- International Steering Group for Kosovo
The International Steering Group for Kosovo had its inaugural meeting on Thursday
February 28 ,2008 . It is set up to guideKosovo 's democratic development and promote good governance, multi-ethnicity and the rule of law in accordance with the Ahtisaari plan on Kosovo. The group is also responsible for appointing theInternational Civilian Representative for Kosovo , similar to theHigh Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina , who will be the "ultimate supervisory authority over the implementation of the settlement." The group has been declared "illegal" by Serbia and condemned by Russia. [cite news|url=http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=45295§ionid=351020606|title=Kosovo Steering Group enrages Serbia|publisher=Press TV |date=2008-02-29 |accessdate=2008-03-09] [cite news|url=http://en.rian.ru/world/20080303/100494001.html|title=Russia protests Kosovo steering group establishment|publisher=RIA Novosti |date=2008-03-03|accessdate=2008-03-09]The first International Civilian Representative appointed by the group is
Pieter Feith who also serves as theEuropean Union Special Representative in Kosovo. The International Steering Group (ISG) holds that "“one of the criteria for becoming member of ISG is recognition [of Kosovo’s independence] .” cite news|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/10356/|title=New States Join Kosovo's Supervisory Body|publisher=Balkan Insight|date=2008-05-21 |accessdate=2008-05-21]Members
There are 22 countries who are members of the Steering Group 15 of which were at its formation with seven others joining later. Every country in the group recognizes Kosovo's declaration of independence.
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* (joined30 June 2008 ) [http://www.unpo.org/content/view/8360/122/ UNPO - Kosova: Membership of International Organisations the Next Step ] ]
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* (joined30 June 2008 )
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External links
* [http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/02/28/europe/EU-GEN-Austria-Kosovo.php First meeting of International Steering Group for Kosovo held in Vienna]
International Herald Tribune
* [http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8V3CQ883&show_article=1 Int'l Steering Group on Kosovo holds 1st meeting in Vienna]Breitbart
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