INTERVIEW WITH MEP ALAIN LAMASSOURE (EPP-ED, FRANCE) : IN KOSOVO, ALL CONDITIONS ARE IN PLACE FOR A MAJOR POLITICAL CRISIS.(Interview)

Europe-East, December, 2007

Kosovo's march to independence seems inescapable, in spite of opposition by Serbia and Russia. EU leaders, who discussed the issue at their summit meeting on 14 December in Brussels, once again remained very reserved. Alain Lamassoure (UMP), former European affairs minister for France and member of the European Parliament (EPP-ED), is very familiar with the issue, which he has been following closely since 1991. He spoke to europolitics about the stakes for the EU of a possible unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo.

Some say Kosovo's independence carries the threat of creating another cataclysm in the Balkans. Cyprus and other states fear it will set a dangerous precedent for stability in Europe.

Fortunately, another cataclysm is unlikely:...

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