The Strategic Threats

Kosovo: A Dangerous Precedent

Speech delivered by Mr. Avigdor Lieberman , Chairman of Israel Beytenu  Party, Deputy of The Knesset, at the Plenary Session on the issue of recognition of Kosovo’s independence, 02.25.08

Distinguished Madam Speaker, distinguished Ministers and Deputies!

It is with great concern that I have been following the dangerous process unfolding in Kosovo. It is my belief that we are facing here a highly perilous precedent, and one can only guess how soon we will have to deal with its impact on the situation in our region.

First of all I would like to stress that the province of Kosovo has never been independent. Throughout its history Kosovo has never been granted independence even for a minute. We are speaking here about an integral part of Serbia, a region located in the very heart of a sovereign state, a UN member. I want also to emphasize that Serbia so far has been adhering to all international laws and regulations. Officially, the former Yugoslavia disintegrated to form six independent republics. For example, when Montenegro that had been the closest natural ally of Serbia decided to separate, a referendum was held there. And Serbia did recognize the outcome of the referendum although the Serbs were very much against the idea of separation. But Montenegro indeed had been one of the federal republics that got independence after the disintegration of Yugoslavia. Kosovo is a case of an entirely different nature. Once an autonomous province where, due to an ironic twist of history, Albanians formed the ethnic majority, it announces unilateral declaration of independence. And this is done when there exists the sovereign state of Albania enjoying full recognition of the international community.  Let me emphasize again that the Albanian ethnic minority in this region emerged as a result of an accidental turn of history, and yet this majority today is declaring the establishment of an independent state named Kosovo by way of a unilateral separation from Serbia.

I think the consequences of this event may be far reaching. It will have an impact, first of all, on the whole system of international relations.  There is another concern: today any issue related to separatism and ethnic minorities is a matter of great sensitivity and significance.  Never before has the international community recognized an unilaterally proclaimed independence in a form of a state declared by an ethnic group.

What kind of political development that might follow suit one can expect, for instance, in Europe? Again, we can clearly see application of double moral standards in the behavior of many world nations. It is obvious that it is not moral principles that underlie the politics of each of these countries, but rather their own interests and nothing else. Germany, for example, where there are no ethnic minorities so far, hurried on to recognize Kosovo. Spain, on the other hand, having severe problems with Bask separatists, strongly objects to such recognition.  Cyprus, divided into the Greek part and the Turkish part, is another country that strongly opposes to Kosovo’s independence. Georgia, the most faithful ally of the USA among the former Soviet republics, voices its categorical disagreement, being deeply involved in problems with Abkhazia and South Ossetia. In fact, Georgia claimed it would never recognize Kosovo as a state.   The Transnistria is a disputable problem  between Moldova and Romania… In short, in matters like this every country is guided not by the high moral principles, but entirely follows its own interests. However, the consequences of this approach are going to be severe.

What impact is it going to have on our situation? I have already heard the statement by Yasser Abed-Rabu who, taking the advantage of the Kosovo precedent, said: ”If the peace talks are stopped, we will declare the independence of the Palestinian state unilaterally”.  I have no doubts at all that this precedent may affect our situation even in another 5, 10 or 15 years.  What prevents, for instance, the Galilee Arabs from declaring their own independent state? And if they do, I fail to see how they can be stopped in it so after the Kosovo precedent.

Those analysts in Israel who stand for recognizing Kosovo adduce the following argument: at last there is a secular Muslim state on the international arena, and we should encourage and appreciate the process that brought about such an outcome. Unfortunately, the major trends in the Islamic world are of exactly opposite direction: secular countries are being transformed into religious Islam states. One example is Turkey, a Muslim country that was initially established and designed based on the principles of secularism stated in its Constitution. We all remember Ataturk, the revolution of the Young Turks, the Constitution they adopted and its main principle being the secular nature of the Turkish state. And now look at the latest trends in the Turkish society – we see a movement in the reverse direction. Look at the latest elections in Turkey, the recent legislation adopted by the parliament - they all clearly show the reverse trend. Let us look at Iran, a country that  30 years ago used to be the most faithful ally not only for Israel, but for all the Western World. Look at the events there. Thus, the fact that Kosovo today is a secular Muslim state is not an argument at all. It cannot be used as an argument since we know from our own experience that trends my change in the nearest future.

Let us look further. Those who call for recognizing Kosovo say: “But if the USA have already supported Kosovo’s independence, how can we act in defiance of Americans in this case?” I remember the last elections in the Palestinian Autonomy, which Ariel Sharon vigorously opposed. But the USA insisted on the elections to be held, and these elections were, in fact, the making of the American State Department.  And what are the results that we all face? HAMAS and Kassams! The ability to say “NO“ even to one’s best friend is a real test for our leaders.

In our view, there are going to be far-reaching consequences. Moreover, let us have a closer look at the current trend within the Israeli society. I mean the document issued by the Superior Observance Committee of Israeli Arabs that claims: “We will never recognize the State of Israel as a Jewish and Zionist state”. Add to this claim their appeals to the Arab citizens urging them not to serve in the Israel Defense Forces, not serve in police, not to do the alternative service…

Yesterday a hot debate took place in the Knesset Committee on Education concerning the alternative service for the Arab youth. Naturally, most journalists, many of whom, by the way, did not attend the session, chose to pay attention only to “piquant” details that usually interest the yellow press. Let me explain the issue. The alternative military service for Israeli Arabs emerged as a result of the work of the committee headed by David Ivri. Now, a Knesset deputy considering himself a successor of Azmi Bishara takes the floor and says that David Ivri is a nationalist, an extremist and a chauvinist, and that Arabs who do the alternative service will be treated as outcasts. Are those young Arabs who volunteer for alternative service committing any “crime against their own people”? They are going to work at a hospital in Nazareth, to help the sick people - and they are treated like lepers. This example shows us that trends among Arabs in our own country are completely clear.

That as why I want to appeal again to our government and Ministry of Foreign affairs:

do realize that this precedent is inadmissible, the State of Israel should by no means recognize it, this is an issue where we cannot be influenced by other countries and recognize Kosovo’s independence. And once again, I want to respond to those who claim this event will not turn into a precedent. I did hear the statement issued by the USA State Department claiming that Kosovo is a special case and that recognizing Kosovo’s independence is not going to serve as a precedent, that such practices would not be tolerated in other cases. Trust me, this is a precedent. I already see how it is going to be used to serve their purposes of ethnic minorities in any country. Already in at least four points on our planet statements have been made to that effect. This is what is stated in the declaration made by the national leaders of Abkhazia, formally a constituent of Georgia: ”The Kosovo precedent does apply to us”.  Similar statements were made by the leaders of South Ossetia and  the Transnistria.  As for our region, I have already mentioned the statement made by Yasser Abed-Rabu who also considers the recognition of Kosovo’s independence to be a precedent.

In view of the aforesaid, I hope that the government when considering the issue will act out of common sense, and that our leaders will demonstrate enough wisdom and political will to stand for the Interests of Israel. We should remember Charles de Gaulle’s words: “France has no friends; only interests”. Our country also has interests, and those are interests of vital importance, concerning the very existence of the State of Israel. Let us act accordingly. I want to thank you for your attention.”

On behalf of the government, Minister Yakov Edri responded to Mr. Lieberman. He said that the government does not intend reaching a decision concerning Kosovo’s independence until the matter is studied comprehensively: ”The official position of Israel at the moment is that the issue needs to be examined. It is my strong hope that eventually a decision will be reached that best serves the interests of the State of Israel. I suggest the matter be passed to the Knesset Committee on Foreign Affairs and  Security for further consideration.”

The deputies voted unanimously for passing the issue of recognizing Kosovo’s independence to be considered by the Knesset Committee on Foreign Affairs and  Security.