Kosovo* becomes full-fledged participant in RCC

At its first meeting in 2013, held in Sarajevo on Thursday, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Board decided to amend the statute and the list of participants of the organization, reflecting the results of the EU-mediated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, the RCC said in a release. Kosovo used to be named 'Kosovo (UNMIK)' on the list of RCC participants, but this has now been changed to 'Kosovo*', where the asterisks is to say that “this designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.” “The participation of Kosovo* in the Regional Cooperation Council is a confirmation of the organization's full dedication to ensuring all-inclusiveness in our activities,” said RCC secretary general Goran Svilanovic, following the decision. “It shows that the region is able to take responsibility for its own future and create conditions for overall progress in the spirit of tolerance and cooperation,” he added. European Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele lauded, via Twitter, the RCC decision. “Appreciate constructive approach of all,” he wrote. The 27-member RCC Board meets three times a year and is chaired by the RCC secretary general. The Board provides the RCC with operational guidance and supervision. It consists of those RCC members contributing to the budget of the RCC Secretariat as well as the European Union.