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LETTERS: What next for Kosovo?

The Taipei Times has not given prominent coverage on the developments in Kosovo that led to the proclamation of a new European state on Sunday. The international community has, however, paid close attention for years as it is connected with some of the most important issues facing the world today.

For example: Can foreign countries recognize Kosovo in view of UN Declaration 1244, which does not map out independence as an option? Is the moral right for independence based on the wish of a not ethnically homogeneous nation or on the brutal repression by the former Serbian government of Slobodan Milosevic?

Will the EU mission be handicapped by the lack of a new UN resolution? Will the EU's determination be hindered by the significant resistance of countries harboring breakaway movements within their borders? Is the contamination effect of Kosovo really so strong that Russia finds it necessary to actively support the radical movement in Serbia?

Does the Serbian government truly reflect the long term wishes of its people in taking the issue to each and every international forum?

Let's also take a look at the difficult next steps that some of the actors need to reflect on.

Can the international community work out a concept of limited sovereignty tailor-made to solve Kosovo's situation?

Will Kosovo's move be followed by Republika Srpska in Bosnia and will Montenegro recognize Kosovo?

The Republic of Kosovo is a child born under complicated circumstances. Certainly it is of concern to everyone interested in these key issues of national identity. I wish Taipei Times readers could be better briefed about all the complicated but interesting aspects of this unique development.

Bengt Johansson

Sweden
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