KOSOVO

08 Jun KOSOVO

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Kosovo”. The topic “Kosovo” has relevance in the International Relations section of the UPSC CSE exam.

Relevance:

For Prelims:

Facts about Kosovo?

For Mains:

GS 2: International Relations

Serbia Kosovo conflict?

India’s position on Kosovo?

Why in the news:

In the aftermath of one of the worst escalations of tensions between Kosovo and Serbia in at least a decade, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), sent 700 more of its peacekeeping troops to Kosovo.

Facts about Kosovo

Kosovo, officially known as the Republic of Kosovo, is a partially recognized landlocked country located in Southeastern Europe. It declared independence from Serbia in 2008. However, the status of Kosovo’s independence remains a topic of international dispute, as Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as an independent state.

• Geography: Kosovo is situated in the central Balkans and shares borders with Serbia to the north and east, North Macedonia to the southeast, Albania to the southwest, and Montenegro to the northwest.
• Capital and Largest City: The capital city of Kosovo is Pristina, which is also the country’s largest city.
• Population: Kosovo has a diverse population consisting mainly of ethnic Albanians, who form the majority. There are also significant communities of ethnic Serbs and other minority groups.
• History: Kosovo has a rich and complex history that includes influences from various empires and cultures. It has been inhabited since ancient times and has witnessed significant historical events, including battles and conflicts.
• Economy: Kosovo has a developing economy. Key sectors include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, construction, and services. International assistance and remittances from the diaspora play a significant role in the country’s economy.
• Institutions: Kosovo has its own institutions, including a unicameral parliament, a president, and a prime minister. The country also has its own security forces.
• International Recognition: Kosovo has been recognized as an independent state by over 100 countries, including the United States and most European Union member states. However, countries such as Russia, China, and several EU members, including Spain, do not recognize Kosovo’s independence.

Serbia Kosovo conflict?

• Background: The conflict between Serbia and Kosovo stems from the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Kosovo, with a majority ethnic Albanian population, sought greater autonomy and eventually declared independence from Serbia in 2008. However, Serbia does not recognize Kosovo’s independence.
• Ethnic and Nationalist Tensions: The conflict has strong ethnic and nationalist undertones. Kosovo’s Albanian population aspires for independence and self-determination, while Serbia sees Kosovo as an integral part of its territory with historical and cultural significance.
• Violence and War: The conflict escalated into violence in the late 1990s when Kosovo Albanian separatists, organized under the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), fought against Serbian security forces. The Serbian government responded with a brutal crackdown, resulting in a humanitarian crisis and international intervention.
• NATO Intervention: In 1999, NATO launched a military intervention against Serbia, which led to the withdrawal of Serbian forces from Kosovo. The intervention aimed to protect the Kosovo Albanian population from ethnic cleansing and restore stability to the region. Following the intervention, Kosovo came under the administration of the United Nations.
• Negotiations and Status Talks: Since the end of the war, various international efforts have been made to find a resolution to the conflict. Negotiations and status talks have taken place between Serbia and Kosovo, facilitated by international mediators and organizations, including the European Union.
• International Recognition: Kosovo has been recognized as an independent state by over 100 countries, including the United States and many European Union member states. However, Serbia, along with countries such as Russia and China, does not recognize Kosovo’s independence.
• Current Situation: The status of Kosovo remains unresolved, and tensions between Serbia and Kosovo persist. Efforts towards normalizing relations and achieving a comprehensive agreement continue, but progress has been slow and challenging.

India’s position on Kosovo?

• Non-Recognition of Kosovo: India does not recognize Kosovo as an independent state. India’s stance is based on its adherence to the principles of international law, including the respect for territorial integrity and the United Nations Charter. India considers the issue of Kosovo’s status as a bilateral matter between Serbia and Kosovo.
• Support for Dialogue and Negotiations: India has consistently emphasized the importance of dialogue and negotiations between Serbia and Kosovo to find a mutually acceptable solution. India supports a peaceful resolution through dialogue that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries involved.
• UN Security Council Position: As a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the term 2021-2022, India’s position on Kosovo was guided by the UNSC resolutions and decisions related to the issue. India has emphasized the need to find a solution that is acceptable to both Serbia and Kosovo, in line with international law.
• Balancing Relations: India maintains diplomatic relations with both Serbia and Kosovo. It seeks to maintain a balanced approach and engage with all parties involved to foster stability and peace in the region.

Source:https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/explained-why-is-there-trouble-in-kosovo-again/article66939379.ece

plutus ias current affairs eng med 8th June 2023

Q.1Which of the following statements regarding Kosovo is correct?

1.Kosovo is recognized as an independent state by all members of the United Nations.

2.India recognizes Kosovo as an independent state.

Select the correct option:

(a)1 only

(b)2 only

(c)Both 1 and 2 

(d)None of the above

Answer(d)

Q.2 Which of the following statements regarding the conflict between Serbia and Kosovo is incorrect?

1.The conflict between Serbia and Kosovo emerged following the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.

2.The NATO intervention in 1999 aimed to protect the Ethnic Serb population from ethnic cleansing.

Select the correct option:

(a)1 only

(b)2 only

(c)Both 1 and 2

(d)None of the above

Answer: (a)

Q.3 Discuss the conflict between Serbia and Kosovo, its historical background, international intervention, and the challenges in achieving a sustainable resolution. Examine India’s stance on the Kosovo issue and its implications on India’s foreign policy.

rishabh