Pristina officials announce swift unilateral declaration of independence

Kosovo Assembly Speaker Jakup Krasniqi said Tuesday that he expected the assembly to declare Kosovo’s independence very soon.

(KosovoCompromise Staff) Wednesday, January 23, 2008

He said Kosovo had the backing of Western countries in the matter, especially the US and the EU, albeit not all EU members favored the move.

"Some consultations are yet to be carried out, in order to specify the date (of the declaration of independence)," Krasniqi.

Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaqi on Tuesday departed for Brussels, where he is to arrange further steps in the process of declaring independence with European officials.

Pristina representatives announced that during the meeting with top EU officials, Thaqi would define the following steps in the process and the time when the Kosovo Assembly would adopt a declaration of independence.

UNMIK chief Joachim Ruecker said Tuesday that Kosovo would achieve its goal very soon.

"I am deeply convinced that Kosovo will reach its goal very soon. That is why the world should be told that minorities are also part of this country and that is why you should cooperate with them," Ruecker said, adding that Kosovo needed not only a democratic but also a multiethnic future.

International mediator Martti Ahtisaari's plan, as he put it, remains on the table and enjoys the support of most EU countries.

Russian officials have recently warned Ruecker that, as a UN officials, he is obligated to abolish any decision that is against the decisions of the UN Security Council. The US and its allies, having been overpowered in the Security Council concerning Kosovo's status, are now trying to resolve the issue outside of the UN.