. Belgrade's fixation with the issue is delaying critical reforms, EU accession talks, and the capture of fugitive war criminals. For the sake of both sides, it's time to grant Kosovo independence."
"By resolving Kosovo's status, once and for all, the western Balkans can move ahead into a bright, prosperous future," said Senator McCain. "Recognizing Kosovo's independence will allow the United States and Europe to take the next steps in integrating both Kosovo and Serbia into Euro-Atlantic institutions and arrangements."
"It is in the interests of both Kosovo and Serbia to settle finally the future status of Kosovo as an independent country," said Senator Smith. "Although I recognize that it will be difficult for Belgrade to accept this solution, I am convinced that the stability that will flow from this decision will be the first step toward including Kosovo and Serbia into the trans-Atlantic community in which both nations belong."
The resolution calls for several concrete steps to support Kosovo's independence. Among its specific recommendations:
· The United States should, in consultation and cooperation with its allies, vigorously and promptly pursue a UN Security Council resolution that endorses the recommendations of UN Special Envoy Ahtisaari for Kosovo's independence.
· The United States should oppose any delay in the resolution of Kosovo's political status as counterproductive, potentially dangerous, and likely to make the achievement of a lasting settlement more difficult.
· The United States should support Kosovo's integration into international and Euro-Atlantic institutions, including its timely admission to NATO's Partnership for Peace program, with the ultimate goal of full NATO membership.
· The United States should reaffirm its commitment to the Southeastern Europe, including the continuation of the military mission in Kosovo to deter and disrupt any efforts by any party to destabilize the region through violence.
· The government of Kosovo should exercise responsible leadership, taking particular care to reassure, protect, and ensure the full political and economic rights of Serbs and other minority communities in Kosovo.
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