German foreign minister urges EU states to accept Kosovo independence

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle has reinforced Germany’s stance on Kosovo’s independence on the last leg of his Balkan tour in Pristina on Friday, calling on all EU states to accept the status of the former Serbian province, which Serbia still regards as part of its territory. “There is concern in several countries … that the recognition of Kosovo could mean something for other conflicts in other states,” Westerwelle said. “This is not the case.” Kosovo has been recognized as an independent state by 69 countries, including 22 in the EU. Cyprus, Spain, Greece, Slovakia and Romania – all of which are grappling with rebellious domestic groups – have refused to accept its independence. “The recognition of Kosovo is a case of sui generis,” Westerwelle said “Twenty-two states have decided as Germany did. Five others are hesitating. I ask them after the clear decision of the court: Follow the majority in the European Union.” Court ruling Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 Westerwelle was referring to the July ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that declared Kosovo’s independence in line with international law. Westerwelle also discussed the matter with Serbian leaders during his visit to Belgrade on… Read full this story

• Days after Shehbaz Sharif signal, India invites Pakistan’s Foreign Minister
• City of London boost after Australia's PM urged EU not to punish UK's financial sector
• German government split over sending tanks to Ukraine as Scholz overrules foreign minister
• Russia's foreign minister criticizes West's policies in Balkans
• India invites Pakistan's foreign minister for SCO meeting in May, according to media reports
• China 'more likely' to invade Taiwan - and attack could come in 2027, island's foreign minister Joseph Wu warns
• WATCH: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Says He Doesn’t ‘Think There Was Any Coercion’ From Trump To Zelensky | The Daily Wire
• Hungary's foreign minister believes Sweden's government should 'act differently' if it wants to join NATO
• Zelensky tackles corruption by axing ministers, vowing ‘the state won't show weakness'
• Diplomatic envoys try to resolve Serbia-Kosovo tensions with talks in Pristina and Belgrade

German foreign minister urges EU states to accept Kosovo independence have 331 words, post on www.dw.com at August 27, 2010. This is cached page on Vietnam Art News. If you want remove this page, please contact us.