Madam, – The International Court of Justice opinion given on the independence of Kosovo (Editorial, July 23rd) is largely due to the ambiguity of existing international law rather than any merit in the declaration itself. If anything, the opinion represents a triumph for US foreign policy.
During the negotiations on Kosovo’s status overseen by Martti Ahtisaari, the US publicly called for the province’s independence, thereby fatally undermining the talks by removing any incentive the Kosovo Albanians had to reach a compromise on the issue.
Kosovo’s society will remain one characterised by corruption and ethno-national division.
The Court’s opinion is a missed opportunity to promote dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.
It freezes the dispute and does little to further peace, stability and prosperity for the province. – Yours, etc,