Conference notes the declaration of independence by Kosovo on 17 February 2008 and supports the United Kingdom in its recognition of Europe’s newest state.

Conference welcomes that the declaration of independence accepted the Ahtisaari Plan for Kosovo in full, including the commitment to democracy, human rights and guarantees for Kosovo’s Serbian minority.

Conference condemns recent violence, particularly the attacks on the United States, United Kingdom and other European Embassies in Serbia and urges calm and restraint from both sides.

Conference is concerned that Kosovo is one of the poorest countries in Europe with unemployment at 40 per cent, poverty levels at 45 per cent and with 14 per cent of the population living in extreme poverty (less than $1 per day).

Conference believes that beyond the turbulence and jubilation of the coming weeks, Kosovo has a substantial development challenge ahead.

Conference therefore welcomes:

1. the deployment of the European Union’s civilian mission to oversee policing and legal development in Kosovo;
2. the appointment of the EU Special Representative for Kosovo, Peiter Feith, and his role in promoting political stability and development;
3. the EU’s pledge of €1 billion to assist with Kosovo’s development over the next four years, and urges generosity from the international community at the international donors conference to be held in June.

Conference notes the UK’s longstanding role in Kosovo and in promoting an internationally agreed solution based on the Ahtisaari Plan and therefore calls on the United Kingdom to

1. Actively support Kosovo’s political and economic development;
2. Support the European efforts by making a substantial British contribution to the EU’s civilian mission.