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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2013}}
{{see also|International recognition of Kosovo}}
{{see also|International recognition of Kosovo}}

The [[Republic of Kosovo]] [[2008 Kosovo declaration of independence|declared their independence]] from [[Serbia]] in 2008, a move which Serbia rejects. Initially there were no relations between the entities, but the following years have seen increased bilateral dialogue between the governments of [[Government of Kosovo|Kosovo]] and [[government of Serbia|Serbia]].
The [[Republic of Kosovo]] [[2008 Kosovo declaration of independence|declared their independence]] from [[Serbia]] in 2008, a move which Serbia rejects. Initially there were no relations between the entities, but the following years have seen increased bilateral dialogue between the governments of [[Government of Kosovo|Kosovo]] and [[government of Serbia|Serbia]].


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On 15 August 2008, Serbian Foreign Minister [[Vuk Jeremić]] filed a request at the [[United Nations]] seeking an advisory opinion of the [[International Court of Justice]] of whether the declaration of independence was in breach of international law. The [[United Nations General Assembly]] adopted this proposal on 8 October 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7658103.stm|title=UN seeks World Court Kosovo view|newspaper=BBC|date=8 October 2008|accessdate=19 August 2009}}</ref> The ICJ [[International Court of Justice advisory opinion on Kosovo's declaration of independence|ruled]] in July 2010 that Kosovo's declaration of independence was legal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kosovo independence declaration deemed legal|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/07/22/us-serbia-kosovo-idUSTRE66L01720100722|accessdate=24 September 2012|newspaper=Reuters|date=22 July 2010}}</ref>
On 15 August 2008, Serbian Foreign Minister [[Vuk Jeremić]] filed a request at the [[United Nations]] seeking an advisory opinion of the [[International Court of Justice]] of whether the declaration of independence was in breach of international law. The [[United Nations General Assembly]] adopted this proposal on 8 October 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7658103.stm|title=UN seeks World Court Kosovo view|newspaper=BBC|date=8 October 2008|accessdate=19 August 2009}}</ref> The ICJ [[International Court of Justice advisory opinion on Kosovo's declaration of independence|ruled]] in July 2010 that Kosovo's declaration of independence was legal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kosovo independence declaration deemed legal|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/07/22/us-serbia-kosovo-idUSTRE66L01720100722|accessdate=24 September 2012|newspaper=Reuters|date=22 July 2010}}</ref>


==2008–2012==
==2008–2013==
{{see also|Belgrade–Pristina negotiations}}
{{see also|Belgrade–Pristina negotiations}}
Since the declaration of independence, Serbia refused to deal directly with the [[Republic of Kosovo]], but only through the international intermediaries [[United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo|UNMIK]]<ref>[http://www.unmikonline.org/Pages/rollo.aspx UNMIK Rule of law]</ref> and [[European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo|EULEX]].<ref>[http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2009&mm=09&dd=13&nav_id=61739 After a police protocol, EULEX and Serbian officials will intensify preparations for customs and judiciary cooperation]</ref> However, there has been some normalisation; beginning in 2011, an EU team persuaded Serbia to discuss some minor border issues with Kosovo; in February 2013, the presidents of Kosovo and Serbia met in Brussels.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/news/europe/21571182-new-normality-slowly-emerging-between-two-old-balkan-foes-inching-closer|accessdate=11 February 2013|title=Serbia and Kosovo: Inching closer|work=[[The Economist]]}}</ref> Liaison officers are also being exchanged.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2013&mm=02&dd=02&nav_id=84478|title=Belgrade, Priština to discuss energy next week|date=2 February 2013|work=B92|accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref>
Since the declaration of independence, Serbia refused to deal directly with the [[Republic of Kosovo]], but only through the international intermediaries [[United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo|UNMIK]]<ref>[http://www.unmikonline.org/Pages/rollo.aspx UNMIK Rule of law]</ref> and [[European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo|EULEX]].<ref>[http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2009&mm=09&dd=13&nav_id=61739 After a police protocol, EULEX and Serbian officials will intensify preparations for customs and judiciary cooperation]</ref> However, there has been some normalisation; beginning in 2011, an EU team persuaded Serbia to discuss some minor border issues with Kosovo; in February 2013, the presidents of Kosovo and Serbia met in Brussels.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/news/europe/21571182-new-normality-slowly-emerging-between-two-old-balkan-foes-inching-closer|accessdate=11 February 2013|title=Serbia and Kosovo: Inching closer|work=[[The Economist]]}}</ref> Liaison officers are also being exchanged.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2013&mm=02&dd=02&nav_id=84478|title=Belgrade, Priština to discuss energy next week|date=2 February 2013|work=B92|accessdate=11 February 2013}}</ref>
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On 30 March, the Serbian High Court in [[Vranje]] ordered Abazi to be detained for thirty days on espionage charges dating to an incident in 1999 in which Abazi allegedly gave information to NATO.<ref name=ER2>{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/serbia-isolates-hasan-abazi|title=Hasan Abazi Faces Month in Custody|author=Fatmir Aliu |date=30 March 2012|work=Eurasia Review|accessdate=19 April 2012}}</ref> Abazi's arrest was protested by [[Amnesty International]]<ref name=AI>{{cite web |url=http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/EUR70/008/2012/en/96c7db1f-84c5-4774-af73-f5aea39c9ac8/eur700082012en.pdf |title=Serbia: Amnesty International condemns "retaliatory" arrest of Kosovo Albanian trade unionist |author= |date=29 March 2012 |work= |publisher=Amnesty International|accessdate=19 April 2012}}</ref> and [[Human Rights Watch]] as "arbitrary".<ref name=HRW/>
On 30 March, the Serbian High Court in [[Vranje]] ordered Abazi to be detained for thirty days on espionage charges dating to an incident in 1999 in which Abazi allegedly gave information to NATO.<ref name=ER2>{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/serbia-isolates-hasan-abazi|title=Hasan Abazi Faces Month in Custody|author=Fatmir Aliu |date=30 March 2012|work=Eurasia Review|accessdate=19 April 2012}}</ref> Abazi's arrest was protested by [[Amnesty International]]<ref name=AI>{{cite web |url=http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/EUR70/008/2012/en/96c7db1f-84c5-4774-af73-f5aea39c9ac8/eur700082012en.pdf |title=Serbia: Amnesty International condemns "retaliatory" arrest of Kosovo Albanian trade unionist |author= |date=29 March 2012 |work= |publisher=Amnesty International|accessdate=19 April 2012}}</ref> and [[Human Rights Watch]] as "arbitrary".<ref name=HRW/>


==2013 agreement==
On 19 October 2012, normalisation talks mediated by the [[European Union]] began in Brussels with Serbian Prime Minister [[Ivica Dačić]] and Kosovo Prime Minister [[Hashim Thaçi]], where the two PMs sat at the table and initiated talks on normalising relations between Pristina and Belgrade.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/dacic-and-thaci-meet-in-brussels-make-history-0 |title=Dacic and Thaci Meet in Brussels, Make History|publisher=Balkan Insight|accessdate=19 April 2013}}</ref> Reaching such a deal was a necessary condition of [[Accession of Serbia to the European Union|Serbia's EU candidacy]].<ref name="BBC agreement">{{cite news| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22222624|title=Serbia and Kosovo reach EU-brokered landmark accord|newspaper=BBC|date=19 April 2013|accessdate=19 April 2013}}</ref>
On 19 October 2012, normalisation talks mediated by the [[European Union]] began in Brussels with Serbian Prime Minister [[Ivica Dačić]] and Kosovo Prime Minister [[Hashim Thaçi]], where the two PMs sat at the table and initiated talks on normalising relations between Pristina and Belgrade.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/dacic-and-thaci-meet-in-brussels-make-history-0 |title=Dacic and Thaci Meet in Brussels, Make History|publisher=Balkan Insight|accessdate=19 April 2013}}</ref> Reaching such a deal was a necessary condition of [[Accession of Serbia to the European Union|Serbia's EU candidacy]].<ref name="BBC agreement">{{cite news| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22222624|title=Serbia and Kosovo reach EU-brokered landmark accord|newspaper=BBC|date=19 April 2013|accessdate=19 April 2013}}</ref>
The governments slowly reached agreements and deals on various areas, such as freedom of movement, university diplomas, regional representation and on trade and international customs. In Brussels, Serbia and Kosovo agreed that implementation of the border agreement would start on 10 December 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/solution-for-kosovo-in-2013-dacic-says |title=Serbia PM Pledges Kosovo Solution in 2013|publisher=Balkan Insight|accessdate=19 April 2013}}</ref> A historic meeting took place on 6 February 2013, when Serbian president [[Tomislav Nikolić]] and Kosovar President [[Atifete Jahjaga]] sat at the same table for the first time since Kosovo declared independence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/kosovo-and-serbia-presidents-pledge-to-normalise-relations|title=Kosovo, Serbia Presidents Hail Outcome of Talks|publisher=Balkan Insight|accessdate=19 April 2013}}</ref>
The governments slowly reached agreements and deals on various areas, such as freedom of movement, university diplomas, regional representation and on trade and international customs. In Brussels, Serbia and Kosovo agreed that implementation of the border agreement would start on 10 December 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/solution-for-kosovo-in-2013-dacic-says |title=Serbia PM Pledges Kosovo Solution in 2013|publisher=Balkan Insight|accessdate=19 April 2013}}</ref> A historic meeting took place on 6 February 2013, when Serbian president [[Tomislav Nikolić]] and Kosovar President [[Atifete Jahjaga]] sat at the same table for the first time since Kosovo declared independence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/kosovo-and-serbia-presidents-pledge-to-normalise-relations|title=Kosovo, Serbia Presidents Hail Outcome of Talks|publisher=Balkan Insight|accessdate=19 April 2013}}</ref>
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==Ethnic Serbs in Kosovo==
==Ethnic Serbs in Kosovo==
⚫
{{Main|Serbs of Kosovo}}

Since the 1999 bombing of Serbia, a large portion of Kosovo Serbs have been displaced from their homes, like other minorities throughout the province. A significant portion of Serbian Orthodox churches, as well as Serbian cemeteries and homes, have been demolished or vandalized.
Since the 1999 bombing of Serbia, a large portion of Kosovo Serbs have been displaced from their homes, like other minorities throughout the province. A significant portion of Serbian Orthodox churches, as well as Serbian cemeteries and homes, have been demolished or vandalized.


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*[[Albania–Kosovo relations]]
*[[Albania–Kosovo relations]]
*[[2008 Serbia protests]]
*[[2008 Serbia protests]]
⚫
*[[Serbs of Kosovo]]
*[[Albanians in Serbia]]
*[[Albanians in Serbia]]
{{colend}}
{{colend}}

Revision as of 22:31, 21 May 2013

Kosovan–Serbian relations
Map indicating locations of Kosovo and Serbia

Kosovo
Serbia

See also: International recognition of Kosovo

The Republic of Kosovo declared their independence from Serbia in 2008, a move which Serbia rejects. Initially there were no relations between the entities, but the following years have seen increased bilateral dialogue between the governments of Kosovo and Serbia.

Reaction to declaration of independence

See also: 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence

Serbia strongly opposed Kosovo's declaration of independence, which was enacted on 17 February 2008. On 12 February 2008, the Government of Serbia instituted an Action Plan to combat Kosovo's anticipated declaration, which stipulated, among other things, recalling the Serbian ambassadors for consultations in protest from any state recognising Kosovo, which it has consistently done.[1][2] Activities of ambassadors from countries that have recognized independence are limited to meetings with Foreign Ministry lower officials.[3] The Serbian Ministry of the Interior issued an arrest warrant against Hashim Thaçi, Fatmir Sejdiu and Jakup Krasniqi on 18 February 2008 on charges of high treason.[4][5]

On 8 March 2008, the Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Koštunica resigned, dissolving the coalition government, saying it was too divided over the Kosovo situation to carry on. A pre-term parliamentary election was held on 11 May 2008, together with local elections.[6][7] President Boris Tadić stated that the government fell "because there was no agreement regarding further EU integration".[8]

On 24 March 2008, Slobodan Samardžić, Minister for Kosovo and Metohija, proposed partitioning Kosovo along ethnic lines, asking the United Nations to ensure that Belgrade can control key institutions and functions in areas where Serbs form a majority[9] but other members of the Government and the President denied these claims.[10] On 25 March 2008, the outgoing Prime Minister, Vojislav Koštunica stated that membership in the EU should be "left aside," until Brussels stated whether it recognized Serbia within its existing borders.[11]

On 24 July 2008, the Government decided to return its ambassadors to EU countries.[12] Other ambassadors were returned following the positive outcome of the vote in the UN General Assembly.[13] Serbia has expelled diplomatic representations of all countries that subsequently recognized Kosovo's independence: Montenegro, the Republic of Macedonia [14] and Malaysia.

On 15 August 2008, Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić filed a request at the United Nations seeking an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of whether the declaration of independence was in breach of international law. The United Nations General Assembly adopted this proposal on 8 October 2008.[15] The ICJ ruled in July 2010 that Kosovo's declaration of independence was legal.[16]

2008–2013

See also: Belgrade–Pristina negotiations

Since the declaration of independence, Serbia refused to deal directly with the Republic of Kosovo, but only through the international intermediaries UNMIK[17] and EULEX.[18] However, there has been some normalisation; beginning in 2011, an EU team persuaded Serbia to discuss some minor border issues with Kosovo; in February 2013, the presidents of Kosovo and Serbia met in Brussels.[19] Liaison officers are also being exchanged.[20]

On 27 March 2012, four Kosovo Serbs, including the mayor of Vitina, were arrested by Kosovo Police while attempting to cross the disputed border at Bela Zemlja back into Kosovo with campaign materials for an upcoming election. They were subsequently charged with "incitement to hatred and intolerance among ethnic groups".[21]

The following day, trade unionist Hasan Abazi was arrested with fellow unionist Adem Urseli by Serbian police manning the Central Serbia/Kosovo crossing near Gnjilane.[21] Abazi was charged with espionage and Urseli with drug smuggling.[22] Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dačić stated of the arrests that "Serbian police did not wish to take this approach, but the situation obviously could no longer go on without retaliation... If someone wants to compete in arrests, we have the answer".[22] According to his lawyer, Abazi was then held in solitary confinement.[23] On 30 March, the Serbian High Court in Vranje ordered Abazi to be detained for thirty days on espionage charges dating to an incident in 1999 in which Abazi allegedly gave information to NATO.[23] Abazi's arrest was protested by Amnesty International[24] and Human Rights Watch as "arbitrary".[21]

On 19 October 2012, normalisation talks mediated by the European Union began in Brussels with Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dačić and Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, where the two PMs sat at the table and initiated talks on normalising relations between Pristina and Belgrade.[25] Reaching such a deal was a necessary condition of Serbia's EU candidacy.[26] The governments slowly reached agreements and deals on various areas, such as freedom of movement, university diplomas, regional representation and on trade and international customs. In Brussels, Serbia and Kosovo agreed that implementation of the border agreement would start on 10 December 2012.[27] A historic meeting took place on 6 February 2013, when Serbian president Tomislav Nikolić and Kosovar President Atifete Jahjaga sat at the same table for the first time since Kosovo declared independence.[28]

Following a December 2012 agreement, the two nations swapped liaison officers who worked at EU premises in the two capitals. Pristina referred to these officers as "ambassadors", but Belgrade rejected such a designation.[29]

Serbia's top officials met with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton in Brussels, on 11 March 2013, Serbian president Nikolić said that Serbia and Kosovo were very close to signing an agreement which would improve their relations.[30]

On 19 April 2013, the two governments completed an agreement[31] that was hailed as a major step towards normalising relations, and would allow both Serbia and Kosovo to apply for EU membership.[26] Amongst other measures the deal establishes a special police commander (Commander will be appointed by Pristina from a list submitted by Serbs) and appeal court (Under Pristina laws and procedures) for the Serb minority in Kosovo, but does not amount to a recognition of Kosovo's independence by Belgrade.[26] Special provisions in the agreement were given to Serb communities in North Kosovo.[32] In news reports Ashton was quoted as saying, "What we are seeing is a step away from the past and, for both of them, a step closer to Europe", whilst Thaçi declared "This agreement will help us heal the wounds of the past if we have the wisdom and the knowledge to implement it in practice."[26]

Ethnic Serbs in Kosovo

Main article: Serbs of Kosovo

Since the 1999 bombing of Serbia, a large portion of Kosovo Serbs have been displaced from their homes, like other minorities throughout the province. A significant portion of Serbian Orthodox churches, as well as Serbian cemeteries and homes, have been demolished or vandalized.

The Serbian Government promised suspended Serb prison workers from Lipljan money if they were to leave the Kosovo institutions, which they were working in, so they did. However they were never paid, so staged a continued a blockade of the Coordination Center in Gračanica. They claim that Belgrade, the Kosovo Ministry specifically, has not paid them money promised for leaving the Kosovo institutions.[33]

Serbs have also responded by forming their own assembly.

See also

Notes and references

Notes:

a. ^ Template:Kosovo-note

References:

  1. ^ "Serbia recalls ambassador from US". BBC. 19 February 2008. Retrieved 25 July 2008.
  2. ^ "Canada recognizes Kosovo, Serbia pulls ambassador". CBC News. 18 March 2008. Retrieved 25 July 2008.
  3. ^ Archived (Date missing) at ekonomskitim.sr.gov.yu (Error: unknown archive URL) The economic team for Kosovo and Metohija and the South of Serbia, 20 February 2008. Retrieved 2008-03-25.
  4. ^ "Podnesena krivična prijava protiv Tačija, Sejdijua i Krasnićija". Trebinjedanas.com. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  5. ^ Meares, Richard (18 February 2008). "Serbia charges Kosovo leaders with treason". Reuters. Retrieved 28 January 2010.
  6. ^ PM Dissolves Serbia's Government, AFP, March 8, 2008.[dead link‍]
  7. ^ Divisions over Kosovo cripple Serb government, The Daily Telegraph, March 8, 2008.
  8. ^ "Tadić: Lack of agreement on EU toppled government". B92.net. 10 March 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  9. ^ Serbia proposes dividing Kosovo along ethnic lines, International Herald Tribune, March 25, 2005.
  10. ^ "Serb Ministers Deny Kosovo Partition Talks". Balkaninsight.com. Retrieved 28 April 2010. [dead link‍]
  11. ^ "PM: Serbia not choosing between Russia and West". B92.net. 25 March 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  12. ^ "Govt. to return ambassadors". B92. 24 July 2008. Retrieved 25 July 2008.
  13. ^ "Serbian diplomats return to countries recognizing Kosovo". En.rian.ru. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  14. ^ "Serbia Expels Macedonian, Montenegrin Envoys Over Kosovo". Dw-world.de. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  15. ^ "UN seeks World Court Kosovo view". BBC. 8 October 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2009.
  16. ^ "Kosovo independence declaration deemed legal". Reuters. 22 July 2010. Retrieved 24 September 2012.
  17. ^ UNMIK Rule of law
  18. ^ After a police protocol, EULEX and Serbian officials will intensify preparations for customs and judiciary cooperation
  19. ^ "Serbia and Kosovo: Inching closer". The Economist. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
  20. ^ "Belgrade, Priština to discuss energy next week". B92. 2 February 2013. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
  21. ^ a b c "Serbia/Kosovo: Halt Arbitrary Arrests". Human Rights Watch. 31 March 2012. Retrieved 19 April 2012.
  22. ^ a b Lawrence Marzouk and Gordana Andric (28 March 2012). "Dacic: Kosovo Trade Unionist Arrest Is Retaliation". Eurasia Review. Retrieved 19 April 2012.
  23. ^ a b Fatmir Aliu (30 March 2012). "Hasan Abazi Faces Month in Custody". Eurasia Review. Retrieved 19 April 2012.
  24. ^ "Serbia: Amnesty International condemns "retaliatory" arrest of Kosovo Albanian trade unionist" (PDF). Amnesty International. 29 March 2012. Retrieved 19 April 2012.
  25. ^ "Dacic and Thaci Meet in Brussels, Make History". Balkan Insight. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  26. ^ a b c d "Serbia and Kosovo reach EU-brokered landmark accord". BBC. 19 April 2013. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  27. ^ "Serbia PM Pledges Kosovo Solution in 2013". Balkan Insight. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  28. ^ "Kosovo, Serbia Presidents Hail Outcome of Talks". Balkan Insight. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  29. ^ Hoxha, Kreshnik. "Kosovo, Serbia Liaison Officers to Start Work". Balkan Insight. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  30. ^ "Nikolic: Very close to an agreement with Kosovo". Balkan Inside. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  31. ^ Unofficial text of proposed Kosovo agreement. B92. 19 April 2013. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  32. ^ "Kosovo and Serbia Reach Historic Deal in Brussels". Balkan Insight. 19 April 2013. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  33. ^ "News - Society - Kosovo Serb prison workers continue protest". B92. 2 April 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
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