Download Sweden SpecPol Topic 1: Kosovo Independence Reginald Dieudonne

Sweden
SpecPol
Topic 1: Kosovo Independence
Reginald Dieudonne; Elmont Memorial High School
For over 600 years, there has been an ever existent conflict between Serbia and
Kosovo. The conflict has limited Kosovo’s economic and social growth. Even though
Kosovo has declared itself a sovereign nation in February 2008, much more must be done
in order to convince other countries of their sovereignty.
The United Nations passed Resolution 1244, which authorized the United Nations
Mission in Kosovo to send peacekeeping troops to manage the Serbian-Albanian conflict.
As of now, the UNMIK assists managing peace in Kosovo with the help of the European
Union rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, which consists of troops sent my the members of
the EU.
As of now, Sweden has sent troops through EULEX to help maintain and keep
peace throughout Kosovo, but more must be done in order to eradicate this problem. The
major reason for the current Kosovo-Serbia conflict is that Serbia does not want to
recognize Kosovo as a sovereign nation because Kosovo is currently home to many
important historical monuments involving Serbia’s history. Gazimestan, a monument
built to honor the battle in which the Serbs participated is a prime example. One very
likely solution to this conflict is if Kosovo adjusts borders so that Serbia can maintain
most of its current historical monuments. Although Kosovo will be slightly smaller, it
would be more secure against its stronger Serb neighbor. Once that situation is solved,
Kosovo will receive greater recognition as a sovereign nation because Russia, who is an
ally of Serbia, refuses to give recognition to Kosovo as a sovereign nation since they are
allies with Serbia. If the situation is resolved between Kosovo and Serbia, and Russia
agrees to recognize Kosovo as a sovereign nation, it will be a significant event since
Russia has veto power in the Security Council and could play a role in getting Kosovo
recognized in the United Nations. After these problems have been addressed, the world
community can address Kosovo’s 45% unemployment rate. This issue can be resolved by
opening more jobs by reconstructing social institutions and giving Kosovo financial aid
from individual countries and the World Bank. The final issue to be addressed is the
weak economy of Kosovo. A reason for the bad unemployment rate and weak economy
of Kosovo is the weak Kosovar government. A strong, stable, democratic governmental
structure will not only help the current social and economic situation of Kosovo, but play
a role in future diplomatic discussions with Serbia.
Issues of this caliber cannot be solved with simple short term solutions and
assistance from a single NGO donation. Sacrifices must be made for the greater good.
This situation can and will be solved with help from the UNMIK and EULEX. The
Serbian-Kosovo conflict can be addressed and solved by UN Assistance.