Overview of Kosovo's History and Independence

Introduction

• Kosovo is one of the youngest countries in the world, having gained independence from Serbia after a bloody war.
• The country has a fascinating history despite being only 10 years old.

Historical Background

• Kosovo has existed in various forms throughout history:
  • Colonized by the ancient Serbian kingdom.
  • Ruled by the Ottoman Empire.
  • Formerly part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

Breakup of Yugoslavia

• Early 1990s: Breakup of Yugoslavia led to different regions asserting their identities (language, culture, religion).
• Christian Majority Regions:
  • Slovenia, Macedonia, and Montenegro declared independence, which Serbia allowed.
• Muslim Majority Regions:
  • Bosnia's independence attempt met with hostility from Serbia.
  • In 1999, Kosovo, with a 95% Albanian Muslim population, sought independence.

Conflict and Ethnic Cleansing

• Serbia responded to Kosovo's independence attempt by sending troops and initiating a campaign of ethnic cleansing against Albanians.
• Around 15,000 Albanians were murdered between 1999 and 2008.
• NATO intervened, ending the 78-day war, but significant damage had already occurred.

Current Status and Recognition

• Kosovo exists in a gray area with ongoing negotiations between Kosovo and Serbia, which have repeatedly failed.
• Serbia maintains that Kosovo is theirs, claiming historical rights.
• The Serbian Orthodox Church views recognition of Kosovo's independence as a sin.
• Kosovo's position: Serbia lost legitimacy due to its actions during the ethnic cleansing, and Kosovo wishes to sever ties with Serbia.

Key Figures and Events

• In 2007, Martti Ahtisaari, former Finnish president and UN special envoy, suggested that:
  • Kosovo could not unite with Albania if it wanted independence.
• Kosovo declared independence on February 17, 2008.

International Recognition

• Approximately half of the world recognizes Kosovo's independence, including Albania, Turkey, and the US.
• Major countries not recognizing Kosovo include Russia, Serbia, and China.
• Ten years post-independence, Kosovo continues to struggle for wider international recognition.