OSCE Plan For Deescalation, Normalization in Northern Kosovo

Bujar Osmani (BETAPHOTO/MILAN OBRADOVIC)

North Macedonian Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani, who is chairing the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, released on June 4 a nine-step plan for deescalation and normalization in northern Kosovo.

The North Macedonian ministry said in a press release that the plan's goal was lasting peace and stability in northern Kosovo and the return of Kosovo Serbs to institutions and democratic processes.

The first step envisages Kosovo and Serbia reaffirming their commitment to the base agreement and the Ohrid deal. Secondly, Kosovo is to withdraw its special police forces and Serbia is to lower the combat readiness of its armed forces. Thirdly, the Kosovo police should be enabled to "fully enforce order and the security of the country," together with KFOR and EULEX. The fourth step envisages the cancellation of protests and restoring the municipal services needed for the regular functioning of society, while at the same allowing employees access to the municipal buildings.

The fifth step in Osmani's plan envisages the mayors elect stepping down by this summer, paving the way to early municipal elections. The sixth step would be having those elections this year.

The seventh step sees the OSCE supporting the election process with technical assistance to the Kosovo authorities, who will organize the vote, thereby increasing trust among communities. As the eighth step, the OSCE will engage youth in reconciliation programs and processes. The ninth step is for the OSCE to open its capacities for supporting the good-will implementation of the provisions agreed on by the two sides and continuing the dialogue.