Kosovo deadline looms
Unilateral declaration of independence from Kosovo's ethnic Albanians could be made next week
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Friday, 07, Dec 2007 07:23
The deadline for an agreement on the future status of Kosovo is unlikely to be met, raising the possibility of a unilateral declaration of independence.
Diplomats are bracing themselves for the United Nations-administered territory's ethnic Albanian majority declaring independence from Serbia after Monday's deadline passes.
Belgrade remains fiercely opposed to such a move and state television in recent days has hinted at the use of force to prevent this outcome.
This afternoon EU leaders said negotiations had broken down and warned Europe could have to act on the ground to maintain order.
It is also feared Kosovo's Serbian minority, which represents about one-tenth of the province's two million-strong population, could declare its sovereignty at the same time.
Kosovar Serbs are concentrated in the territory's north and south, with a mass exodus expected if a unilateral declaration takes places.
The United States and the EU support an independent state of Kosovo, but Russia – Serbia's closest ally – says it will use its veto in the UN security council to prevent its sovereignty.
Nato has already said it plans to keep its 17,000-strong peacekeeping force deployed in Kosovo.
Belgian foreign ministers Karel de Gucht told reporters: "There is a consensus that Nato should stay with the current levels."
While the Serbian government has ruled out the use of force, it is making clear its intention to use all other means to ensure Kosovo – its 'Jerusalem' – remains part of its territory.
Click here for a summary of the latest developments in the search for Kosovo's final status.