Standing up for Kosovo

MONTREAL – When I picked up a copy of the Globe and Mail last week and read that Canada had recognized Kosovo’s independence, all I could think was: Good for Ottawa. It was no doubt a difficult decision but the right one.

Predictably, Serbian Ambassador Dusan Batakovic threw a fit, issued the exaggerated statement that Canada had violated international law and announced that he was being recalled.

Now, it is plainly a country’s option to yank its main diplomatic representative from another’s capital as a sign of displeasure. Let us hope, though, that this strained relationship does not drag on for too long. Nations cannot move past their differences unless they communicate directly. Besides, there are far more issues at stake between Canada and Serbia than the status of Kosovo.

But, for the moment, the facts, motivations and justifications behind the action that prompted the diplomatic uproar compel our attention.

First, Canada did not recognize Kosovo hastily; it waited for several weeks after Pristina declared independence. As Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier recently noted, “It was important for us, in the beginning, to assess the situation on the ground. We took our time, and now we’re ready to do it.”

Second, Bernier appropriately cited his country’s obligations under NATO and the United Nations to protect Kosovo.

Third, Canada apparently has drawn a conclusion similar to the one I reached in February, that an independent, sovereign Kosovo threatens no one. In truth, what better way is there to right past wrongs against the majority population of the new state?

Fourth, as much as Batakovic would like to stir up controversy by suggesting that Canada has set a precedent for secessionist movements such as the one in Quebec, he is off-base. As far as I am concerned, Kosovo is unique and has nothing to do with Quebec. More specifically, when I initially supported Kosovo’s independence, I purposely included this caveat: that not all bids for separate status are equal or appropriate. It is certainly no secret that here in Quebec, about half of the residents support the idea of independence. At the same time, because the rights of those in Quebec are well-protected, it is not surprising that most people in past referenda have voted to remain a part of Canada.

Fifth, Serbia continues to behave as if it bears no responsibility for the circumstances that made Kosovo so desperate to break away. Actually, the nasty, repressive behavior of the country’s past leaders ignited the crisis in Kosovo, ushered in ethnic cleansing and conflict, and led to NATO and U.N. involvement. Thus, it is both ironic and hypocritical for Belgrade to carry on excessively when other countries recognize Kosovo.

Actually, the nations that have stood up for Kosovo so far deserve applause; I am pleased to see Canada add its voice. And I anticipate that more countries will come to the realization that the best way to protect the people of Kosovo against a return to the abuses of the past is to allow them to set their own future.