European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said he welcomed all positive contributions of individual EU members regarding the future political status of Kosovo in a letter addressed to Slovenian President Janez Drnovsek.
Barroso said he especially values contributions from countries such as Slovenia, which (like Kosovo) used to belong to the former Yugoslavia. The insight of such countries into this complex issue is positive, his letter was reported as saying by Drnovsek's office on Wednesday.
Barroso added that the European Commission believes that appointing Marti Ahtisaari as the UN's special envoy to Kosovo presents an important first step in solving the issues in the province.
Therefore, the Commission will actively support Ahtisaari in solving Kosovo's future status in accordance with the EU Council's decision on 7 November 2005, Barosso added in the letter.
Barroso also said he hoped the European Commission could count on Drnovsek's support for Ahtisaari's mission, who wants to reach a solution for Kosovo that would be satisfactory for all of the region's inhabitants, as well as for the residents of neighbouring countries and Europe as a whole.
Drnovsek addressed a letter to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso in October, offering Slovenia as the venue for preliminary, informal talks on Kosovo's status.
Drnovsek also outlined a nine-point plan for resolving the province's status. He sent the plan to Annan and Barroso and a number of world leaders.
Annan has already responded to Drnovsek's letter, welcoming his contribution to the debate on a status of the province of Kosovo.
Drnovsek's Kosovo plan envisages that the international community would transfer all powers to Kosovo authorities in 18 months, during which time general and presidential elections would be held.
Under the plan Kosovo would become independent in five years, provided that the international community concludes that fundamental democratic standards are being respected.
Coming under heavy fire from Belgrade, Drnovsek issued another letter in early November, stressing that the Serb minority in the province must be guaranteed security and given sufficient autonomy in Kosovo.
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