ISG Sets Timetable for Kosovo’s Full Independence

Kosovo’s period of supervised independence, four years after it declared independence from Serbia, is approaching its end, the International Steering Group, ISG, said, setting the end of 2012 as a possible time limit.

The group of 25 member states, known as the “Friends of Kosovo”, meeting on Tuesday in Vienna, announced that preparations for winding up activities will start soon.

“The International Steering Group notes that Kosovo is now in the final stages of implementing the Comprehensive Settlement Proposal (Ahtisaari Plan) and will therefore start preparations for an organized end to supervised independence and the closure of the International Civilian Office, which should be possible by the end of 2012,” the meeting concluded.

The ISG, which met for the 14th time on Tuesday, regulates the International Civilian Office, ICO, the organisation set up to ensure the independence package drawn up by Martti Ahtisaari, former UN envoy to Kosovo, is implemented.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008. Since then 86 states, including 22 EU Member states and the US, have recognized it.

The ISG has endorsed a twin-track strategy for the beginning of the end of the supervised independence, asking for more guarantees by the Kosovo government in such fields as decentralization, community rights, cultural heritage and dealing with the past.

After the meeting in Vienna, Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Hashim Thaci, said he expected the country to become fully independent by the beginning of 2013, and expressed readiness to implement all the remaining tasks.

“By ending supervised independence, Kosovo is further approaching the European Union. The state of Kosovo is consolidating and strengthening… for the first time in Kosovo’s history we have a clear European agenda,” Thaci said.

Kosovo's international backers said the ICO "will continue its work with all relevant stakeholders on the ground to make all the necessary political and financial commitments to achieve the goal”.

The ISG welcomed the latest recognitions of independence, and encouraged all states that have not yet done so to recognize Kosovo and support its further development. It also emphasized its commitment to Kosovo’s territorial integrity within its existing borders.

The ISG also reiterated that the Ahtisaari’s Plan core principles of strengthening transparent, legitimate local democracy, and respecting community rights and identities, provide the best model for the future of the troubled, Serb-run northern municipalities of Kosovo. 

Besides Kosovo, the ISG also sent a message to Serbia, urging it to stop interfering in its neighbour.

“The ISG urges Serbia to abide by its international commitments and refrain from interfering in Kosovo, including by withdrawing its police, security, and other state presences, and supporting efforts by international actors and the institutions of Kosovo to promote the rule of law.  

"The ISG also calls on Serbia to ensure that its local elections are not extended into northern Kosovo,” the group said.