Sir, – The acceptance of Serbia into an accession process towards EU membership, (Suzanne Lynch, World News, April 23rd) is remarkable and is a credit to the work of the Serbian government during its stabilisation and association process. The entry of Kosovo into negotiations on a stabilisation and association agreement is also to the great credit of the government of Kosovo. Despite a war 14 years ago, Prishtina and Belgrade have made great steps towards the development of multi-ethnic societies with a full voice for all the citizens of each country, helped by the efforts of the UN and its agencies, the Commission, KFor and bilateral donor countries.
While tensions admittedly still exist, this is an example of how the Commission and potential EU membership can be major movers and players in conflict resolution in the Balkans. (It is a pity that the same resolve is not being applied by the Commission to radically dealing with our debt burden that was partly imposed by it).
I have worked in both countries and I have met many remarkable people in both who get on with their vibrant and interesting lives and just want prosperity, full employment and peace. This is hopefully what will be achieved in the coming years. – Yours, etc,
FRANK KAVANAGH,
Scanderbeg Square,
Tirana,
Albania.