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{{About|the partially recognised independent republic declared in 2008|the state proclaimed in 1991|Republic of Kosova|the Kosovo region|Kosovo|other uses|Kosovo (disambiguation)}} |
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{{pp-semi-indef}} |
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<!-----Please be very careful in editing the introduction of this article. The Arbitration Committee has placed this article on probation. While this occurred in 2006, it was never lifted; thus, this page is still under probation. If any editor makes disruptive edits, they may be banned by an administrator from this and related articles, or other reasonably related pages. See the talk page for more information. |
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Please also note that the current delicate (and controversial) political situation of Kosovo makes the terms of article probation all the more important. DO ''not'' ENGAGE IN EDIT-WARRING ON THIS ARTICLE or any related articles. Edit-warring on this article will result in immediate blocking and application of additional sanctions under the terms of probation as administrators and/or the community deem appropriate. Thank you. |
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Prior to a change (other than minor edits), discussion NEEDS to take place. PRIOR TO not afterwards. Please address such controversial edits within the Talk Page first.'''</u>------> |
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{{Republic of Kosovo}} |
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{{History of Kosovo}} |
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'''Kosovo''' ({{lang-sq|Kosovë, Kosova}}; {{lang-sh|Косово, ''Kosovo''}}, {{IPA-sr|kosoʋo|pron}}), officially the '''Republic of Kosovo''' (Albanian: ''Republika e Kosovës''; Serbian: Република Косово, ''Republika Kosovo'') is a ] state in ]. ] contests the statehood, considering it her southern province. Kosovo is landlocked and borders the ] to the south, ] to the west and ] to the northwest, all three states recognise Kosovo. The remainder of Kosovo's frontier to the north and east is the subject of controversy and is with the ]n region. The largest city and the capital of Kosovo is ] (alternatively spelled ''Prishtina'' or ''Priština''). |
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Known in antiquity as ], Kosovo was from the 1st century AD part of the Roman province of ]. From then on, the region was part of the ], ] and then the ]. From the fourteenth century onwards, It was incorporated in to the ]. ] over the next few centuries became the dominant religion of majority of the population, while ] enjoyed a privileged status within the empire.<ref>" Arnawutluḳ." Encyclopaedia of Islam, Second Edition. Brill Online , 2012. Reference. School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). 22 May 2012 <http://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/encyclopaedia-of-islam-2/arnawutluk-COM_0065> </ref> Cities such as ] were some of the largest cities of the Balkans interior and Islamic centres of considerable importance, possessing dozens of mosque, baths, ] and libraries with many old Islamic manuscripts.<ref>Kiel, M.. " Prizren." Encyclopaedia of Islam, Second Edition. Brill Online , 2012. Reference. 22 May 2012 <http://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/encyclopaedia-of-islam-2/prizren-SIM_6143> </ref> After 1912 and the fall of the Ottoman Empire in Europe, it was incorporated into ] and, in 1918, with Serbia it became part of ]. Kosovo gained autonomy in 1963 under ]'s direction and lost its Autonomous province status in 1989. |
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Following an insurgency by the majority Albanians throughout the 1990s, NATO launched a blistering 78-day assault on ] to halt the war in Kosovo, and in 1999 the ] through ] began overseeing the administration of the province after a UNSC resolution. |
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On February 17, 2008 ], as the ], with ]. Serbia contests this. |
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The Republic of Kosovo is a member of the ] and the ]. |
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==History== |
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{{Main|History of Kosovo|20th century history of Kosovo}} |
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=== Disintegration of Yugoslavia === |
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{{Main|Kosovo War|Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija|Republic of Kosova (1990–2000)}} |
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{{See|Disintegration of Yugoslavia}} |
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] over the ], connecting the ] and Albanian south of the city of ].]] |
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Inter-ethnic tensions continued to worsen in Kosovo throughout the 1980s. |
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The 1986 ] warned that Yugoslavia was suffering from ethnic strife and the disintegration of the Yugoslav economy into separate economic sectors and territories, which was transforming the federal state into a loose confederation.<ref>SANU (1986): . GIP Kultura. Belgrade.</ref> |
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On 28 June 1989, ] delivered the ] in front of a large number of Serb citizens at the main celebration marking the 600th anniversary of the ] at the ]. Many think that this speech helped Milošević consolidate his authority in Serbia.<ref>''The Economist'', 5 June 1999, U.S. Edition, 1041 words, "What's next for Slobodan Milošević?"</ref> |
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In 1989, Milošević, employing a mix of intimidation and political manoeuvring, drastically reduced Kosovo's special autonomous status within Serbia and started cultural oppression of the ethnic Albanian population.<ref name="rogel">Rogel, Carole. . ''International Journal of Politics, Culture, and Society'', Vol. 17, No. 1 (September 2003): 167–82.</ref> Kosovo Albanians responded with a ] separatist movement, employing widespread ] and creation of parallel structures in ] care, and taxation, with the ultimate goal of achieving the ].<ref>Clark, Howard. ''Civil Resistance in Kosovo''. London: ], 2000. ISBN 0-7453-1569-0.</ref> |
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On 2 July 1990, the self declared Kosovo parliament declared Kosovo an independent country, the ]. In May 1992, ] was elected president.<ref name="babuna">Babuna, Aydın. . ''Perceptions'' 8(3), September–November 2003: 43–69.</ref> During its lifetime, the Republic of Kosova was only officially ] by ]; it was formally disbanded in 2000, after the Kosovo War, when its institutions were replaced by the ] established by the ] (UNMIK). |
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=== Kosovo War === |
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{{Main|Kosovo War|War crimes in the Kosovo War }} |
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{{see also|Organ theft in Kosovo}} |
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In 1995 the ] ended the ], drawing considerable international attention. However, despite the hopes of Kosovar Albanians, the situation in Kosovo remained largely un-addressed by the ], and by 1996 the ] (KLA), an ethnic ] guerrilla group, had prevailed over the ] movement and had started offering armed resistance to ] and ] security forces, resulting in early stages of the ].<ref name="rogel"/><ref>Rama, Shinasi A. . ''The International Journal of Albanian Studies'', 1 (1998), pp. 15–19.</ref> |
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By 1998, as the violence had worsened and displaced scores of Albanians, Western interest had increased. The Serbian authorities were compelled to sign a ] and partial retreat, monitored by ] (OSCE) observers according to an agreement negotiated by ]. However, the ceasefire did not hold and fighting resumed in December 1998. The ] in January 1999 in particular brought new international attention to the conflict.<ref name="rogel"/> Within weeks, a multilateral international conference was convened and by March had prepared a draft agreement known as the ], calling for restoration of Kosovo's autonomy and deployment of ] ] forces. The ] found the terms unacceptable and refused to sign the draft. |
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Between 24 March and 10 June 1999, ] by bombing Yugoslavia aimed to force Milošević to withdraw his forces from Kosovo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nato.int/kosovo/all-frce.htm|title=Operation Allied Force|publisher=]}}</ref> This military action was not authorised by the Security Council of the United Nations and was therefore contrary to the provisions of the United Nations Charter. Combined with continued skirmishes between Albanian guerrillas and Yugoslav forces the conflict resulted in a further massive displacement of population in Kosovo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unhcr.org/partners/PARTNERS/3bb051c54.pdf|title=NATO and Humanitarian Action in the Kosovo Crisis|author=Larry Minear, Ted van Baarda, Marc Sommers|year=2000|publisher=]|format=PDF}}</ref> |
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During the conflict, roughly a million ethnic Albanians fled or were forcefully driven from Kosovo. Altogether, more than 11,000 deaths have been reported to ] by her prosecutors.<ref name="BBC">{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/514828.stm |title=World: Europe UN gives figure for Kosovo dead |work=BBC News | date=10 November 1999 | accessdate=5 January 2010}}</ref> Some 3,000 people are still missing, of which 2,500 are Albanian, 400 Serbs and 100 ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/781310.stm |title=3,000 missing in Kosovo |author=KiM Info-Service |date= 7 June 2000 |work=BBC News | accessdate=5 January 2010}}</ref> Ultimately by June, Milošević had agreed to a foreign military presence within Kosovo and withdrawal of his troops. |
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Since May 1999, the ] has prosecuted crimes committed during the Kosovo War. Nine Serbian and Yugoslavian commanders have been indicted so far for ] and violations of the ] in Kosovo in 1999: Yugoslavian President ], Serbian President ], Yugoslavian ] ], Yugoslavian Chief of the General Staff Gen. ], Serbian Interior Minister ], Gen. ], Gen. ''Vladimir Lazarević'', Deputy Interior Minister of Serbia ] and Chief of the Interior for Kosovo ]. Stojiljković killed himself while at large in 2002 and Milošević died in custody during the trial in 2006. No final judgement concerning the other defendants has been produced so far. The indictment against the nine has alleged that they directed, encouraged or supported a campaign of terror and violence directed at Kosovo Albanian civilians and aimed at the expulsion of a substantial portion of them from Kosovo. It has been alleged that about 800,000 Albanians were expelled as a result. In particular, in the last indictment as of June 2006, the accused were charged with murder of 919 identified Kosovo Albanian civilians aged from one to 93, both male and female.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icty.org/x/cases/slobodan_milosevic/cis/en/cis_milosevic_slobodan.pdf |title=ICTY.org |format=PDF |accessdate=28 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icty.org/x/cases/milutinovic/cis/en/cis_milutinovic_al_en.pdf |title=ICTY.org |format=PDF |accessdate=28 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icty.org/x/cases/djordjevic/cis/en/cis_djordjevic_en.pdf |title=ICTY.org |format=PDF |accessdate=28 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icty.org/x/cases/djordjevic/ind/en/dor-3rdai070119.pdf |title=ICTY/org |format=PDF |accessdate=28 April 2010}}</ref> |
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Six KLA commanders were indicted in two cases: ], ] and ],<ref>Another Albanian was indicted together with them, but the charges against him were promptly withdrawn after his arrest, as he turned out not to be the person referred to in the indictment.</ref> as well as ], ''Idriz Balaj'' and ''Lahi Brahimaj''. They were charged with crimes against humanity and violations of the laws and customs of war in Kosovo in 1998, consisting in persecutions, cruel treatment, torture, murders and rape of several dozens of the local Serbs, Albanians and other civilians perceived un-loyal to the KLA. In particular, Limaj, Musliu and Bala were accused of murder of 22 identified detainees at or near the ]. In 2005 Limaj and Musliu were found not guilty on all charges, Bala was found guilty of persecutions, cruel treatment, murders and rape and sentenced to 13 years. The appeal chamber affirmed the judgements in 2007. In 2008 Ramush Haradinaj and Idriz Balaj were acquitted, whereas Lahi Brahimaj was found guilty of cruel treatment and torture and sentenced to six years. Notices of appeal are being considered.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icty.org/x/cases/limaj/cis/en/cis_limaj_al_en.pdf |title=ICTY.org |format=PDF |accessdate=28 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icty.org/x/cases/haradinaj/cis/en/cis_haradinaj_al_en.pdf |title=ICTY.org |format=PDF |accessdate=28 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icty.org/x/cases/limaj/ind/en/lim-2ai040212e.pdf|title=Second Amended Indictment – Limaj et al |publisher=Icty.org |accessdate=20 July 2009}}</ref> |
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===UN administration period=== |
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{{Main|Kosovo (UNMIK)|Kosovo status process}} |
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] |
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On 10 June 1999, the UN Security Council passed ], which placed Kosovo under transitional UN administration (UNMIK) and authorised ] (KFOR), a NATO-led peacekeeping force. Resolution 1244 provided that Kosovo would have autonomy within the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and affirmed the ] of Yugoslavia, which has been legally succeeded by the Republic of Serbia.<ref name="autogenerated1999">{{Cite news|title=Resolution 1244 (1999) |date=17 June 1999 |publisher=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/371562.stm |accessdate=19 February 2008 }}</ref> |
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Some 200,000–280,000, representing the majority of the Serb population, left when the Serbian forces left. There was also some looting of Serb properties and even violence against some of those Serbs and Roma who remained.<ref>" ", report by ], ] Commissioner for Human Rights, Strasbourg, 16 October 2002, p. 30.</ref> The current number of ]s is disputed,<ref>], Critical Appraisal of Response Mechanisms Operating in Kosovo for Minority Returns, Pristina, February 2004, p. 14.</ref><ref>U.S. Committee for Refugees (USCR), April 2000, Reversal of Fortune: Yugoslavia's Refugees Crisis Since the Ethnic Albanian Return to Kosovo, p. 2–3.</ref><ref>" ", report by ], ] Commissioner for Human Rights, Strasbourg, 16 October 2002.</ref><ref>International Relations and Security Network (ISN): , by Tim Judah, 7 June 2004.</ref> with estimates ranging from 65,000<ref>European Stability Initiative (ESI): , 7 June 2004.</ref> to 250,000.<ref>Coordinating Centre of Serbia for Kosovo-Metohija: .</ref><ref>]: 2002 Annual Statistical Report: ], pg. 9</ref><ref>] (USCRI): .</ref> Many displaced Serbs are afraid to return to their homes, even with UNMIK protection. Around 120,000–150,000 Serbs remain in Kosovo, but are subject to ongoing harassment and discrimination due to physical threats for their safety.<ref name="news.bbc.co.uk">{{Cite news|author=Michael Montgomery |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7990984.stm |title=Europe , Horrors of KLA prison camps revealed |publisher=BBC News |date=10 April 2009 |accessdate=20 July 2009}}</ref> |
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International negotiations began in 2006 to determine the final status of Kosovo, as envisaged under ]. The UN-backed talks, led by UN ] ], began in February 2006. Whilst progress was made on technical matters, both parties remained diametrically opposed on the question of status itself.<ref>" ", ''BBC News'', October 9, 2006.</ref> |
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In February 2007, Ahtisaari delivered a draft status settlement proposal to leaders in Belgrade and Pristina, the basis for a draft ] which proposes 'supervised independence' for the province. A draft resolution, backed by the United States, the United Kingdom and other European members of the ], was presented and rewritten four times to try to accommodate Russian concerns that such a resolution would undermine the principle of state sovereignty.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/newsbriefs/setimes/newsbriefs/2007/06/29/nb-07 |title=Russia reportedly rejects fourth draft resolution on Kosovo status |author=Southeast European Times |date=29 June 2007 |accessdate=24 July 2009}}</ref> |
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Russia, which holds a veto in the Security Council as one of five permanent members, had stated that it would not support any resolution which was not acceptable to both Belgrade and Kosovo Albanians.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/newsbriefs/setimes/newsbriefs/2007/07/10/nb-02 |title=UN Security Council remains divided on Kosovo |author=Southeast European Times |date= 10 July 2007 |accessdate=24 July 2009}}</ref> Whilst most observers had, at the beginning of the talks, anticipated independence as the most likely outcome, others have suggested that a rapid resolution might not be preferable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/985caa90-de5a-11db-afa7-000b5df10621.html?nclick_check=1 |title=A long reconciliation process is required |author=James Dancer |date=30 March 2007 |work=Financial Times }}</ref> |
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After many weeks of discussions at the UN, the United States, United Kingdom and other European members of the Security Council formally 'discarded' a draft resolution backing Ahtisaari's proposal on 20 July 2007, having failed to secure Russian backing. Beginning in August, a "]" consisting of negotiators from the ] (]), the United States (]) and ] (Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko) launched a new effort to reach a status outcome acceptable to both Belgrade and Pristina. Despite Russian disapproval, the U.S., the United Kingdom, and France appeared likely to recognise Kosovar independence.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,2209907,00.html |title=Bosnian nightmare returns to haunt EU |author=Simon Tisdall |date=13 November 2007 |work=The Guardian |location=UK }}</ref> A declaration of independence by Kosovar Albanian leaders was postponed until the end of the ] (4 February 2008). Most ] and the US had feared that a premature declaration could boost support in Serbia for the ultra-nationalist candidate, ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6386467.stm |title=Europe , Q&A: Kosovo's future |publisher=BBC News |date=11 July 2008 |accessdate=20 July 2009}}</ref> |
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====UN administration 1999–present==== |
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] headquarters]] |
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{{Main|United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo|Provisional Institutions of Self-Government|}} |
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{{Main|Political status of Kosovo|Kosovo status process}} |
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On 10 June 1999, the UN Security Council passed ], which placed Kosovo under transitional UN administration (UNMIK) and authorised ], a NATO-led peacekeeping force. Resolution 1244 provided that Kosovo would have autonomy within the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and affirmed the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (succeeded by Serbian and Montenegrin independent republics from 2006).<ref name="autogenerated1999"/> |
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According to the ], Kosovo shall have a 120-member Kosovo Assembly. The Assembly includes twenty reserved seats: ten for Kosovo Serbs and ten for non-Serb and non-Albanian nations (e.g. Bosniaks, Roma, etc.). The Kosovo Assembly is responsible for electing a President and Prime Minister of Kosovo. |
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====Provisional institutions of self-government==== |
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In November 2001, the ] supervised the first elections for the Kosovo Assembly.<ref>" ", Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe</ref> After that election, Kosovo's political parties formed an all-party unity coalition and elected ] as President and ] (PDK) as Prime Minister.<ref>" ", ], 21 February 2002</ref> After Kosovo-wide elections in October 2004, the LDK and AAK formed a new governing coalition that did not include PDK and Ora. This coalition agreement resulted in ] (AAK) becoming Prime Minister, while Ibrahim Rugova retained the position of President. PDK and Ora were critical of the coalition agreement and have since frequently accused the current government of corruption.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.publicinternationallaw.org/docs/BW2005/Balkan_Watch.11April_05.pdf |title=Publicinternationallaw.org |format=PDF |accessdate=28 April 2010}}</ref> |
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] were held on 17 November 2007. After early results, ] who was on course to gain 35 per cent of the vote, claimed victory for PDK, the ], and stated his intention to declare independence. Thaçi formed a coalition with current President ]'s ] which was in second place with 22 percent of the vote.<ref>" ", BBC News, 9 January 2008</ref> The turnout at the election was particularly low. Most members of the Serb minority refused to vote.<ref>. Retrieved 18 November 2007.</ref> |
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However, since 1999, the Serb-inhabited areas of Kosovo, such as ] have remained ''de facto'' independent from the Albanian-dominated government in ]. ] in the Serb areas are dominated by the ]. The Serbian List is led by ], an engineer from Mitrovica. Within Serbia, Kosovo is the concern of the Ministry for Kosovo and Metohija, led by minister ].<ref>] official site: </ref> |
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===Declaration of independence=== |
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].]] |
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] |
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{{Main|2008 Kosovo declaration of independence|International recognition of Kosovo|2008 unrest in Kosovo}} |
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Kosovo declared independence on 17 February 2008<ref name="bbc_proclaim">"", ], 17 February 2008</ref> and over the following days, a number of ] (the United States, Turkey, ], Austria, ], Germany, ], France, the United Kingdom, the ],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/02/20/2003402059|title=Taiwan officially recognizes Kosovo|work=The Taipei Times |author=Hsu, Jenny W|date=20 February 2008|accessdate=13 May 2008}}</ref> Australia, Poland and others) announced their recognition, despite protests by ] and others in the UN.<ref name="bbc=recog1">"", BBC News Online, 18 February 2008</ref> {{Numrec|Kos|asof=S||UN states}} recognise the independence of Kosovo and it has become a member country of the ] and ] as the Republic of Kosovo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/np/ms/2009/062409.htm |title=Republic of Kosovo – IMF Staff Visit, Concluding Statement |publisher=Imf.org |date=24 June 2009 |accessdate=20 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/0,,pagePK:180619~theSitePK:136917,00.html#k |title=World Bank Cauntries}}</ref> |
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The UN Security Council remains divided on the question ({{As of|2008|7|4|lc=on}}). Of the five members with ], USA, UK, and France ] the declaration of independence, and the People's Republic of China has expressed concern, while Russia considers it ]. {{As of|2010|05}}, no member-country of ], ] or ] has recognised Kosovo as independent. Kosovo has not made a formal application for UN membership yet in view of a possible veto from Russia and China.{{Citation needed|date=June 2010}} |
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The ] has no official position towards Kosovo's status, but has decided to deploy the ] to ensure a continuation of international civil presence in Kosovo. {{As of|2008|4}}, most of the member-countries of ], EU, ] and ] have recognised Kosovo as independent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kosovothanksyou.com/stats.php |title=Recognition Information and Statistics – Who Recognized Kosova? The Kosovar people thank you – Who Recognized Kosovo and Who Recognizes Kosovo |publisher=Kosovothanksyou.com |date=1 May 2007 |accessdate=20 July 2009}}</ref> |
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{{As of|2008|10|9}}, all of Kosovo's immediate neighbour states except ] have recognised the declaration of independence. ] and ] announced their recognition of Kosovo on 9 October 2008.<ref>. Retrieved 10 October 2008.</ref> Albania, ], Bulgaria and ] have also recognised the independence of Kosovo.<ref>, accessed 12:41 19 March 2008.</ref> |
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The Serb minority of Kosovo, which largely opposes the declaration of independence, has formed the ] in response. The creation of the assembly was condemned by Kosovo's president Fatmir Sejdiu, while UNMIK has said the assembly is not a serious issue because it will not have an operative role.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2008/06/30/feature-01 |title=Kosovo Serbs convene parliament; Pristina, international authorities object (SETimes.com) |publisher=SETimes.com |date=30 June 2008 |accessdate=20 July 2009}}</ref> |
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On 8 October 2008, the ] resolved to request the ] to render an advisory opinion on the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=28492&Cr=Kosovo&Cr1= |title=UN World Court to give opinion on legality of Kosovo’s independence |publisher=United Nations |accessdate=20 July 2009}}</ref> ], which is legally non-binding but had been expected to carry "moral" weight,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/12398/ |title=ICJ Kosovo Ruling Will Have Only 'Moral' Weight |publisher=BalkanInsight.com |accessdate=26 July 2010}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> was rendered on 22 July 2010, holding that Kosovo's declaration of independence was not in violation of international law.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=35396&Cr=&Cr1= |title=Kosovo’s declaration of independence did not violate international law – UN court |publisher=UN News Centre |date=22 July 2010 |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbcnewsamerica.com/icjinternational-court-of-justice.html |title=ICJ,International Court Of Justice:Declaration of independence of Kosovo from Serbia is not a violation of international law |publisher=Bbc newsamerica.com |accessdate=2 January 2011}}</ref> |
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==Government and politics== |
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===Government=== |
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{{Main|Government of Kosovo}} |
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] |
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The government of the Republic of Kosovo is defined under the 2008 ] as a ] ] ] republic. ] is vested in both the ] and the ministers within their competencies. The ] is the ] and represents the "unity of the people". The ] exercises the ] and is composed of the ] as the ], the deputy prime ministers, and the ministers of the various ministries. The legal system is composed of an independent ] composed of the ] and subordinate courts, a ], and an independent prosecutorial institution. There also exist multiple independent institutions defined by the Constitution and law, as well as local governments. |
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International civil and security presences are operating under auspices of the ] ]. Previously this included only the ] (UNMIK), but has since expanded to include the ] (EULEX). In December 2008, EULEX was deployed throughout the territory of Kosovo, assuming responsibilities in the areas of police, customs and the judiciary.<ref>{{citation | title= Kosovo Under UNSCR 1244/99 2009 Progress Report | publisher=] | page= 6 | date= 14 October 2009 | url= http://www.delprn.ec.europa.eu/repository/docs/ks_rapport_2009_en.pdf }}</ref> |
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A Kosovo Police force was established in 1999 and remains subordinated to the UNMIK Police.{{Citation needed|date=April 2011}} |
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====EULEX==== |
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{{Main|European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo}} |
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]]] |
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The ], also known as EULEX Kosovo or EULEX, is a deployment of ] (EU) police and civilian resources to Kosovo. This ] mission is the international civil presence in Kosovo operating under the umbrella of the ] (UNMIK) established by ]. |
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Serbia and a number of countries had initially strictly objected to the mission and supported UNMIK, demanding approval by the ], which was rendered in late 2008.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} After signing a 5-point plan between Serbia and the UN, the UN SC approved the addition of the EULEX as an assistance mission subjected to the UNMIK, rather than outright replacing it, which would be technical in essence and not address the ], also rejected the ] which the EULEX had originally supported. |
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The mission includes around 3,200 police and judicial personnel (1,950 international, 1,250 local),<ref>Eulex website: Retrieved 20 February 2010</ref> and began a four month deployment process on 16 February 2008.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web|url=http://www.euractiv.com/en/enlargement/serbia-russia-fury-kosovo-independence-draws-near/article-170333 |title=Serbia, Russia fury as Kosovo independence draws near , EU – European Information on Enlargement & Neighbours |publisher=EurActiv.com |date=15 February 2008 |accessdate=28 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Renata Goldirova |url=http://euobserver.com/9/25660 |title=EUobserver.com |publisher=EUobserver.com |date=14 February 2008 |accessdate=28 April 2010}}</ref> The mission intends to remain in Kosovo until at least June 2012.<ref name="Eulex website">{{cite news|url=http://www.eulex-kosovo.eu/en/pressreleases/0065.php|title=EULEX mandate extended for two years|last=Eulex website|accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref> The head of the mission is ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eulex-kosovo.eu/?id=2 |title=What is EULEX – EULEX Kosovo |publisher=Eulex-kosovo.eu |accessdate=20 July 2009}}</ref> |
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===Constitutional status=== |
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{{See|Constitution of Kosovo}} |
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A new constitution for the Republic of Kosovo was approved by the Parliament of the Republic of Kosovo, coming to force on 15 June 2008.<ref>{{Dead link|date=April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kushtetutakosoves.info/?cid=2,1 |title=Constitution of Kosovo – Official Website |publisher=Kushtetutakosoves.info |accessdate=28 April 2010}}</ref><ref>; </ref> |
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Kosovo is under ''de facto'' governance of the Republic of Kosovo except for ], which remains under ''de facto'' governance of Serbia.{{dubious|date=November 2010}} The Republic of Kosovo is governed by legislative, executive and judicial institutions that derive from, and are set-up in, accordance with the ]. In November 2001, the OSCE supervised the first elections for the Kosovo Assembly.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.osce.org/kosovo/13208.html: |title=OSCE Mission in Kosovo – Elections |publisher=Osce.org |accessdate=20 July 2009}}</ref> The last parliamentary elections were held ]. Last local elections were held in November 2009, the first elections since Kosovo declared independence on 17 February 2008.] has undergone a significant reconfiguration, and no longer possesses the capacity, having handed over its few responsibilities to ], to govern in any meaningful fashion. It will, its head claims, function as a facilitator of contact between Kosovo and those states or organisations which do not recognise it yet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bsanna-news.ukrinform.ua/newsitem.php?id=7069&lang=en |title=Bsanna News – Bsanna News |publisher=Bsanna-news.ukrinform.ua |date=22 December 2008 |accessdate=20 July 2009}}</ref> |
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] is a region in the northern part of Kosovo with an ethnic ] majority that functions largely autonomously from the remainder of Kosovo.<ref>BBC, , 22 February 2008</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://vesti.krstarica.com/?rubrika=aktuelno&lang=0&sifra=afe653d27adc512847b316b901649c6d&dan=28&mesec=08&godina=2009 |title=Krstraica, August 28, 2009 |publisher=Vesti.krstarica.com |accessdate=2 January 2011}}</ref> Ibarian Kolashin, a ] that pre-dates the political partition, is also used to refer to the area. |
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North Kosovo is by far the largest of the ], and unlike the others, directly borders ]. This has facilitated its ability to govern itself almost completely independently of the Kosovo institutions in a de facto state of ]. Although the ] had repeatedly ruled out formalising this partition as a permanent solution, it has been increasingly mooted amidst continued deadlock.<ref name="partition1">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6943442.stm |title=Kosovo partition 'on the table' |publisher=BBC News |date=12 August 2007 |accessdate=2 January 2011}}</ref><ref name="partition2">{{cite web|url=http://kosovo.birn.eu.com/en/1/70/2698/ |title=BIRN – Serbia Plays Kosovo Partition Card |publisher=Kosovo.birn.eu.com |date=19 April 2007 |accessdate=2 January 2011}}</ref> |
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In accordance with its ], "the Republic of Kosovo is a secular state and is neutral in matters of ] beliefs".<ref>, Republic of Kosovo constitution, article 8</ref> |
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===Politics=== |
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{{Main|Politics of Kosovo}} |
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The largest ] are the centre-right ] (LDK), which has its origins in the 1990s non-violent resistance movement to Miloševic's rule and was led by ] until his death in 2006,<ref name="ku">" ", European Forum, 18 March 2008</ref> and two parties having their roots in the ] (KLA): the centre-left ] (PDK) led by former KLA leader ] and the centre-right ] (AAK) led by former KLA commander ].<ref name="ku"/> Kosovo publisher ] in 2004 formed the centre-left ]. Kosovo Serbs formed the ] (SLKM) in 2004 and won several seats, but have boycotted Republic of Kosovo's institutions and never taken their seats in the Kosovo Assembly.<ref name="ku"/> In 2006 Swiss-Kosovar businessman ], reputed to be the richest living Albanian, founded the ] (AKR), which came third in the 2007 elections. |
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Local politics in the Serb areas are dominated by the ]. The Serbian List is led by ], an engineer from Kosovska Mitrovica. |
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In February 2007 the Union of Serbian Districts and District Units of Kosovo and Metohija transformed into the Serbian Assembly of Kosovo and Metohija, presided by ], a hard-line nationalist residing in the northern part of the divided city of Mitrovica.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L28603646.htm |title=Reuters AlertNet – Kosovo Serbs convene parliament, rejecting new state |publisher=Alertnet.org |date=28 June 2008 |accessdate=20 July 2009}}</ref> It has demanded unity of the Serb people in Kosovo, boycotted EULEX, and announced massive protests in support of Serbia's sovereignty over Kosovo. On 18 February 2008, day after Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence, the Assembly declared it "null and void". |
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===Foreign relations=== |
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{{Main|Foreign relations of Kosovo}} |
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Currently 19 countries maintain ]. {{Numrec|Kos|asof=S}} countries recognise Republic of Kosovo as independent. ] is ] of the Republic of Kosovo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/8228 |title=Kosovo Foreign Ministry 'Soon' |publisher=BalkanInsight.com |accessdate=20 July 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> |
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===Military=== |
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A 2,500-strong ] (KSF) was trained by ] instructors and became operational in September 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gazetaexpress.com/web/index.php/artikujt/lexo/15467/C4/C16/|title=FSK nis zyrtarisht punën|date=18 September 2009|accessdate=14 January 2010|publisher=Gazeta Express|language=Albanian|location=Pristina, Kosovo}}</ref> The KSF did not replace the ] (KPC) which was disbanded several months later. ] is the current Minister of Security Forces of the Republic of Kosovo.<ref> ''kryeministri-ks.com'' 22 February 2011 Link retrieved 23 February 2011</ref> |
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==Economy== |
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{{Main|Economy of Kosovo}} |
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] reserves compared to the world]] |
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] mural, ] in Pristina.]] |
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The economic policy of the Republic of Kosovo aims toward a free trade system. In this context, it has drafted a legal framework that ensures the fulfilment of European standards of competitiveness.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitkosova.org/test/?page=2,4 |title=Economic Policy }}</ref> |
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Kosovo is classified a ] by ], with a per capital income estimated at €2,100 (2008).<ref name="cia.gov"><!-- {{Dead link|date=July 2009}} --></ref> As Kosovo has Europe's second largest coal reserves, also had the largest exporting company (Trepča) in the Federal Republic of ]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews/idUSL169085720091001 |title=reuters |author=Jan Korselt Michael Kahn james Jukwey |date= Thu 1 October 2009 |agency=Reuters }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Crisis Group |url=http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=1585&l=1 |title=International Crisis Group – Trepca: Making Sense of the La |publisher=Crisisgroup.org |date=26 November 1999 |accessdate=20 July 2009 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080709043217/http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=1585&l=1 |archivedate = 9 July 2008}}</ref> Yet Kosovo was the poorest province of Yugoslavia and received substantial development subsidies from all Yugoslav republics.<ref>Christian Science Monitor 1982-01-15, "Why Turbulent Kosovo has Marble Sidewalks but Troubled Industries"</ref> Additionally, over the course of the 1990s a blend of poor economic policies, ], poor external commerce and ] severely damaged the economy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/ECAEXT/KOSOVOEXTN/0,,menuPK:297775~pagePK:141159~piPK:141110~theSitePK:297770,00.html |title=World Bank Mission in Kosovo |author=The World Bank |date=2006/2007}}</ref> |
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After a jump in 2000 and 2001, growth in ] (GDP) was negative in 2002 and 2003 and was expected to be around 3 percent in 2004–2005, with domestic sources of growth unable to compensate for the declining ]. Inflation is low, while the budget posted a deficit for the first time in 2004. Kosovo has high external deficits. In 2004, the deficit of the balance of ] was close to 70 percent of GDP. Remittances from Kosovars living abroad accounts for an estimated 13 percent of GDP, and foreign assistance for around 34 percent of GDP. |
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Most ] since 1999 has taken place in the trade, retail and the construction sectors. The private sector that has emerged since 1999 is mainly small-scale. The ] remains weak and the ] supply remains unreliable, acting as a key constraint. Unemployment remains pervasive, at around 40–50% of the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eciks.org/english/lajme.php?action=total_news&main_id=386 |title=May finds Kosovo with 50% unemployed |author=eciks |date= 4 May 2006 |accessdate=24 July 2009}}</ref> |
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UNMIK introduced an ] regime and customs administration on 3 September 1999 when it set customs border controls in Kosovo. All goods imported in Kosovo face a flat 10% ] fee.<ref name="BuyUSA">{{cite web|url=http://www.buyusa.gov/kosovo/en/doingbusinessinkosovo.html |title=Doing Business in Kosovo |author=U.S. Commercial Service |accessdate=24 July 2009 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080612001923/http://www.buyusa.gov/kosovo/en/doingbusinessinkosovo.html |archivedate = 12 June 2008}}</ref> These taxes are collected from all Tax Collection Points installed at the borders of Kosovo, including those between Kosovo and Serbia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seerecon.org/kosovo/documents/wb_econ_report/wb-kosovo-econreport-2-2.pdf |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080226204543/http://www.seerecon.org/kosovo/documents/wb_econ_report/wb-kosovo-econreport-2-2.pdf |archivedate=26 February 2008 |format=PDF |title=External Trade and Customs |author=Economic Reconstruction and Development in South East Europe}}</ref> UNMIK and Kosovo institutions have signed ] Agreements with ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/globe-article.php?yyyy=2006&mm=10&dd=02&nav_category=123&nav_id=37090 |title=Croatia, Kosovo sign Interim Free Trade Agreement |author=B92 |authorlink=B92 |date= 2 October 2006 |publisher=mrt.com |accessdate=24 July 2009}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.euinkosovo.org/upload_press/4.06%20-%20UNMIK%20and%20Bosnia%20and%20Herzegovina%20Initial%20Free%20Trade%20Agreement%2017.2.06.pdf|format=PDF|title=UNMIK and Bosnia and Herzegovina Initial Free Trade Agreement|author=EU in Kosovo|date=17 February 2006|publisher=UNMIK}}</ref> ] and ].<ref name="BuyUSA"/> |
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The ], though it is not an official member of the ]. The euro is used by UNMIK and the government bodies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.euinkosovo.org/uk/invest/invest.php |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080214232830/http://www.euinkosovo.org/uk/invest/invest.php |archivedate=14 February 2008 |title=Invest in Kosovo |author=EU in Kosovo}}</ref> Initially, Kosovo adopted the ] in 1999 to replace the ],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/437844.stm |title=BBC News, Kosovo adopts Deutschmark |publisher=BBC News |date=3 September 1999 |accessdate=28 April 2010}}</ref> and consequently switched to the ] when it replaced the German mark. However, the ] is still used in Serbian-populated areas.<ref name="cia.gov"/> |
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The chief means of entry, apart from the main highway leading to the south to ], ], is ]. |
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===Trade and investment=== |
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Free trade: |
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Customs-free access to the EU market based on the EU Autonomous Trade Preference (ATP) Regime, Central European Free Trade Area–CEFTA<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pak-ks.org/?id=19 |title= Economic Description:free trade |author=PAK }}</ref> |
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Kosovo enjoys a free trade within ] (CEFTA), agreed with UNMIK, enabling its producers to access the regional market with its 28 million consumers, free of any customs duties. According to the Business Registry data for 2007, there are 2,012 companies of foreign and mixed ownership that have already used the opportunity to invest in Kosovo.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} |
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The ] (MIGA, a member of the World Bank Group) guarantees investments in Kosovo in |
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the value of 20 million Euro.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} The US Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) also provides political risk insurance for foreign investors in Kosovo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eciks.org/english/publications/investorsguide09.pdf |title=Investments |author=ECIKS}}</ref> |
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The economy is hindered by Kosovo's still-unresolved international status, which has made it difficult to attract investment and loans.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4509781.stm |title=Brussels offers first Kosovo loan |author=BBC News |date= 3 May 2005 | accessdate=5 January 2010}}</ref> The province's economic weakness has produced a thriving ] in which smuggled petrol, cigarettes and cement are major commodities. The prevalence of ] and the pervasive influence of ] has caused serious concern internationally. The United Nations has made the fight against corruption and organised crime a high priority, pledging a "zero tolerance" approach.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kosovo.undp.org/?cid=2,1,54 |title=United Nations Development Programme |publisher=Kosovo.undp.org |date=31 August 2004 |accessdate=20 July 2009}}</ref> |
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Kosovo has a reported ] of 1.264 billion USD that is serviced by ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL2637230220080226 |title=Serbia should stop servicing Kosovo debt: EconMin , International |agency=Reuters |date=26 February 2008 |accessdate=20 July 2009}}</ref> |
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According to ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eciks.org/english/invest.php?action=total_invest&main_id=13 |title=ECIKS |publisher=ECIKS |date=22 April 2010 |accessdate=28 April 2010}}</ref> from 2001 to 2004 Kosovo received $3.2 billion of foreign aid. International donor conference is to be held in Switzerland in June or July 2008. Until now EU pledged €2 billion, $350 mil by USA. Serbia also pledged €120 million to Serb's enclaves in Kosovo. |
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Kosovo joined the ] and the ] on 26 June 2009 as the 186th country to join the two institutions. 95% of Kosovars had previously voted in favour of the move. |
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The accession follows a 50% tax reduction implemented in 2008 which has helped double investment in the country, setting the economy for an expected growth of "around 4.0 percent to 5.0 percent" in 2010, according to IMF projections.<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith |first=Veronica |url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iwijpFreGbpOGE8KHVX9mMXi-iqA |title=AFP: Kosovo joins IMF, World Bank amid independence row |publisher=Google |date=29 June 2009 |accessdate=20 July 2009}}</ref> |
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==Administrative regions== |
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Kosovo, for administrative reasons, is considered as consisting of seven districts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aceproject.org/ace-en/topics/bd/bdy/bdy_kos |title=Kosovo: Delimiting Electoral Districts for a Proportional Representation System—ACE Electoral Knowledge Network |publisher=Aceproject.org |accessdate=20 July 2009}}</ref> |
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] maintains its own government, infrastructure and institutions by its dominant ethnic ] population in the ], viz. in the ], ] and ] municipalities and the northern part of ]. In October 2009, Kosovo signed an agreement to re-adjust its border with the ] by exchanging some lands<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/16/ap/world/main5391035.shtml |title=Latest AP – World Headlines |publisher=CBS News |accessdate=28 April 2010 |deadurl=yes}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> |
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===Districts=== |
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{{Main|Subdivisions of Kosovo|Districts of Kosovo}} |
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===Municipalities and cities=== |
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{{Main|Municipalities of Kosovo}} |
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Kosovo is subdivided into 30 municipalities: |
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{{Municipalities of Kosovo}} |
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===Rule of law=== |
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Following the ], due to the many weapons in the hands of civilians, law enforcement inefficiencies, and widespread devastation, both ] and ] surged tremendously. The number of reported murders rose 80% from 136 in 2000 to 245 in 2001. The number of reported arsons rose 140% from 218 to 523 over the same period. UNMIK pointed out that the rise in reported incidents might simply correspond to an increased confidence in the police force (i.e., more reports) rather than more actual crime.<ref name="unmikstat">{{cite web|url=http://www.unmikonline.org/civpol/statistics.htm |title=UNMIK statistics |publisher=Unmikonline.org |accessdate=28 April 2010}}</ref> According to the ], by 2008, murder rates in Kosovo had dropped by 75% in five years.<ref>Retrieved from </ref><ref>, ] report, March 2008. P. 39.</ref> |
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Although the number of noted serious crimes increased between 1999 and 2000, since then it has been "starting to resemble the same patterns of other European cities".<ref name="unmikstat"/><ref>, 17 January 2001</ref> According to ], the aftermath of the war resulted in an increase in the ] for sexual exploitation.<ref>, ].</ref><ref>, Amnesty International.</ref><ref>, ].</ref> According to the ] data, in 2000–2004, Kosovo was consistently ranked fourth or fifth among the countries of Southeastern Europe by number of ] victims, after Albania, ], Romania and sometimes ].<ref name="iom.int">. Geneva:International Organization for Migration, 2005. P. 31, 247–295.</ref><ref>, ] report, March 2008. P. 79.</ref> |
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Residual landmines and other ] remain in Kosovo, although all roads and tracks have been cleared. Caution when travelling in remote areas is advisable.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fco-stage.fco.gov.uk/content/en/travel-advice/europe/12793683/FCO_TRV_ca_kosovo |title=Kosovo travel advice |publisher=Fco-stage.fco.gov.uk |accessdate=20 July 2009}}</ref> |
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Kosovo is extremely vulnerable to ] and thus to ]. In 2000, international agencies estimated that Kosovo was supplying up to 40% of the heroin sold in Europe and North America.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2000/mar/13/balkans |title=Kosovo drug mafia supply heroin to Europe , World news |work=The Guardian |location=UK |accessdate=20 July 2009 | date=13 March 2000 | first=Maggie | last=O'Kane}}</ref> Due to the ] and the ] in 1998–1999 ethnic Albanian traffickers enjoyed a competitive advantage, which has been eroding as the region stabilises.<ref>, ] report, March 2008. P. 14.</ref> However, according to a 2008 report by the ], overall, ethnic Albanians, not only from Kosovo, supply 10 to 20% of the heroin in Western Europe, and the traffic has been declining.<ref>, ] report, March 2008. P. 14, 74.</ref> |
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In 2010, a report by Swiss MP ] claimed to have evidence that a criminal network tied to the ] and the Prime Minister, ], executed prisoners and harvested their kidneys for organ transplantation. The Kosovo government rejected the allegation.<ref>{{cite news|last=BBC|title=Kosovo rejects Hashim Thaci organ-trafficking claims|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11996255|date=15 December 2010|work=BBC News }}</ref> On 25 January 2011, the ] endorsed the report and called for a full and serious investigation into ].<ref> The Guardian, 14 December 2010, retrieved 2 February 2011</ref><ref name="Balkan2">{{cite news |title=Council Adopts Kosovo Organ Trafficking Resolution |url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/council-adopts-kosovo-organ-trafficking-resolution |newspaper=Balkan Insight |date=25 January 2011 |accessdate=26 January 2011}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
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{{Portal|Kosovo}} |
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{{Main|Outline of Kosovo}} |
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==References== |
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===Notes=== |
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===Sources=== |
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*{{citation|last=Lellio|first=Anna Di|title=The case for Kosova: passage to independence|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=aNEW0jtOjK8C&pg=PP1|date=2006-06|publisher=Anthem Press|isbn=978-1-84331-229-1}} |
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*{{Citation|last=Elsie |first=Robert |authorlink=Robert Elsie |title=Historical Dictionary of Kosova |publisher=Scarecrow Press |year=2004 |isbn=0-8108-5309-4}} |
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*{{Citation|last=Malcolm |first=Noel |authorlink=Noel Malcolm |title=Kosovo: A Short History |publisher=] |year=1998 |isbn=0-333-66612-7}} |
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==External links== |
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*{{wikiatlas|Kosovo}} |
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*{{CIA World Factbook link|kv|Kosovo}} |
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*{{dmoz|Regional/Europe/Serbia/Kosovo}} |
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