Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 26: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to the role of the European Union in maintaining the security situation in Kosovo and in improving human rights and protections throughout the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33297/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The EU has given a clear commitment that the long-term future of the western Balkans, including Kosovo, rests within the European Union. The Union has taken a lead role in working to consolidate peace and stability and to promote economic development, respect for human rights and the rule of law in the region.

Kosovo has been under UN administration, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1244, since the end of the conflict in 1999. Responsibility for the security situation is primarily a matter for KFOR, the UN-mandated peacekeeping force, to which 35 states, including 22 EU member states, currently contribute troops. I pay tribute to the work of KFOR and especially to the contribution of the 202 members of the Irish Defence Forces serving with the force in ensuring security and stability in often difficult circumstances.

Consideration of the future status of Kosovo is expected to be the dominant issue in the region in the coming months following the publication last month of UN Special Envoy, Kai Eide's, comprehensive review of the situation there. Ambassador Eide's report recommended that despite a number of challenges, particularly with regard to the implementation of standards, the political process to determine Kosovo's future status should now begin.

Earlier this week the General Affairs and External Relations Council, GAERC, reaffirmed the EU's determination to participate fully in the definition of the status of Kosovo, and to be closely involved in the negotiations and implementation of its future status. In this context, I welcome the UN Secretary General's intention to appoint the former President of Finland, Mr. Martti Ahtisaari, as UN Special Envoy. Together with EU colleagues, I had a good discussion with Mr. Ahtisaari on Monday and look forward to working closely with him in the period ahead. In view of the likelihood of enhanced EU engagement in Kosovo, the Council has invited Secretary-General/High Representative Solana and the Commission to continue their work in identifying the future EU role and contribution, including in the areas of police, rule of law and the economy, and to submit joint proposals to the Council.

In the period ahead, together with our EU partners, we will continue to work in close co-operation with the United Nations, with the governments of the region, the US and other international partners towards a status settlement in Kosovo. The future status settlement should be fully compatible with European values and the UN charter, should protect the rights of minorities and their capacity to play a part in political structures, and achieve a situation where all citizens, regardless of ethnic background, are free to live without fear, hostility or danger.