NEWS

UN plan foresees Kosovo secession

A United Nations proposal for Kosovo’s final status foresees the province’s secession from Serbia but refrains from granting ethnic Albanians full independence, according to a confidential document seen by Kathimerini. The blueprint, which will be officially unveiled tomorrow, visualizes Kosovo as a «multiethnic society which will govern itself democratically… with authority over law enforcement, security, justice.» The plan also foresees Kosovo assuming control of its borders (a provision certain to provoke objections from Serbia) and acquiring its own «national symbols,» including a flag and an anthem. The UN blueprint also foresees the mobilization of UN troops in the province to «support the implementation of the settlement.» In a concession to Serbian concerns, the plan puts a damper on ethnic Albanian ambitions of creating a «greater Albania» by determining that Kosovo should have «no territorial claims against, and seek no union with, any state or part of any state.» However, Kosovo can seek membership in international organizations. The blueprint also obliges Kosovo to «ensure the autonomy and protection of all religious denominations and their sites within its territory.» Also, refugees will be able to return and reclaim property. Greece and Russia object to any border changes to Kosovo and have stressed that any settlement should be acceptable to Belgrade.

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