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Reconstruction in the Balkans needs to be perceived principally as a conflict prevention strategy, which
should focus on restoring the rule of law as well as strengthening the process of democratisation. The
latter depends in turn on security, both physical and material: an atmosphere of fear and insecurity sustains extremist rulers and generates conflict.
For some time at least, security in the region will require the active involvement of the international
community which should be expected to undertake both internal and external security tasks in Kosovo
and Bosnia-Herzegovina, as well as elsewhere, if and when the need arises. This might well be in the form of an international civil presence or an OSCE security presence.
Temporary political arrangements, notably through the creation of ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ protectorates, are costly, especially in terms of reconstruction and sustainable economic development. Issues of status and borders in the Balkans need to be settled sooner rather than later; but they cannot be imposed from outside. Any number of solutions is indeed possible. What is absolutely crucial, however, is that a permanent political solution is both legal and legitimate: acceptable to the parties involved, the neighbouring countries and the international community. Unfortunately, the necessary conditions are not
yet there; and they must be created gradually.

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