Trio set to pick Kosovo dealmakers

The EU, Russia and the US will each over the coming days appoint a representative to try to break the deadlock on the future of Kosovo.

The three diplomats, expected to be at the level of ambassador, will have four months to identify a compromise solution.

The European representative will be appointed after consultation between EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, the Portuguese presidency and the member states which comprise the Contact Group on the Balkans, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and the US.

"It could be someone from the EU institutions but my guess is it will be someone from a capital of a Contact Group member state," said one EU diplomat.

The Contact Group held in Vienna yesterday (25 July) its first meeting since the UK, France and the US decided last Friday to abandon attempts in the United Nations Security Council to get agreement on a resolution on the future of Kosovo. Russia had said that the resolution was not acceptable since it paved the way for Kosovan independence and had threatened to use its veto if put to a vote.

Once the technical side of the troika’s mandate is worked out, its members will begin deliberations, expected to start early next month.

Serbia is in favour of further talks but on Tuesday (24 July) its parliament passed a resolution warning European states and the US against recognising a unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo, something its leaders continue to threaten. Serbian diplomats insist that the talks should not be limited to a 120-day period but should continue for as long as it takes to reach a settlement.

Solana on Monday (23 July), following a meeting of EU foreign ministers, said that the length of the talks would depend on progress but added that 120 days was "in the minds of people".

Neither Solana nor European Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn nor Portuguese Foreign Minister Luis Amado would be drawn on what would happen if the talks failed to produce a solution. "It is premature to say anything on that," said Solana.

The EU, Russia and the US will each over the coming days appoint a representative to try to break the deadlock on the future of Kosovo.