I.N.N. World Report - real news the networks won't tell you

The recognition from the International Court of Justice that Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence was legal will be well received and celebrated by the Albanian Diaspora, as well as the citizens of Albania and Kosovo. However, although a victory today, the independence was way overdue. This is not the first time Kosovo has declared independence. It was tried in the 90s with no success due to lack of international support as well as the international agenda focused on Bosnia and other Balkan crisis.

The independence is a deserved justice for the Kosovar Albanians however it poses the question about the wellbeing of the Albanians in the other territories annexed by Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro as well as other territories not included in today's Kosovo's border still under Serbian rule. Does that mean independence for those territories as well? What the Albanians desire is reunification of all Albanian land and people, and a return to the ethnic Albania prior to Turkish occupation (which divided Albania, and later on further divided by the Balkan Wars which resulted in the scramble of Albania) (See map). As of today out of 15 million Albanians only 4.5 live in Albania, 2 million in Kosovo and the rest are spread in the other Albanian territories or immigrated to Europe and US.

Kosovo's independence means that now the local government can take control over domestic rule without any intervention of the foreigners. This will help spur local development, give leadership to both men and women in different sectors. Since the EU and UN had a hand in the development of the legal and political institutions there is a high chance that Kosovo will meet the EU standard to become a member. The question is, can Serbia become an EU member? The original agreement was that if Serbia recognized Kosovo’s independence, they would in turn get the EU membership card. However Serbia has been stubborn regarding Kosovo’s independence. The EU membership has its benefits in terms of opening up the country’s market to the profits of the global economy as well as bringing in regional stability. But does Serbia’s membership at the EU mean no responsibility for the crimes and genocides committed against Kosovar Albanians for decades? Who will be responsible for those atrocities? If there is no legal repercussion, the Serbian government should consider compensation to the Kosovar families that lost their loved ones.

Russia has been at the forefront of the opposition for Kosovo’s Independence due to legitimate concerns over Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. United States has been on the other forefront, taking the initiative for the protection of Albanians given its amicable relations with the country in the past. In the near future, Kosovo can finally decide to change the flag to better represent the ancient Albanian culture without any pressures from the UN or the EU.

Ermira Babamusta, PH.D.
Foreign Affairs Expert

Ermira Babamusta is the authour of the Book: "Kosovo: The Balkan Dilemma. Multilateral Diplomacy in Nation-Making"
http://www.facebook.com/ErmiraBabamustaFans

Read more

The map reveals that during Turkish occupation which lasted 500 years, Albania was divided into four vilayets or administrative provinces, namely Shkodra, Janina, Manastir and Kosova. Today Manastir has been annexed by Macedonia, Janina by Greece, Kosovo by Serbia and the Podgorica part of the Shkodra by Montenegro. Albania is the only country in the world surrounded by Albanian land and people