With this declaration we, members of the International Network of the Albanian Student Association, would like to welcome the start of talks on the final status of Kosova and appeal to the United Nations and the governments of the United States and the European Union to support Kosova's independence.

For over six years now, Kosova has been making headway in the process of democratization. These developments were made possible by the intervention of NATO troops and the decision to stop the

Much progress has been made in post-war Kosova: Security has been achieved; more than 1 million refugees have returned home; a great number of destroyed houses have been rebuilt; several local and parliamentary elections have been successfully held; and local administration and police units have been established. A fledgling democracy has emerged in the region. Yet, the unresolved issue of Kosova's final status continues to cause great anxiety among the Kosovar people.

We are deeply convinced that the best and most realistic solution to Kosova's current problems is her independence. The successful transfer of powers from the UN to the local administration indicates that the citizens and the politicians of Kosova have gained the necessary experience to build democratic institutions and shown political maturity. They have proven themselves ready to take complete political responsibility.

Independence would greatly contribute to further economic and political stabilization, which in turn would accelerate the reconciliation process and help maintain peace in the Balkans. It would also enable the continuation of privatization policies and the strengthening of efforts against high unemployment rates. Furthermore, a clear sense of the country's future would attract much needed investments. In the current state of affairs, jurisdictional confusion and general uncertainty preclude such development.

Independence would similarly contribute to the normalization of relations with the neighboring countries—Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, and Albania—and a gradual withdrawal of the international troops. An independent Kosova would accelerate the integration of the Serb minority in its representative bodies by striving to increase minority participation in elections. Kosova's constitution would firmly guarantee the rights of all minorities.

Independence is the key to further democratization and stabilization in Kosova and a crucial factor contributing to the entire region's integration in the political and economic structures of the European Union. Any other solution could result in further insecurity and the destabilization of conditions in Kosova and the entire region.

The "International Network of the Albanian Student Association - Albstudent"
www.albstudent.net
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