By Sarah Collins - 19th February 2008
The European parliament is calling on member states to recognised Sunday's declaration of independence by Kosovo.
Parliament’s president Hans-Gert Pöttering said the EU has a duty to recognise the nascent state.“The countries of the western Balkans have a European perspective,” he said.“We must help the people of both Serbia and Kosovo to overcome their differences through the angle of European integration, as has already been done in other parts of Europe.”Fellow centre-right deputy Doris Pack warned EU capitals to recognise Kosovo as soon as possible. “A big effort of responsibility is also required from the international community: I call on the member states of the EU to say yes to the people of Kosovo and recognise without delay their instances.”France, Germany, the UK and Italy were the first EU members to recognise the breakaway state’s independence, but other countries including Spain, Greece and Romania feel that accepting the Kosovan parliament’s declaration would set a precedent for their own minorities at home.However, Pöttering stressed that Kosovo “does not set a precedent” because its situation as a UN protectorate is “unique”. He said the decision “was expected and reflects the will of the people of Kosovo”.Doris Pack agreed, but called on Serbs to remain in Kosovo. “It will not be an easy task to organise democratic and efficient institutions, everybody's contribution will be required. “I call on especially the Serbs of Kosovo to remain in their homes and participate in building up a better integrated society, in the light of shared European values.”Serbia’s road to membership of the 27-member EU is also a burning issue, but MEPs feel that a decision on Kosovo should clear the way for accession talks.“At last, I hope, with a clear Kosovo status, Serbia will be able to fully use its potential for ensuring to the youth the perspectives they deserve and for preparing its accession to the EU, without being burdened from the past,” said Pack.According to latest reports, Belgium, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Sweden, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Bulgaria, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Austria, Hungary have also recognised Kosovo, or are gearing up to do so.The Czech Republic, Netherlands, Portugal, Greece and Slovakia are still undecided, while Romania has said outright it will not recognise Kosovo.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.