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GULF TIMES (QATAR) Kosovo still in limbo three months after independence Published: Saturday, 17 May, 2008, 04:43 AM Doha Time PRISTINA: Three months after proclaiming independence, Kosovo's transition to full statehood is threatened by unwavering Serbian and Russian opposition to its decision to split away. The Russian stance has denied Western expectations of a smooth changeover in Kosovo of its guiding administration - from the UN to the European Union. "Instead of clarification about the future international presence in Kosovo, (this) is creating confusion abroad and here," said local political analyst Behlul Beqaj. "I am afraid if it continues, it can lead to destabilisation instead of consolidation of the new state," Beqaj warned. On February 17, ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia. It has since been recognised by some 40 countries led by the US and most European Union nations. Serbia has been backed by its Slavic ally Russia, a veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council, in its vehement opposition to losing Kosovo - which it views as the cradle of its history, culture and religion. Last weekend, the Belgrade government defied the UN and Kosovo government to stage local elections for the 120,000 Serbs that still live in the breakaway territory. The polls were seen as an attempt to strengthen a parallel Serbian administration which has remained in Kosovo since its 1998-1999 war, thanks to Belgrade's political and financial assistance. They passed off without incident, however, despite fears of more of the post-independence violence that has flared in the Serb-populated north, including clashes with UN police and arson attacks on border posts. Kosovo remains under the wing of the UN interim mission, which under UN envoy Martti Ahtisaari's blueprint for its "supervised independence" is to make way for EULEX, a police and justice mission of the European Union. That power transfer is supposed to take place in mid-June, when Kosovo's new constitution is due to come into force. But given Russia's opposition before the Security Council, which authorised the presence of the UN mission in Kosovo, it remains unclear how that "change of command" can be implemented. "An additional problem is the lack of the vision of the government about how to tackle the main challenges in Kosovo," said Beqaj, referring to mainly economic gripes among the 90% ethnic Albanian majority. For Behar Azemi, a 29-year-old carwash worker, independence has only served to boost morale, rather than living standards. "The status has not changed my life significantly," said Azemi. "It is still difficult. My four-member family and I get by on 150 euros ($230) a month. "But it is a different feeling to have your own state. You have much, much more hope. For instance, I hope to have my own apartment and car and take my three children abroad for vacation." Zana Osmani, a 28-year-old hairdresser, agreed, saying the main change since February 17 had to do with her feelings. "No one expected and expects miracles in just three months. "You can say for the first time in your life that you live ... in your own country. "For all of us who were born under the Serbian regime, it makes sense, motivates us to endure very big difficulties and dream about happy and decent life." - AFP
