Written question asked by John Grogan (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 February 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 February 2009. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Monday, 23 February 2009 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Kosovo: Politics and Government

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in Kosovo; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has written to Prime Minister Thaçi warmly congratulating him on the first anniversary of Kosovo's independence, and has made a statement to the press.In its first year, Kosovo's leaders have made significant progress in demonstrating their commitment to implementing Ahtisaari's Comprehensive Settlement Proposal. Since the largely peaceful transition to independence last February, a new constitution has been brought into force, important legislation has been created to protect communities within Kosovo, the EU's Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), has deployed across Kosovo and the Kosovo security force has been created. Throughout this, Kosovo's Government have tackled obstacles and worked constructively with international partners.Prime Minister Thaçi has announced the Kosovo Government's priorities for 2009: creating opportunities for capital investment and jobs, modernising Kosovo's infrastructure, improving education and the health service and creating a cleaner environment. These are key goals, and there is other important work to do too: improving outreach to communities, for which a successful outcome of the programme to devolve competences to representative local government is important, and working together with EULEX to tackle rule of law issues.

Secondary information