Changes

In January 2008, the former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. [[John Bolton]], former U.S. Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger and former Assistant Defense Secretary Peter Rodman warned in a joint statement that Western recognition of Kosovo independence would create "an avoidable confrontation with [[Russia]]" and "turn what is now a relatively small problem into a large one."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jan/31/warning-light-on-kosovo/|title=Warning light on Kosovo|publisher=[[The Washington Times]]|date=2008-01-31|accessdate=2008-08-29}}</ref> On 17 February 2008, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, former KLA commander Hashim Thaci, declared independence from Serbia.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/18/world/europe/18kosovo.html?ex=1360990800&en=579b01366cbc2ea5&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss Kosovo Declares Its independence From Serbia]</ref>

In January 2008, the former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. [[John Bolton]], former U.S. Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger and former Assistant Defense Secretary Peter Rodman warned in a joint statement that Western recognition of Kosovo independence would create "an avoidable confrontation with [[Russia]]" and "turn what is now a relatively small problem into a large one."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jan/31/warning-light-on-kosovo/|title=Warning light on Kosovo|publisher=[[The Washington Times]]|date=2008-01-31|accessdate=2008-08-29}}</ref> On 17 February 2008, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, former KLA commander Hashim Thaci, declared independence from Serbia.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/18/world/europe/18kosovo.html?ex=1360990800&en=579b01366cbc2ea5&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss Kosovo Declares Its independence From Serbia]</ref>

US President [[George W Bush]] announced that he would disregard the 1999 peace agreement and support an independent Kosovo protected

U.S. President [[George W Bush]] announced that he would disregard the 1999 peace agreement and support an independent Kosovo protected by NATO. Russia and Serbia condemned this [[unilateral]] action. Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] described the recognition of Kosovo independence by the United States as "a terrible precedent which will de facto blow apart the whole system of [[international relations]] developed not over decades but over centuries.".

by NATO. Russia and Serbia condemned this [[unilateral]] action. Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] described the recognition of Kosovo independence by the United States as "a terrible precedent which will de facto blow apart the whole system of [[international relations]] developed not over decades but over centuries."  

==Geography==

==Geography==

[[File:Kosovo Albanian ethnic costume and dance.JPG|thumb|Albanian ethnic costume and dance.]]

[[File:Kosovo Albanian ethnic costume and dance.JPG|thumb|Albanian ethnic costume and dance.]]

*Population (2000 est.): 2.1 million.

*Population (2000 est.): 2.1 million.

*Ethnic groups: 90% ethnic Albanians, 6% ethnic Serbs, 2% Bosniaks, Gorani, 1.5% Roma, Ashkali, Egyptians, 1% Turks.

*Ethnic groups: 90% ethnic Albanians, 6% ethnic Serbs, 2% Bosniaks and Gorani; 1.5% Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptians; 1% Turks.

*Religion: The majority ethnic Albanian population, as well as the Bosniak, Gorani, and Turkish communities, and some of the Roma/Ashkalia/Egyptian communities are adherents of Islam. The ethnic Serb population is largely Serb Orthodox. Approximately 3% of ethnic Albanians are Roman Catholic.  

*Religion: The majority ethnic Albanian population, as well as the Bosniak, Gorani, and Turkish communities, and some of the Roma/Ashkali/Egyptian communities are adherents of Islam. The ethnic Serb population is largely Serb Orthodox. Approximately 3% of ethnic Albanians are Roman Catholic.  

*Languages: Albanian (official), Serbian (official), Roma, Turkish (official only in municipality of Prizren), Bosniak, English.  

*Languages: Albanian (official), Serbian (official), Roma, Turkish (official only in municipality of Prizren), Bosniak, English.  

*Education: Adult literacy rates (2004 est.): 94.12% (men 97.30%, women 91.30%). Enrollment (2003 est.)--96% of children ages 7–15 enrolled in primary school.

*Education: Adult literacy rates (2004 est.): 94.12% (men 97.30%, women 91.30%). Enrollment (2003 est.)--96% of children ages 7–15 enrolled in primary school.

On November 17, 2007, Kosovo held parliamentary and municipal elections. These elections were deemed free and fair by international observers. The PDK gained 34.3% of the vote, the LDK gained 22.6%, the New Kosovo Alliance (AKR) won 12.3%, the Democratic League of Dardania (LDD) won 10%, and the AAK won 9.6%. Smaller minority parties also made some small gains. These elections led to a coalition between the LDK and the PDK and to the elevation of Hashim Thaci as Prime Minister of Kosovo. At the behest of Serbian leaders in Belgrade, virtually all Kosovo Serbs again boycotted the vote.  

On November 17, 2007, Kosovo held parliamentary and municipal elections. These elections were deemed free and fair by international observers. The PDK gained 34.3% of the vote, the LDK gained 22.6%, the New Kosovo Alliance (AKR) won 12.3%, the Democratic League of Dardania (LDD) won 10%, and the AAK won 9.6%. Smaller minority parties also made some small gains. These elections led to a coalition between the LDK and the PDK and to the elevation of Hashim Thaci as Prime Minister of Kosovo. At the behest of Serbian leaders in Belgrade, virtually all Kosovo Serbs again boycotted the vote.  

In June 2008, UN Secretary General Ban decided to "reconfigure" UNMIK and reduce the size of the UN presence in Kosovo, effectively ending the UN's role as administrator of Kosovo and welcoming EU deployment of its Rule of Law Mission (EULEX). As Ban stated in his report to the Security Council, "UNMIK will no longer be able to perform effectively the vast majority of its tasks as an international administration." The EU will gradually assume increasing responsibility in the areas of policing, justice, and customs throughout Kosovo.  

In June 2008, UN Secretary General Ban decided to "reconfigure" UNMIK and reduce the size of the UN presence in Kosovo, effectively ending the UN's role as administrator of Kosovo and welcoming EU deployment of its Rule of Law Mission (EULEX). As Ban stated in his report to the Security Council, "UNMIK will no longer be able to perform effectively the vast majority of its tasks as an international administration.". The EU will gradually assume increasing responsibility in the areas of policing, justice, and customs throughout Kosovo.  

The Kosovo judicial system started adapting to the new legal charter on June 15, 2008. Supreme Court judges and prosecutors, district court judges, and municipal courts judges already appointed by the SRSG will continue to serve in their posts until the expiry of their appointment. After the transfer of rule of law functions to the Government of Kosovo, the Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC) will propose to the President of Kosovo candidates for appointment or reappointment as judges and prosecutors.  

The Kosovo judicial system started adapting to the new legal charter on June 15, 2008. Supreme Court judges and prosecutors, district court judges, and municipal court judges already appointed by the SRSG will continue to serve in their posts until the expiry of their appointment. After the transfer of rule of law functions to the Government of Kosovo, the Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC) will propose to the President of Kosovo candidates for appointment or reappointment as judges and prosecutors.  

===Principal Government Officials===

===Principal Government Officials===

[[File:Biden Belgrade war crimes.PNG|right|300px|thumb|[[Joe Biden]] war crimes in Serbia.<ref>https://youtu.be/927i2HAgxms</ref>]]

[[File:Biden Belgrade war crimes.PNG|right|300px|thumb|[[Joe Biden]] war crimes in Serbia.<ref>https://youtu.be/927i2HAgxms</ref>]]

The United States and Kosovo established diplomatic relations on February 18, 2008. The strong bilateral ties the United States shares with Kosovo are maintained through the U.S. Embassy in Pristina, which was opened on April 8, 2008 by then-Chargé d'Affaires ad interim Tina Kaidanow. Prior to independence, the United States maintained U.S. Office Pristina (USOP), with a chief of mission. The U.S. also continues to contribute troops to the Kosovo Force (KFOR), and will be providing staff to the ICO and EULEX missions.  

The United States and Kosovo established diplomatic relations on February 18, 2008. The strong bilateral ties the United States shares with Kosovo are maintained through the U.S. Embassy in Pristina, which was opened on April 8, 2008, by then-Chargé d'Affaires ad interim Tina Kaidanow. Prior to independence, the United States maintained U.S. Office Pristina (USOP), with a chief of mission. The U.S. also continues to contribute troops to the Kosovo Force (KFOR), and will be providing staff to the ICO and EULEX missions.  

During a European Commission-hosted international Donors' Conference on July 11, 2008 the United States pledged $400 million for 2008–2009 to support, among many other things, helping relieve debt Kosovo may inherit. U.S. assistance in Kosovo continues to support good governance through strengthening civil society and political processes, especially targeting minority communities, and will strengthen economic institutions and help private enterprise grow.

During a European Commission-hosted international Donors' Conference on July 11, 2008, the United States pledged $400 million for 2008–2009 to support, among many other things, helping relieve debt Kosovo may inherit. U.S. assistance in Kosovo continues to support good governance through strengthening civil society and political processes, especially targeting minority communities, and will strengthen economic institutions and help private enterprise grow.

====1998 NATO aggression====

====1998 NATO aggression====

{{See also|Clinton administration}}

{{See also|Clinton administration}}

In 1998, President [[Bill Clinton]] attempted to justify NATO's continued existence as a distraction from the [[impeachment]] movement against him.<ref>https://mises.org/wire/new-kosovo-indictment-reminder-bill-clintons-serbian-war-atrocities</ref>  Under Clinton, the [[United States]] led its NATO allies on a bombing campaign allegedly to stop Yugoslav President [[Slobodan Milošević]]'s ethnic cleansing of the Albanians inside of Kosovo. The mission in Kosovo did not go as well as planned. After the air strikes, havoc reigned over Kosovo, abuses continued and human rights organizations listed abuses committed by the Alliance members during the campaign. In an attempt to solve the violence, NATO countries and the [[United Nations]] took on a mission to stabilize and reconstruct the country. The NATO intervention was illegal, destructive, and based on fraudulent claims.<ref>[http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=1666 The U.S.-NATO Military Intervention in Kosovo.]</ref>

In 1998, President [[Bill Clinton]] attempted to justify NATO's continued existence as a distraction from the [[impeachment]] movement against him.<ref>https://mises.org/wire/new-kosovo-indictment-reminder-bill-clintons-serbian-war-atrocities</ref>  Under Clinton, the [[United States]] led its NATO allies on a bombing campaign allegedly to stop Yugoslav President [[Slobodan Milošević]]'s ethnic cleansing of the Albanians in Kosovo. The mission in Kosovo did not go as well as planned. After the air strikes, havoc reigned over Kosovo, abuses continued, and human rights organizations listed abuses committed by the Alliance members during the campaign. In an attempt to solve the violence, NATO countries and the [[United Nations]] took on a mission to stabilize and reconstruct the country. The NATO intervention was illegal, destructive, and based on fraudulent claims.<ref>[http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=1666 The U.S.-NATO Military Intervention in Kosovo.]</ref>

<blockquote>

<blockquote>

====2022 NATO aggression====

====2022 NATO aggression====

On July 26, 2022 [[Biden regime]] foreign minister [[Antony Blinken]] visited Kosovo.<ref>https://www.state.gov/secretary-blinkens-meeting-with-kosovan-president-osmani-and-prime-minister-kurti/</ref>  Days later fighting broke out on the Serbian border.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/rmUpdHopchZj/</ref>  On July 31, 2022 tensions erupted as the NATO puppet attempted to implement discriminatory laws against Serbs.<ref>https://youtu.be/XfBfhBaB8dI</ref><ref>https://youtu.be/2S44XQ78oMg</ref> Serbian President [[Aleksandar Vucic]] issued a plea for peace in Kosovo.  “The atmosphere has been heated up, and the Serbs will not suffer any more atrocities.  My plea to everyone is to try to keep the peace at almost any cost. I am asking the Albanians to come to their senses, the Serbs not to fall for provocations, but I am also asking the representatives of powerful and large countries, which have recognized the so-called independence of Kosovo, to pay a little attention to [[international law]] and reality on the ground and not to allow their wards to cause conflict.” Church bells rang in alarm across the northern part of the province amid reports that armed ethnic Albanians were gathering for another pogrom of the remaining Serbs – as had happened in 2004.  Kosovo special forces appeared in the city of Kosovska Mitrovicaa.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/LhaozSvOvRnN/</ref>  Albanian special forces were deployed to the administrative line.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/6i4UfsvW4Oml/</ref>

On July 26, 2022 [[Biden regime]] foreign minister [[Antony Blinken]] visited Kosovo.<ref>https://www.state.gov/secretary-blinkens-meeting-with-kosovan-president-osmani-and-prime-minister-kurti/</ref>  Days later, fighting broke out on the Serbian border.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/rmUpdHopchZj/</ref>  On July 31, 2022, tensions erupted as the NATO puppet attempted to implement discriminatory laws against Serbs.<ref>https://youtu.be/XfBfhBaB8dI</ref><ref>https://youtu.be/2S44XQ78oMg</ref> Serbian President [[Aleksandar Vucic]] issued a plea for peace in Kosovo.  “The atmosphere has been heated up, and the Serbs will not suffer any more atrocities.  My plea to everyone is to try to keep the peace at almost any cost. I am asking the Albanians to come to their senses, the Serbs not to fall for provocations, but I am also asking the representatives of powerful and large countries, which have recognized the so-called independence of Kosovo, to pay a little attention to [[international law]] and reality on the ground and not to allow their wards to cause conflict.”. Church bells rang in alarm across the northern part of the province amid reports that armed ethnic Albanians were gathering for another pogrom of the remaining Serbs – as had happened in 2004.  Kosovo special forces appeared in the city of Kosovska Mitrovica.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/LhaozSvOvRnN/</ref>  Albanian special forces were deployed to the administrative line.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/6i4UfsvW4Oml/</ref>

==Economy==

==Economy==

Kosovo's citizens are the poorest in Europe, with an average annual per capita income of approximately $1,800, about one-third the level of neighboring Albania. Most of Kosovo's population lives in rural towns outside of the capital, Pristina. Inefficient, near-subsistence farming is common, the result of small plots, limited mechanization, and lack of technical expertise.  

Kosovo's citizens are the poorest in Europe, with an average annual per capita income of approximately $1,800, about one-third the level of neighboring Albania. Most of Kosovo's population lives in rural towns outside of the capital, Pristina. Inefficient, near-subsistence farming is common, the result of small plots, limited mechanization, and lack of technical expertise.  

As a result of international assistance, Kosovo has been able to privatize 50% of its state-owned enterprises (SOE) by number, and over 90% of SOEs by value. Privatized companies have been able to increase sales sevenfold and attract more than 450,000 Euros (approximately $688,500) in new investment. Technical assistance to the Kosovo Electricity Corporation (KEK) has helped improve procedures for billings and collections, increased revenues, strengthened internal accounting procedures and controls, and rationalized budgeting and investment planning. The installation of bulk meters at the sub-station level is facilitating greater accountability for collection performance at the district level. The U.S. Government has cooperated with the World Bank to prepare a commercial tender for the development of new generation and mining capacity. The capacity of KEK's workforce was bolstered by continuing on-the-job training provided to 325 employees.  

As a result of international assistance, Kosovo has been able to privatize 50% of its state-owned enterprises (SOE) by number, and over 90% of SOEs by value. Privatized companies have been able to increase sales sevenfold and attract more than 450,000 euros (approximately $688,500) in new investment. Technical assistance to the Kosovo Electricity Corporation (KEK) has helped improve procedures for billing and collections, increased revenues, strengthened internal accounting procedures and controls, and rationalized budgeting and investment planning. The installation of bulk meters at the sub-station level is facilitating greater accountability for collection performance at the district level. The U.S. Government has cooperated with the World Bank to prepare a commercial tender for the development of new generation and mining capacity. The capacity of KEK's workforce was bolstered by continuing on-the-job training provided to 325 employees.  

Economic growth is largely driven by the private sector, mostly small-scale retail businesses. The official currency of Kosovo is the Euro, but the Serbian dinar is also used in Northern Kosovo and other areas where ethnic Serbs predominate. Kosovo's use of the Euro has helped keep inflation low. Kosovo has maintained a budget surplus as a result of efficient tax collection and inefficient budget execution. In order to help integrate Kosovo into regional economic structures, UNMIK signed (on behalf of Kosovo) its accession to the Central Europe Free Trade Area (CEFTA) in 2006. In February 2008, UNMIK also represented Kosovo at the newly established Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).  

Economic growth is largely driven by the private sector, mostly small-scale retail businesses. The official currency of Kosovo is the Euro, but the Serbian dinar is also used in Northern Kosovo and other areas where ethnic Serbs predominate. Kosovo's use of the Euro has helped keep inflation low. Kosovo has maintained a budget surplus as a result of efficient tax collection and efficient budget execution. In order to help integrate Kosovo into regional economic structures, UNMIK signed (on behalf of Kosovo) its accession to the Central Europe Free Trade Area (CEFTA) in 2006. In February 2008, UNMIK also represented Kosovo at the newly established Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).  

Some of the commodities that Kosovo exports are: mineral products, base metals, leather products, machinery, and appliances. Its main export partners are countries that are members of CEFTA. Some of the products that it imports include: live animals and animal products, fruit and vegetable products, minerals, food products, base materials, machinery, appliances and electrical equipment, textiles and related products, wood and wood products, stone, ceramic and glass products, and chemical products. Its main import partners are the EU, Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and Albania.  

Some of the commodities that Kosovo exports are: mineral products, base metals, leather products, machinery, and appliances. Its main export partners are countries that are members of CEFTA. Some of the products that it imports include: live animals and animal products, fruit and vegetable products, minerals, food products, base materials, machinery, appliances and electrical equipment, textiles and related products, wood and wood products, stone, ceramic and glass products, and chemical products. Its main import partners are the EU, Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and Albania.  

The level of damage done to clearly non-military infrastructural targets in [[Serbia]] would seem to render NATO military commanders and at least some NATO political leaders liable to the same charge that was made against Ratko Mladi and Radovan Karadi by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), "extensive destruction of property:" that they individually and in concert with others planned, instigated, ordered or otherwise aided and abetted in the planning, preparation or execution of the extensive, wanton and unlawful destruction of ... property, not justified by military necessity or knew or had reason to know that subordinates were about to destroy or permit others to destroy ... property or had done so and failed to take necessary and reasonable measures to prevent this destruction or to punish the perpetrators thereof."  

The level of damage done to clearly non-military infrastructural targets in [[Serbia]] would seem to render NATO military commanders and at least some NATO political leaders liable to the same charge that was made against Ratko Mladi and Radovan Karadi by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), "extensive destruction of property:" that they individually and in concert with others planned, instigated, ordered or otherwise aided and abetted in the planning, preparation or execution of the extensive, wanton and unlawful destruction of ... property, not justified by military necessity or knew or had reason to know that subordinates were about to destroy or permit others to destroy ... property or had done so and failed to take necessary and reasonable measures to prevent this destruction or to punish the perpetrators thereof."  

The war supposedly in defense of human rights has produced war crimes by NATO, and a civilian casualty rate that is at least three time higher than the casualty rate of the "intolerable" violations of human rights that NATO was supposedly acting to correct.<ref>[http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/hayden.htm Humanitarian Hypocrisy.] University of Pittsburgh.</ref>

The war supposedly in defense of human rights has produced war crimes by NATO, and a civilian casualty rate that is at least three times higher than the casualty rate of the "intolerable" violations of human rights that NATO was supposedly acting to correct.<ref>[http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/hayden.htm Humanitarian Hypocrisy.] University of Pittsburgh.</ref>

====Kosovo Under UN Administration====

====Kosovo Under UN Administration====

After many years of international administration, Kosovo Albanian authorities continued to press the international community to begin a process to define Kosovo's future status.  

After many years of international administration, Kosovo Albanian authorities continued to press the international community to begin a process to define Kosovo's future status.  

In October 2004, Kosovo held elections for the second 3-year term of the Kosovo Assembly. For the first time, Kosovo's own Central Election Commission administered these elections, under Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) guidance. The main ethnic Albanian political parties were the same as in the 2001 elections, but with the addition of the new party ORA, led by Veton Surroi, and two new Kosovo Serb parties: the Serbian List for Kosovo and Metohija (SLKM) led by Oliver Ivanovic, and the Citizens Initiative of Serbia led by Slavisa Petkovic.. In contrast to the previous Kosovo Government, this election produced a "narrow" coalition of two parties, the LDK and AAK. The December 3, 2004 inaugural session of the Kosovo Assembly re-elected Ibrahim Rugova as President and Ramush Haradinaj as Prime Minister.  

In October 2004, Kosovo held elections for the second 3-year term of the Kosovo Assembly. For the first time, Kosovo's own Central Election Commission administered these elections, under Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) guidance. The main ethnic Albanian political parties were the same as in the 2001 elections, but with the addition of the new party ORA, led by Veton Surroi, and two new Kosovo Serb parties: the Serbian List for Kosovo and Metohija (SLKM) led by Oliver Ivanovic, and the Citizens Initiative of Serbia led by Slavisa Petkovic. In contrast to the previous Kosovo Government, this election produced a "narrow" coalition of two parties, the LDK and AAK. The December 3, 2004 inaugural session of the Kosovo Assembly re-elected Ibrahim Rugova as President and Ramush Haradinaj as Prime Minister.  

In March 2005, Haradinaj resigned as Prime Minister after he was indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY); Haradinaj voluntarily surrendered to authorities and traveled to The Hague to face charges. (Haradinaj was acquitted of all charges on April 3, 2008.) The Kosovo Assembly subsequently elected Bajram Kosumi (AAK) as Prime Minister; Kosumi's resignation in March 2006 led to his replacement with Agim Ceku. After President Rugova's death in January 2006, he was replaced by Fatmir Sejdiu.

In March 2005, Haradinaj resigned as Prime Minister after he was indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY); Haradinaj voluntarily surrendered to authorities and traveled to The Hague to face charges. (Haradinaj was acquitted of all charges on April 3, 2008.) The Kosovo Assembly subsequently elected Bajram Kosumi (AAK) as Prime Minister; Kosumi's resignation in March 2006 led to his replacement with Agim Ceku. After President Rugova's death in January 2006, he was replaced by Fatmir Sejdiu.

=====2004 pogrom=====

=====2004 pogrom=====

On March 17 and 18, 2004 in Kosovo and Metohija eight Serbs were killed on their doorstep, about 4,000 people were permanently displaced, 900 houses and apartments destroyed, 35 churches and monasteries of the Serbian Orthodox Church were damaged and destroyed, including 19 cultural monuments of the first order.

On March 17 and 18, 2004, in Kosovo and Metohija, eight Serbs were killed on their doorstep, about 4,000 people were permanently displaced, 900 houses and apartments destroyed, 35 churches and monasteries of the Serbian Orthodox Church were damaged and destroyed, including 19 cultural monuments of the first order.

In the rampage and terror that took place in Kosovo and Metohija on March 17 and 18, a total of 954 people were injured, 170 Serbs suffered serious injuries at the time. 61 KFOR members and 65 international police officers were also injured during the events. Ethnically, six towns and nine villages were completely cleansed. After March 17, Serbs are no more in Pristina, there are no Serbs in Ferizaj, Gjilan, Gjakova.

In the rampage and terror that took place in Kosovo and Metohija on March 17 and 18, a total of 954 people were injured; 170 Serbs suffered serious injuries at the time. 61 KFOR members and 65 international police officers were also injured during the events. Ethnically, six towns and nine villages were completely cleansed. After March 17, Serbs were no longer in Pristina; there were no Serbs in Ferizaj, Gjilan, or Gjakova.

It all started with an accusation, a claim that has never been proven, that the Serbs were guilty of drowning three Albanian boys in the Ibar River, which took place on March 16 in the afternoon. And an international investigation launched by UNMIK could not prove that, as Albanian media reported at the time, Serb bandits with dogs chased Albanian boys and forced them into the cold river. An avalanche of lies was launched, a manipulated crowd took to the streets and on March 17 Kosovo was "set on fire."  

It all started with an accusation, a claim that has never been proven, that the Serbs were guilty of drowning three Albanian boys in the Ibar River, which took place on March 16 in the afternoon. An international investigation launched by UNMIK could not prove that, as Albanian media reported at the time, Serb bandits with dogs chased Albanian boys and forced them into the cold river. An avalanche of lies was launched, a manipulated crowd took to the streets and on March 17 Kosovo was "set on fire.".

According to estimates by international organizations, between 50,000 and 70,000 Albanians were on the streets of Kosovska Mitrovica, Caglavica, Prizren, Kosovo Polje, Ferizaj, Peja, Gjilan, Pristina on that day... The riots continued on March 18, when Obilic, the village of Svinjare, the Monastery of Devič.

According to estimates by international organizations, between 50,000 and 70,000 Albanians were on the streets of Kosovska Mitrovica, Caglavica, Prizren, Kosovo Polje, Ferizaj, Peja, Gjilan, Pristina on that day... The riots continued on March 18, affecting Obilic, the village of Svinjare, and the Monastery of Devič.

====Kosovo's Status Process====

====Kosovo's Status Process====

Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008. In its declaration of independence, Kosovo committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Ahtisaari Plan, to embrace multi-ethnicity as a fundamental principle of good governance, and to welcome a period of international supervision.  

Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008. In its declaration of independence, Kosovo committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Ahtisaari Plan, to embrace multi-ethnicity as a fundamental principle of good governance, and to welcome a period of international supervision.  

The United States formally recognized Kosovo as a sovereign and independent state on February 18. To date, Kosovo has been recognized by a robust majority of European states, the United States, Japan, and Canada, and by other states from the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Shortly after independence, a number of states established an International Steering Group (ISG) for Kosovo that appointed Dutch diplomat Pieter Feith as Kosovo's first International Civilian Representative (ICR).  

The United States formally recognized Kosovo as a sovereign and independent state on February 18, 2008. To date, Kosovo has been recognized by a robust majority of European states, the United States, Japan, and Canada, and by other states from the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Shortly after independence, a number of states established an International Steering Group (ISG) for Kosovo that appointed Dutch diplomat Pieter Feith as Kosovo's first International Civilian Representative (ICR).  

As part of its commitment to the Ahtisaari Plan, the Kosovo Government rapidly enacted after independence laws on minority protection, decentralization, special protection zones for Serb cultural and religious sites, local self-government, and municipal boundaries.  

As part of its commitment to the Ahtisaari Plan, the Kosovo Government rapidly enacted, after independence, laws on minority protection, decentralization, special protection zones for Serb cultural and religious sites, local self-government, and municipal boundaries.  

The Kosovo Assembly approved a constitution in April, and it entered into force on June 15, 2008. ICR Feith certified that the constitution was in accordance with the Ahtisaari Plan. At the time of certification, ICR Feith also congratulated Kosovo on a modern constitution that "provides comprehensive rights for members of communities as well as effective guarantees for the protection of the national, linguistic and religious identity of all communities."

The Kosovo Assembly approved a constitution in April, and it entered into force on June 15, 2008. ICR Feith certified that the constitution was in accordance with the Ahtisaari Plan. At the time of certification, ICR Feith also congratulated Kosovo on a modern constitution that "provides comprehensive rights for members of communities as well as effective guarantees for the protection of the national, linguistic and religious identity of all communities.".

==Further reading==

==Further reading==

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|style=" background-color: none;"| <small>Some texual work for this article is in the [[Public Domain]] in the United States because it is a work of the United States Federal Government under the terms of Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 105 of the U.S. Code</small>

|style=" background-color: none;"| <small>Some textual work for this article is in the [[Public Domain]] in the United States because it is a work of the United States Federal Government under the terms of Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 105 of the U.S. Code</small>

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