Macedonia recognizes Kosovo
Skopje, October 9 (MIA) - Macedonia's Government decided late Thursday to recognize Kosovo. The decision was made in coordination with Montenegro's Government, which formally recognized Kosovo as an independent country earlier today.
The decision to recognize Kosovo by Macedonia, as EU candidate country and Montenegro, as a potential EU candidate country is a result of careful political assessment and is based on conclusions adopted by the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council on February 12, 2007 and February 18, 2008, as well as on decisions made by the European Council on December 14, 2007, the Governments of both countries said in joint statement.
Macedonia and Montenegro have consistently supported the process of negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina, and they consider the plan of UN Special Envoy for the Kosovo Status Settlement to be a good foundation for finding solution that would contribute to permanent stability and to the new European and Euro-Atlantic perspective of the region. The declaration of independence of Kosovo came after the failure of the international community efforts for Belgrade and Pristina negotiations to result in solution for Kosovo status.
- Taking into consideration that Kosovo institutions made commitment to fully implement principles and provisions in the plan of UN Special Envoy for the Kosovo Status Settlement, the two countries support the building of democratic institutions in Kosovo with the aim to foster multiethnic society in which the rights of all ethnic communities on cultural, religious and language identity will be guaranteed, the statement reads.
Macedonia and Montenegro, guided by core principles of their foreign policy for building good-neighborly relations with all their neighbors remain committed to further development and deepening of the relations with the Republic of Serbia in all areas of common interest, as well as to maintaining traditional ties among the three countries and their peoples. At the same time, the two countries will continue to render support to the Republic of Serbia on its way to European integration.
Macedonia and Montenegro are committed to permanent stability, peace, security and progress of all countries of the region, with clear European and Euro-Atlantic perspective. In this sense, Macedonia and Montenegro will strive for improvement of regional cooperation institutionalized through regional initiatives as well as for full implementation of the free flow of people, goods, capital and ideas.
- Macedonia and Montenegro are firmly convinced that the European integration of the countries of the region in the spirit of the Thessaloniki Agenda represent solid and stable basis for faster economic progress, social development and prosperity which will bring better life to all its citizens.
Macedonian Government made the decision on Kosovo recognition following the Parliament's endorsment of a Resolution on Macedonia-Kosovo relations.
By recognizing Kosovo, Macedonia and Montenegro joined the list of 50 countries, including the US, Britain, France, Germany, Austria, Japan, Italy.../lk/fd/22:53
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