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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons / TSUI)
BY JAKE GODIN
Kosovo and Serbia don’t exactly have the best past, but after months of talks, it looks
as if the Balkan nations are getting closer to burying the proverbial hatchet.
In an attempt to normalize relations, Belgrade and Pristina signed a deal that will go towards
overcoming ethnic enmities that have plagued the region in the past. (Via euronews)
After years of violence in the 90s, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008.
Although many countries like the U.S. recognize their sovereignty, others like Russia, Spain,
and China do not.
United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon
says he “welcomes the landmark agreement” and “congratulates and commends the leaders
from both sides for their steadfast determination and hopes that the agreement will bring about
a brighter future and lasting stability to the region.”
Catherine Ashton, the EU’s foreign policy chief, seemed optimistic as well.
"It’s very important that now what we are seeing is a step away from the past and,
for both of them, a step closer to Europe." (Via Al Jazeera)
The New York Times reports the agreement will be a boon for both countries, saying:
“For Serbia, an agreement means that it is likely to attract much-needed foreign
investment, in addition to starting European Union accession talks. For Kosovo, the ending
of uncertainty over its borders will also help improve investor confidence and buttress
its legitimacy as an independent country.”
The BBC reports Brussels will see this as an important step towards starting talks to
get Serbia into the EU. Though that still might be a ways off.
Kosovo just recently celebrated its 5th birthday in February.