If one thing could disrupt the final status talks on the future of Kosovo (an enclave of Serbia & Montenegro ), then the accusation that NATO allowed the US to interrogate Islamist suspects under its rendition program in Kosovo detention centers could be it. Since the long-delayed final status talks are due to begin at the end of January, the timing of this accusation could not be worse. To a certain extent, this accusation is a larger part of the general hysteria that has pervaded Europe after revelations about the rendition program. A great deal of speculation in the media is not always backed up by hard facts. As a result, the accusations grow on this topic, and it is hard to discern fact from fiction. In addition, there has also been a Guantanamo effect: suspicions that the US has mini-versions of this type of system outside their own territory is met with fear and loathing.

On one hand, NATO has categorically denied the use of its facilities for this purpose. They claim that Camp Bondsteel, the facility specifically in question, was only used to house detainees who were being investigated for their activities in Kosovo, and there are no longer any detainees at Camp Bondsteel. The Council of Europe Committee for the Prevention of Torture is demanding immediate access to verify this claim, pointing out that they have unlimited access to all UN run prisons in Kosovo. They also point out they have been in negotiations for over a year to gain access to Bondsteel. While this may be an issue of diplomatic pride, considering how close the Kosovo final status talks are, it may be wise for NATO to clear up any doubts and open the facility so that the issue can be resolved conclusively.