Dealing with the legacy of conflict is a leading theme in foreign policy. The guns may fall silent, but years can pass before progress is made on a lasting settlement.
That’s why this historic agreement between Serbia and Kosovo is to be profoundly welcomed.
This is not the end of the story, but it is a major step in the right direction. And we should support the vision, courage, determination and resolve of the Serbian and Kosovan Prime Ministers who have signed up to the deal.
We also welcome the role played by the European Union, in this case, EU High Representative Cathy Ashton.
In encouraging leaders to look beyond the narrow concerns of the present toward a brighter future, the EU has a good track record of encouraging aspirant members to take on difficult reforms.
Croatia shows what is possible. On 1 July, it will become the newest member of the European Union after completing the toughest set of accession negotiations yet. Croatia’s own leaders have used the opportunity of joining the EU to make deep and difficult changes, with our strong support. And they know they will need to maintain the momentum of reform to deliver the full benefits of EU membership to its citizens.
The new and rigorous process of EU entry makes countries take a good hard look at what really matters to their citizens. It’s notable that Croatian politics have changed dramatically, away from yesterday’s divisive themes, and towards tackling the same economic issues which preoccupy the rest of Europe.
Others in the region still need to find the courage to move forward. Political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to miss their own deadlines, failing to address the issues which affect their people’s lives. Ordinary citizens are losing out. We want a stable and prosperous future for Bosnia and Herzegovina. We’re still making our contribution, with a company of Irish Guards training there this month as part of the international effort to help ensure that a return to conflict is unthinkable. But the Bosnian leadership needs to do its part.
Those born in the early 1990s when the war broke out in the former Yugoslavia are now in their twenties – a generation has passed and time is moving on. We’ve seen how courageous leadership can make a real difference in Croatia, Serbia and Kosovo. It’s an example for others in the region to follow.