The geopolitical background to the conflict

The violence on the border between Serbia and Kosovo is a consequence of international disagreement about whether to recognise Kosovo, the left-liberal daily Der Standard writes: "The United States and the most important EU states have always spoken out against a division of Kosovo. But nothing has happened. Although the EU mission is there, the border is de facto not being monitored. After three years of independence, local criminal structures have formed that are flourishing in this lawless area. Therefore besides Belgrade's political interests there are also the economic interests of the local mafia. It was naive to believe that it would be possible to resolve the question of North Kosovo in a 'technical dialogue' between Belgrade and Prishtina. Because this is not only a bilateral conflict but also a geopolitical one: Russia and therefore China as well support Serbia, the US and most of the EU Europeans support Kosovo. A political solution is required."

» full article (external link, German)
More from the press review on the subject » Politics, » Unrest / Riots, » Serbia, » Kosovo
All available articles from » Adelheid Wölfl

» To the complete press review of Thursday, July 28, 2011