I attended the Council of Europe meeting in Strasbourg on the 21st and 22nd of January in my capacity as British Member on the Committee of Equal Opportunities for Women and Men and the Committee on Economic Affairs and Development. The hot topic surrounding the meet was the issue of Kosovo’s independence. The matter is coming to a head with various stakeholders and international bodies attempting to find a sustainable, fair and peaceful way through the impasse. It is my view that independence for Kosovo is natural and the right thing to happen but I hope it can be done in the right way. The issue is due to be considered again in following CoE meets.
Mark Oaten