Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the present EU and Irish positions in relation to the future of Kosovo. [3673/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Following the failure in December of the talks led by the Contact Group Troika, there is broad acceptance within the international community that no agreement on Kosovo's status is possible between Belgrade and Pristina. The possibility of progress at the UN is also blocked, with deadlock at the Security Council over the proposal by the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy, Martti Ahtisaari, for a settlement based on internationally supervised independence for Kosovo. In these circumstances, it is widely expected that Kosovo will shortly declare its independence.

At the European Council of 14 December last, EU leaders discussed the Report from the Contact Group Troika on the conclusion and failure of the Kosovo status talks. The European Council thanked the Troika for its efforts, and regretted that the parties had not been able to make use of this opportunity to find agreement on a common way forward.

In the light of the failure of the Troika process, the European Council considered the position to be adopted by the EU. It underlined the need to move forward towards a Kosovo settlement, which is required for regional stability. There was strong emphasis on the importance of a unified EU approach, and for the EU to make clear its willingness to take the lead internationally in helping to manage and resolve this European problem, including by means of the planned ESDP rule of law mission, and a contribution to an international civilian office, as part of the future international presence in Kosovo.

We recognise that difficult choices will now need to be made which deal with the reality of the situation on the ground. The status issue presents a challenge which we and our EU partners must be prepared to meet in a unified way. We welcome the statements of the December European Council, underlining the EU's readiness to meet this challenge. Ireland will play its part.

On the basis of positive advice from the Attorney–General confirming the continuation of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 until it is rescinded by the Security Council, Ireland will be able to maintain our enhanced presence in KFOR. We intend to contribute members of the Garda to the ESDP Mission and also to support the future economic development of Kosovo.

Ireland has strongly and consistently supported the Ahtisaari proposal, which provides for internationally supervised independence for Kosovo with strong guarantees for the rights of Serbs and other minorities. We believe that this proposal provides the most practical and realistic solution for the future status of Kosovo, and expect that any declaration of independence by Kosovo will be accompanied by a commitment to implement its provisions.

The Government has not yet taken a decision on the question of national recognition of Kosovo independence, and I believe that it would be not be helpful for me to speculate on this matter in advance of any declaration of independence. As indicated, strenuous efforts will be made to agree a common EU approach in response to any such declaration.