EU to replace UN mission in ruling Kosovo

BELGRADE, Serbia-Montenegro, April 27 (UPI) -- An EU civil mission could play a leading role in governing Kosovo once the future status of Serbia's southern province is decided in U.N.-mediated talks.

Representatives of the Contact Group -- the United States, Britain, France, Italy, Germany and Russia -- Wednesday in Vienna met behind closed doors to discuss the international presence in Kosovo, the Tanjug news agency reported quoting diplomatic sources.

An international civil mission, led by the EU, should control judiciary, police and other relevant institutions, once Kosovo's future is determined, Tanjug said Thursday.



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The Contact Group considered ways to transform the NATO-led U.N. Kosovo forces and the Kosovo Protection Corps, along with the international civilian presence.

The fourth round of talks between Serbs and ethnic-Albanians on the future of Kosovo will be held in Vienna May 4-5. Kosovo is 90 percent ethnic-Albanian, with a Serb minority of 100,000.

Formally, Kosovo is part of Serbia but since 1999 it has been governed by the U.N. civilian mission and protected by NATO forces.

Most ethnic Albanians publicly say they want a Kosovo independent of the Serbian government.


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