TIRANA. April 3 – Today marks 19 years since the United Nations Security Council debated the Ahtisaari plan. On 3 April 2007, UN special envoy Martti Ahtisaari presented the proposal behind closed doors. The plan aimed to grant Kosova supervised independence.
At the time, authorities expected President Fatmir Sejdiu to address the council. However, protests from Serbia and Russia blocked his speech. Joachim Ruecker, head of the UN mission in Kosova, delivered the statement instead. Meanwhile, Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica rejected the plan and called for new negotiations. In contrast, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France supported the proposal.
Ahtisaari and his team designed the plan to create a viable and stable Kosova. The proposal set conditions for a democratic and multi-ethnic society. It included strong rule of law and full protection of human rights. It also introduced measures on decentralisation, cultural heritage, and community rights.
In addition, the plan granted Kosova the right to sign international agreements and seek membership in international organisations. It included safeguards for non-Albanian communities and ensured representation in institutions. The proposal also protected religious and cultural heritage through designated zones and security measures.
Finally, the plan foresaw a new multi-ethnic security force and the dissolution of the existing protection corps. It also established an international presence to oversee implementation and support stability across Kosova.
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