UN Kosovo report citing rights progress could open door to independence News
UN Kosovo report citing rights progress could open door to independence

[JURIST] In a version of a report to be released next Tuesday, Kosovo UN Governor Soren Jessen-Petersen [official website] indicates "significant progress" in security and in the area of minority rights under the Kosovo Standards Implementation Plan [PDF]. Under the "standards before status policy," unveiled in 2003, satisfaction of these requirements would be the first step in permitting the West to commence talks with Kosovo regarding its potential independence from Serbia. Official presentation of the report is scheduled for May, 27 2005. Once presented, the Security Council must endorse it in order for Secretary-General Kofi Annan to appoint a special envoy in June or July to make a comprehensive review of Kosovo's progress. Reuters has more.