WRITTEN QUESTION P-0462/01

by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Council

(14 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 Council intend to take to help defuse the crisis before it is too late?

Reply

(10 July 2001)

The Council is deeply concerned over the escalating violence in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), which threatens to destabilise the country and the region. It also condemns the continuing violence in Kosovo, notably targeting minorities.

Political demands should be put forward in a peaceful manner and in accordance with democratic principles. The Stockholm European Council stated unequivocally that there is no future in our Europe for those who follow the path of intolerance, nationalism and violence. The EU will only support those who unreservedly choose the path of peace, democracy, reconciliation and regional cooperation. The Council recalled the EU's firm commitment to the principles of the inviolability of borders and the territorial integrity of the countries in the region.

The European Council reaffirmed its solidarity with President Trajkovski and the FYROM Government in the current crisis and urged them to continue to respond with restraint, so as to prevent an escalation of military activity. It also stressed that the continuation of effective internal political reforms and consolidation of a true multi-ethnic society were indispensable. The EU stands ready to assist in this process within the framework of the considerable assistance it is already giving to FYROM. This includes border management projects; support for refugees; support for local government throughout the country, including a programme to improve infrastructures at municipal level; work in the field of minority rights, including substantial contributions to the new University of South-East Europe in Tetovo; help with judicial reform and training, including an emphasis on minority rights; and help with the forthcoming census. The signature on 9 April 2001 of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with FYROM, the first to be signed with a country in the region, will provide a framework for further support.

The European Council also called on the leaders of the ethnic Albanian community in FYROM to maintain their commitment to the democratic process, to the renunciation of violence and to dialogue, and to hold to that commitment in pursuing their legitimate aspirations to consolidate FYROM's multi-ethnic society. It called on Albanian political leaders in Kosovo to continue to dissociate themselves unambiguously from the extremists, to condemn violence unconditionally, and to respect the principle of the inviolability of borders, as the Albanian Government has done. The EU welcomes its strong stand.

The European Council invited the High Representative, Mr Javier Solana, to follow the situation in the region, to stay in close touch with the leaders and, in consultation with the Commission, to make recommendations to the Council.

The EU fully supports the political dialogue initiated in Southern Serbia. In this respect the Council welcomes the signature of the cease-fire by FRY/Serb and ethnic Albanian representatives in southern Serbia, which constitutes an important step, as well as the start of talks in the framework of the Covic plan to reach a negotiated settlement. The Stockholm European Council expressed appreciation for the readiness of the FRY and Serb authorities to resolve the conflict peacefully. It called on all parties to undertake real confidence-building measures, including the release of all Kosovo Albanian political prisoners. The EU stands ready to assist this process, inter alia by an increased EUMM presence in the area. The Commission has already started to provide special economic and humanitarian assistance ( 2 million) to the region.

The EU is keeping the security situation under regular review. At its meeting on 19 March, the Council welcomed the interim report of Mr Solana, High Representative, on further EU action concerning south-east Serbia and invited him to continue his work on an EU strategy for that region in collaboration with the Presidency and the Commission.

The EU is committed to the full implementation of the 1244 UN SC resolution on Kosovo. The Council finally wants to recall the substantial support which the EU is making available for the stabilisation and development of Kosovo. EU Member States have made the largest contribution to KFOR, as well as providing police and judiciary, and have supplied the majority of funding for the OSCE efforts with regard to institution-building and civil society. The EC has been the largest donor of humanitarian assistance, and remains the lead actor in the field of reconstruction and economic development, not only in financial terms but also through its responsibility for/leadership of Pillar 4 of UNMIK.

However, the EU has made it clear that further assistance will have to be accompanied by the readiness of the Kosovars to help quell ethnic violence and their efforts towards reconciliation.