Why Kosovo Is Different

The United States considers Kosovo to be a special case that should not be seen as a precedent for other situations. Events in Kosovo were themselves unprecedented.

Kosovo’s special circumstances include:

• The state of Yugoslavia collapsed in a non-consensual, exceptionally violent way, creating threats to international peace and security that have obliged the UNSC to act repeatedly. 

• Between 1993 and 1999, the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) issued seven resolutions addressing Kosovo. 

• Amid massive human-right violations, the Milosevic government repeatedly disregarded UNSC resolutions demanding a halt to hostilities. 

• The Milosevic regime’s actions in Kosovo and throughout the region undermined international stability and led to cross-border refugee upheavals. 

• In 1999, NATO’s 19 allies reached the consensus decision to take collective action to remove Milosevic’s police and military forces from Kosovo. 

• Kosovo is administered by the United Nations under U.N. Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1244, unanimously adopted (with China abstaining) June 10, 1999, to address Milosevic's actions. Elements of UNSCR 1244 include: denying Serbia a role in governing Kosovo; setting up an interim UN administration; providing for local self-government; and envisioning a UN-led political process to determine Kosovo's future status.