1、Order Code RS2172 1 Updated July 19, 2005 CRS Reort for Conaress I V Received through the CRS Web Kosovos Future Status and U.S. Policy Steven Woehrel Specialist in European Affairs Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Summary The future status of Kosovo is perhaps the most sensitive and pot
2、entially destabilizing political question in the Balkans. The Administration views getting Kosovo right as key to integrating the Balkans into Euro-Atlantic institutions. This report discusses the issue of Kosovos future status; that is, whether it should become an independent country, or have some
3、form of autonomy within Serbia. Talks on Kosovos status could start in fall 2005, if Kosovo is deemed to have made sufficient progress on a set of standards established by the international community. The 109th Congress may consider legislation on Kosovos status. This report will be updated as event
4、s warrant. For more on the current situation in Kosovo, see CRS Report RL3 1053, Kosovo and U.S. Policy. Background The current status of Kosovo is governed by U.N. Security Council Resolution 1244, passed in June 1999 at the end of the Kosovo conflict. The resolution authorizes an international mil