Brown backs Kosovo independence

Kosovo is located in the south of Serbia

Wednesday, 12, Dec 2007 12:00

Gordon Brown has reaffirmed Britain's commitment to securing a "supervised independence" for Kosovo.

A UN deadline for discussions on the Balkan province's future status expired on Monday, raising expectations that independence could be arranged with the agreement of the UN, Nato and European Union in the near future.

In prime minister's questions today Mr Brown told parliament he expected tomorrow's meeting of European leaders would see unity on the issue.

Such a development would be opposed by Serbia, which has vowed to use all means short of force to prevent a Kosovar secession. On the international stage its main ally, Russia, has warned of a "chain reaction" and "consequences" if Kosovo receives independence.

"The message is going out loud and clear to Serbia and Russia that this is the course we wish to take and I hope there will be all-party support for the action we are taking on this," Mr Brown said.

"This is the last area of the Balkans where we have got to get the arrangements in place that will ensure peace and stability in the future. I personally believe the Serbians have got an interest in working with the EU and we must persuade them to do so."

Conservative leader David Cameron said the government should adhere to three "principles" on the issue, including preventing an ongoing "constitutional limbo" and the reopening of borders in the region.

He also proposed reinforcing peacekeeping forces in Bosnia with Nato reserve troops as a pre-emptive action to lower the risk of violence. The prime minister dismissed such a move as "premature".