WRITTEN QUESTION E-0464/01

by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Commission

(20 February 2001)

Subject: Threat to peace in the Balkans and the rise in Albanian nationalism

In my capacity as European Parliament rapporteur on the implementation of the action plan for Albania and the neighbouring region, I am fully aware of the difficulties facing the Albanian Government in its attempts to strengthen democratic institutions. I should therefore like to express my profound alarm at the events that have unfolded over the last few days in southern Serbia, Kosovo and the FYROM where groups of armed Albanians have been attacking KFOR troops and the police and have been involved in violent confrontations with the remaining members of the Serb population.

It is clear that the new strategy of the reorganised Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK/KLA) aims to change the borders of the Balkans by making Kosovo independent and uniting all Albanians in a Greater Albania, which poses a serious threat to peace in the Balkans and indeed the whole of Europe.

Bearing in mind the grave threat to the stability of the region posed by extremist nationalist organisations, what measures does the Commission intend to take to help defuse the crisis before it is too late?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(26 April 2001)

The Commission shares the Honourable Member's concern at recent events in southern Serbia, in Kosovo and in Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). The Union has condemned, in the strongest terms, the killings in Kosovo and southern Serbia and has warned of the consequences if such ethnic violence continues. The Union also, in welcoming the recent border agreement between Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) and FYROM, called for the respect of borders.

The crisis in southern Serbia has been provoked by the Liberation Army of Presevo, Medvedja and Bujanovac (UCPMB)/Presevo, Medvedja and Bujanovac liberation army (PMBLA) rather than the Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK/KLA) which was disbanded by the international civil and military administrations in Kosovo.

As is clear from the Conclusions of the General Affairs Council of 26 February 2001, the Union is determined to play a role in defusing the crisis, both by the presence of European Union Monitory Mission (EUMM) monitors and the announcement by the Commission that Community assistance to the Presevo region is being doubled to 1,9 million. The additional 900 000 is coming from the Emergency Assistance Programme and being directed to municipal projects under the Community's Schools for Democracy and Towns for Democracy programmes. The Secretary General/High Representative, Mr Solana has also been asked to urgently present a comprehensive strategy for Union action concerning the Presevo Valley.

The Commission is working closely with the Presidency and the High Representative to respond to the crisis in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. A number of high level meetings between the Secretary General/High Representative, Mr Solana and member of the Commission responsible for External Relations took place with all the political parties of FYROM to enhance a political dialogue on minority issues. The Commission is urgently assessing how it can best help. This includes the speeding up and adjustment of existing assistance programmes as necessary. The assistance already granted includes help with the Government's efforts on inter-ethnic issues, including support for education in the Albanian language, in particular the co-financing of the South East European University in Tetovo ( 5 million), and assistance for the Ministry of Local Self-Governments and local municipalities ( 1,9 million). Substantial assistance is also provide to improved border management to fight against terrorism.

Following the military offensive conducted by FYROM forces around Tetovo, the Commission is urgently considering how it might help with the repair and re-building of houses which were destroyed in fighting. A damage assessment team will visit affected villages as soon as the area has been declared safe for them to do so.