PEOPLE OR TERRITORY? A proposal for Mitrovica
PEOPLE OR TERRITORY? A proposal for Mitrovica

Author(s): Author Not Specified
Subject(s): Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Inter-Ethnic Relations
Published by: ESI – European Stability Initiative
Keywords: Mitrovica conflict; Kosovo development;
Summary/Abstract: At a conference in Wilton Park on 1 February 2004, ESI presented its analysis of Mitrovica’s economic and social predicament to Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serb leaders, together with a proposal for a way forward in 2004.1 To balance the fears and concerns on both sides, ESI’s Wilton Park proposal consists of a package of measures, to be implemented in parallel during the course of 2004. The Wilton Park event revealed broad agreement among local representatives as to the severe social and economic challenges facing Mitrovica, and on the need for immediate action to reverse the cycle of decline. There was a genuine willingness to search for solutions that would ensure a future for the town, and to explore the potential for a locally-negotiated package agreement along the lines outlined here.This paper argues that there is scope for a compromise solution acceptable on both sides of the river Ibar, in order to pre-empt the economic and social death of the Mitrovica region. Such a solution would need to come soon, however, while Mitrovica is still able to attract the international attention and resources required for a serious development strategy.

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