Topi downplays fears of violence after an independent Kosova

PRISHTINA, Jan. 28 – Visiting Albanian president Bamir Topi played down fears that Kosova’s gaining independence from Serbia could spark turmoil in the region.
Topi held a three-day visit to Kosova heading a delegation made up of about 100 persons, including lawmakers, government ministers, businessmen and other leaders.
Topi said that Kosova’s declaring independence was crucial to stabilizing the region and bringing it closer to the European Union.
“We have to contribute with calm and maturity. But, I don’t see a risk (of violence),” said Topi. “Kosova’s independence is an important premise for guaranteeing stability in the Balkans.”
Topi met with top United Nations official Joachim Ruecker, President Fatmir Sejdiu, Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, and others in Kosova. He also visited the birthplace of Kosovar hero Adem Jashari as well as other sites.
Kosova’s declaration of independence is widely expected in February or March and is supported by the United States and most European Union members. Some EU nations, however, have expressed misgivings about recognizing Kosova’s independence outside the framework of the United Nations, fearing it would inspire separatist movements in other regions.
Serbia strongly opposes independence for the province, and the issue has caused friction between the West and Serbian ally Russia, which is a veto-wielding permanent member of the U.N. Security Council.
Kosova has been governed by the U.N. and NATO since the 1999 end to the war between Serbian troops and separatist ethnic Albanians.
“Our strong wish is to be the first (to recognize Kosova’s independence), not only in the first seconds but in a tenth of a second,” said Topi. “We will be among the first, and (while) I believe we will not be the first … with the heart and soul we will be the first.”
Asked how Tirana would react if Belgrade imposes a trade and energy blockade on Albanian-majority Kosovo following a unilateral declaration of independence, Topi said its impacts would be zero.
“Delay cannot be good for the future,” he said. “Further delay will endanger peace and security not only in Kosovo, but in the entire region.”
Topi and Thaci also discussed economic issues and cooperation between the two countries, with specific emphasis on the road currently under construction that will link landlocked Kosova with Albania’s main Adriatic port, Durres.
“This highway will help strengthen economic and cultural cooperation,” Topi added “he will soon come back to an independent Kosova”.
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Rosemary DiCarlo said while visiting the province the same day with Topi that U.S. policy on Kosova was clear.
“We have said all along that if no agreement was reached between the two sides, then we felt that the Ahtisaari plan was the best way forward and that Kosovo’s status should be resolved as soon as possible,” she told reporters in Prishtina. The plan, drafted by U.N. envoy Martti Ahtisaari, calls for independence supervised by the EU, but Russia has blocked its adoption at the U.N. Security Council. “The Assembly in Kosova is expected to take a decision on the independence of Kosova within a matter of hours, but what remains important is that these actions are coordinated with all factors,” said President Sejdiu.