These earlier meetings had resulted in declarations outlining many shared elements for a vision of Kosovo's future and steps toward achieving this vision. At the Airlie meeting, representatives of the Serb and Albanian communities sought to identify specific steps that members of the two communities could take together to begin to convert the bold words of these declarations to real accomplishments on the ground in Kosovo. Representatives pledged to continue the process begun at Airlie when they return to Kosovo. At the Airlie meeting, both Albanians and Serbs have faced each other in a spirit of searching together for positive steps which can be taken toward building a peaceful accommodation, despite the great pains and sorrows suffered in past conflicts. Some of these wounds are so fresh and so deep that they make it difficult to proceed without more time for healing, more evidence of a mutual confronting of these pains, more reaching out to one another in a spirit of sharing and understanding for past suffering.
Representatives recognize that their two communities are only at the start of a long journey.
This journey must begin by dealing with present-day reality. For Serbs, this means recognizing that they should work with the Albanians and others to build democratic institutions and society in Kosovo. For Albanians, this means recognizing that Serbs and others must have equal rights and protection. Recognizing that both Albanians and Serbs must move on for the sake of their children and grandchildren, and their society, both communities reach out in good faith to overcome grief and to join all others of good will who commit themselves to building peace and democracy in Kosovo. It is for this reason that they have pledged to each other to undertake the steps outlined in this document.