Andrew Duff welcomes first steps to Kosovan independence.

12.00.00pm GMT Mon 18th Feb 2008

In a statement today, Andrew Duff, Leader of the liberal Democrats in the European Parliament and MEP for the East of England, welcomed the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo. He said:

"Serbian domination of Kosovo has been a tyranny of sorts for many decades. It is right that Kosovans move now to assert their independence under the supervision of the European Union.

"The EU's role is crucial. In the 1990s the European Union was unable to intervene effectively in the Balkans to stop bloodshed and savagery. Now the Union is much stronger and more self-confident. Even those EU partners which disagree with the speed of events in Kosovo have agreed to abstain constructively so as not to block the decision to send a European Union civilian and military mission there.

"Despite their nationalistic rhetoric, Serbian leaders know very well there is no chance of getting Kosovo back. So does Russia. We now need time to heal these raw wounds. In due course the Western Balkans should be able to steer a sensible course towards the European Union."

"It is absolutely right that British police and troops are contributing towards peace-making in the Balkans in full cooperation with their EU partners."

ENDS

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Andrew Duff welcomes first steps to Kosovan independence.

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