International reaction to the 2008 declaration of independence by Kosovo

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Kosovo

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The international reaction to the 2008 declaration of independence by Kosovo follows Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia, enacted on 17 February 2008 by a unanimous vote of a 109-member quorum of the Kosovar Parliament, with 109 in favour and 0 in opposition; all 11 representatives of the Serb minority boycotted the proceedings.[1] The act proclaimed the Republic of Kosovo. Concurrently, letters were sent to all the world's governments, soliciting recognition. Accordingly, on 27 February 2008, Germany became the first country to formalise its recognition of Kosovo by renaming its diplomatic office in Pristina as an embassy and on 8 March 2008, the Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt became the first foreign minister to officially visit Kosovo since it declared its independence.[2]

As of September 30, 2008, 47 out of 192 sovereign United Nations member states have formally recognised the Republic of Kosovo. Notably, a majority of European Union member states have formally recognised Kosovo (21 out of 27); EU member states decide individually whether to recognise Kosovo, whereas the EU has commissioned the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) to ensure peace and continued external oversight. Twenty-one NATO member states out of twenty-six and both acceding member states have recognised Kosovo.

A number of states expressed concern over the unilateral character of Kosovo's declaration, or announced explicitly that they will not recognise an independent Kosovo. The UN Security Council remains divided on this issue: of its five members with veto power, three (the United States, United Kingdom, France) have recognised the declaration of independence, while the People's Republic of China has expressed concern, urging the continuation of previous negotiation framework. Russia has rejected the declaration and considers it illegal.[3] On 15 May 2008, Russia, China, and India released a joint statement where they called for new negotiations between the authorities of Belgrade and Pristina.[4]

Of Kosovo's neighbour states other than Serbia, Albania has recognised its declaration of independence, while Montenegro is still uncommitted. The Republic of Macedonia has broached the outstanding issue of border demarcation between it and Kosovo, now raised with the new Pristina government and previously negotiated with the government in Belgrade. The Joint Macedonian-Kosovar Commission on Border Demarcation began operating on 25 March 2008 in Skopje.[5] The actual demarcation process formally started on 30 June 2008.[6] The committee began drawing the border on 2 September 2008.[7]

Due to the ongoing dispute in the UN Security Council, the planned reconfiguration of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and partial handover to the EULEX mission met with difficulties. In spite of Russian and Serbian protest, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon proceeded with the reconfiguration plan. On 15 July 2008, he wrote in his quarterly report on the evolving situation in Kosovo: "In the light of the fact that the Security Council is unable to provide guidance, I have instructed my Special Representative to move forward with the reconfiguration of UNMIK ... in order to adapt UNMIK to a changed reality and address current and emerging operational requirements in Kosovo." According to the Secretary-General, the "United Nations has maintained a position of strict neutrality on the question of Kosovo’s status".[8]

Contents

[edit] Serbia's non-recognition

Main article: Serbia's reaction to the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence
See also: 2008 protests in Serbia

Serbia claims Kosovo as part of its sovereign territory.

Among its reactions, Serbia recalled its ambassadors from countries which recognised Kosovo for consultations[9][10] (the ambassadors accredited to the EU countries returned in July 2008[11]), indicted the Kosovar leaders on charges of high treason, and announced plans to litigate the case at the International Court of Justice. On 15 August, Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić officially filed a request at the United Nations seeking an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. The United Nations General Assembly will vote on this proposal on 8 October 2008.

[edit] States which formally recognise Kosovo as independent

Map of states that have recognised Kosovo independence      Kosovo      States which formally recognise Kosovo as independent      Other states.
Map of states that have recognised Kosovo independence      Kosovo      States which formally recognise Kosovo as independent      Other states.

[edit] UN member states

Country[12] Date of recognition Status of reciprocal diplomatic relations International organisations membership
1  Afghanistan[13] 2008-02-18 First country to recognise Kosovo based on UTC
2  Costa Rica[14] 2008-02-18 (17 February 2008 local time) Flag of the United Nations United Nations Security Council (UNSC) non-permanent member at time of declaration
3  Albania[15][16][17] 2008-02-18 Embassy of Albania in Pristina from 19 February 2008[18]

Embassy of Kosovo in Tirana (to open)[19][20]

 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) acceding member
4  France[21][22] 2008-02-18 Embassy of France in Pristina [23]
Embassy of Kosovo in Paris (to open)[20]		 Flag of the United Nations UNSC permanent member
Flag of Europe European Union (EU) member
NATO member
5  Turkey[24] 2008-02-18 Embassy of Turkey in Pristina[25][26]
Embassy of Kosovo in Ankara (to open)[27]		 NATO member
EU candidate
6  United States[28] 2008-02-18 US Embassy Pristina[29]
Embassy of Kosovo in Washington (to open)[20][30]		 Flag of the United Nations UNSC permanent member
NATO member
7  United Kingdom[31][22] 2008-02-18 British Embassy in Pristina from 5 March 2008[32]
Embassy of Kosovo in London (to open)[20]		 Flag of the United Nations UNSC permanent member
Flag of Europe EU member
NATO member
8  Australia[33] 2008-02-19
9  Senegal[12][34] 2008-02-19
10  Latvia[35] 2008-02-20 Latvia and the Kosovar government established diplomatic relations on 10 June 2008[36] Flag of Europe EU member
NATO member
11  Germany[37] 2008-02-20 Embassy of Germany in Pristina from 27 February 2008[38]
Embassy of Kosovo in Berlin (to open)[20]		 Flag of Europe EU member
NATO member
12  Estonia[39] 2008-02-21 Estonia and the Kosovar government established diplomatic relations in Tallinn on 24 April 2008[40] Flag of Europe EU member
NATO member
13  Italy[41][42] 2008-02-21 Italian Embassy in Pristina from 15 May 2008[43]
Embassy of Kosovo in Rome (to open)[20]		 Flag of Europe EU member
Flag of the United Nations UNSC non-permanent member at time of declaration
NATO member
14  Denmark[44] 2008-02-21 Ambassador of Denmark to Kosovo, subordinate to the Embassy in Vienna, Austria from 6 March 2008[45] Flag of Europe EU member
NATO member
15  Luxembourg[46] 2008-02-21 Flag of Europe EU member
NATO member
16  Peru[47][48] 2008-02-22
17  Belgium[12][49][48] 2008-02-24 Liaison Office of Belgium in Pristina[50]
Embassy of Kosovo in Brussels (to open)[20][30]		 Flag of Europe EU member
Flag of the United Nations UNSC non-permanent member at time of declaration
NATO member
18  Poland[51] 2008-02-26 The establishment of diplomatic relations on ambassadorial level is blocked by President Lech Kaczyński.[52] Flag of Europe EU member
NATO member
19  Switzerland[53] 2008-02-27 Embassy of Switzerland in Pristina from 28 March 2008[54][55]
Embassy of Kosovo in Bern (to open)[20]
20  Austria[56] 2008-02-28 Embassy of Austria in Pristina from 20 March 2008[57]
Embassy of Kosovo in Vienna (to open)[20]		 Flag of Europe EU member
21  Ireland[58] 2008-02-29 Flag of Europe EU member
22  Sweden[59] 2008-03-04 Liaison Office of Sweden in Pristina, subordinate to the Embassy in Skopje, Macedonia[60] Flag of Europe EU member
23  Netherlands[61] 2008-03-04 Embassy of the Netherlands in Pristina from 27 June 2008[62] Flag of Europe EU member
NATO member
24  Iceland[63] 2008-03-05 NATO member
25  Slovenia[12][64] 2008-03-05 Embassy of Slovenia in Pristina from 15 May 2008[65] Flag of Europe EU member
President country of Council of the European Union at time of declaration
NATO member
26  Finland[66][67] 2008-03-07 Liaison Office of Finland in Pristina[68] Flag of Europe EU member
27  Japan[69] 2008-03-18
28  Canada[70] 2008-03-18 NATO member
29  Monaco[71][72] 2008-03-19
30  Hungary[73] 2008-03-19 Embassy of Hungary in Pristina [74] Flag of Europe EU member
NATO member
31  Croatia[75] 2008-03-19 Embassy of Croatia in Pristina (to open)[76] EU candidate
NATO acceding member
Flag of the United Nations UNSC non-permanent member at time of declaration
32  Bulgaria[12][77] 2008-03-20 Bulgarian Embassy in Pristina[78] Flag of Europe EU member
NATO member
33  Liechtenstein[79] 2008-03-25 Liechtenstein's interests are represented by the Swiss embassy[80]
34  South Korea[81] 2008-03-28
35  Norway[12][82] 2008-03-28 NATO member
36  Marshall Islands[12][83] 2008-04-17
37  Nauru[84] 2008-04-23
38  Burkina Faso[12][85] 2008-04-24 Flag of the United Nations UNSC non-permanent member at time of declaration
39  Lithuania[86] 2008-05-06 Diplomatic relations with Kosovo established on 1 September 2008[87] Flag of Europe EU member
NATO member
40  San Marino[12][88] 2008-05-11
41  Czech Republic[89] 2008-05-21 Embassy of the Czech Republic in Pristina from 16 July 2008[90][91]
For details see: Czech Republic's reaction to the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence		 Flag of Europe EU member
NATO member
42  Liberia[12][92] 2008-05-30
43  Sierra Leone[12][93] 2008-06-13
44  Colombia[94] 2008-08-06
45  Belize[95][96] 2008-08-07
46  Malta[12][97][98] 2008-08-21 Flag of Europe EU member
47  Samoa[12][99][100] 2008-09-15

[edit] Non-UN member states

Entity Notes
1  Republic of China (Taiwan) The Republic of China, which has official diplomatic relations with 23 states, recognised Kosovo on 18 February 2008.[101] Kosovo may not necessarily recognise the Republic of China in return. A spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Kosovo avoided reciprocating recognition, saying that the People's Republic of China is a very important country with which Kosovo would like to establish a diplomatic relationship.[102][103][104]

[edit] Other states

[edit] UN member states

Country Response International organisations membership
 Algeria Mourad Medelci, Foreign Affairs Minister, said that "although Algeria sympathises with all Muslim countries, we cannot yet recognise Kosovo as an independent state. There are international laws and they must be respected. We are following the situation very closely".[105][106] On 19 June, during the meeting of Organisation of the Islamic Conference, Algeria was among countries that opposed the recognition of Kosovo as an independent country.[107]
 Angola On 23 June, President José Eduardo dos Santos sent a message to his Serbian counterpart, Boris Tadić, regarding the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo through the Vicente Muanda, chargé d'affaires of the Angolan Embassy in Serbia. Muanda handed over the letter to Jovan Ratković, foreign policy advisor to the President. It reiterated the solidarity of President Eduardo dos Santos and Angola to Serbia, in regard to the preservation of the sovereignty and integrity.[108]
 Argentina Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana said "if we were to recognise Kosovo, which has declared its independence unilaterally, without an agreement with Serbia, we would set a dangerous precedent that would seriously threaten our chances of a political settlement in the case of the Falkland Islands". He said that President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner would not give any official statement on the issue, reiterating that there would be no recognition of Kosovo.[109] Argentina will not recognise also because it "supports the principle of territorial integrity". Additionally, he stressed that the 1999 UN Resolution 1244 called for the mutual agreement of all parties to solve the dispute.[110]
 Armenia On 3 September 2008 President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan stated: "Today one is wondering from time to time why Armenia is not recognizing the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The answer is simple: for the same reason that it did not recognize Kosovo’s independence. Having the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenia can not recognize another entity in the same situation as long as it has not recognized the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic." A nation’s right to self-determination "takes times", requiring the understanding of "all interested parties". Accordingly, Armenia is trying to "convince" Azerbaijan to accept the loss of Karabakh, stated the president.[111][112]
 Azerbaijan Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, Khazar Ibrahim, said "We view this illegal act as being in contradiction with international law. Proceeding from this, Azerbaijan's position is clear: it does not recognise [Kosovo's] independence".[113] Azerbaijan has also withdrawn peacekeepers from Kosovo. Zahid Oruj, member of the parliamentary committee on defence and security, explained it by saying "Owing to the change of situation in Kosovo, the Azeri peacekeeping battalion performing its mission within the Turkish contingent will be withdrawn. Azerbaijan acts in compliance with the country's political stance".[114] At the summit of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference on 10 March, Azerbaijan opposed adoption of the document, proposed by Turkey, that would lend support to Kosovo's declaration of independence.[115] On 19 June, during the meeting of Organisation of the Islamic Conference, Azerbaijan was among countries that opposed the recognition of Kosovo as an independent country.[107]
 Bahrain Since Kosovo's declaration of independence Bahrain has decided to financially support Kosovo, but has not mentioned anything about recognition.[116]
 Bangladesh On 29 June 2008 the Prime Minister, Fakhruddin Ahmed, during a meeting with the United States Ambassador to Bangladesh, James F. Moriarty, has affirmed that "Bangladesh will recognise the new European country". The Prime Minister also assured the US ambassador that "Bangladesh is committed to lobbying Asian Muslim countries to recognise Kosovo. Bangladesh will actively contribute to the development of Kosovo".[117]
 Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko wrote in a letter to President Boris Tadić that "Belarus expresses its solidarity with the Serbians' intention to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity".[118] The National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus had issued a statement condemning the declaration of independence and encouraged all nations to call the move "illegal" under international law.[119][120]
 Bolivia President Evo Morales refused to recognise Kosovo's independence and compared Kosovo separatists to the leaders of four eastern Bolivian states who have demanded greater autonomy from the federal government.[121]
 Bosnia and Herzegovina On 27 August 2008, former Bosnian ambassador in Turkey Hajrudin Somun wrote an editorial discussing Kosovan passports, where he summarized to-date Bosnian position on Kosovo: "As in many other matters, Bosnia and Herzegovina is deeply divided over Kosovo's independence. The parliament of the "Republika Srpska" entity, which covers 49 percent of the country's territory, adopted a special resolution denouncing Kosovo's independence and wide demonstrations have been organized there in protest. Keeping in mind that Serb leaders of that entity have threatened to secede from Bosnia and Herzegovina and join Serbia as compensation for losing Kosovo, Bosnian Presidency Chairman Haris Silajdžić said simply that his country is 'unlikely to recognize Kosovo's independence any time soon due to strong objections from its own Serb community.'"[122]

The Foreign Minister Sven Alkalaj informed the public on 2 August 2008 that by law Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot accept Kosovan passports, until the Bosnian presidency makes such a determination.[123]
 Brazil The Brazilian government reaffirmed its belief that a peaceful solution for the issue of Kosovo must continue to be sought through dialogue and negotiation, under the auspices of the United Nations and the legal framework of Resolution 1244 of the Council Security. In his recent declarations, the Minister of Foreign Relations Celso Amorim defended that Brazil should await a UN Security Council decision before defining its official position on the matter of Kosovo's independence.[124][125]
 Chile In a 27 February 2008 press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile called on the parties concerned to achieve, by peaceable means, through dialogue and adherence to the international law, a solution that respects the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter. Chile will continue to analyse the discussions that have taken and are taking place, both in the UN Security Council, and in the Council of Ministers of the European Union.[126]
 People's Republic of China The Chinese Foreign Minister has made a statement stressing that the PRC "expresses grave concern" over Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence. The Minister's remarks go on to add that "The resolution of the Kosovo issue bears on peace and stability of the Balkan region, the fundamental norms governing international relations as well as the authority and role of the UN Security Council. China always believes that a plan acceptable to both Serbia and Kosovo through negotiations is the best way to resolve this issue", that "the unilateral move taken by Kosovo will lead to a series of consequences. China is deeply worried about its severe and negative impact on peace and stability of the Balkan region and the goal of establishing a multi-ethnic society in Kosovo", stressing that "China calls upon Serbia and Kosovo to continue negotiations for a proper resolution within the framework of the international law and work together to safeguard peace and stability of the Balkan region", and adding that "the international community should create favorable conditions for that".[127][128] On 15 May, Foreign Ministers of India, Russia and China made a joint statement regarding Kosovo during the conference in Ekaterinburg. It was read by the host minister, Sergey Lavrov of Russia, and it said "In our statement, we recorded our fundamental position that the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo contradicts Resolution 1244. Russia, India and China encourage Belgrade and Pristina to resume talks within the framework of international law and hope they reach an agreement on all problems of that Serbian territory".[129][4][130][131] Flag of the United Nations permanent member of the UNSC
 Cuba Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba has not issued an official statement regarding the independence of Kosovo.[132][133][134]

On 29 February 2008, writing in his personal "Reflections of Fidel" column, which is published in the official newspaper of the Communist Party of Cuba, Granma Internacional (and since translated into English and archived on the Radio Rebelde website), Fidel Castro, the ex-President and the current foreign policy advisor to Raúl Castro, attacked Javier Solana, accusing him of being the ideological father of Kosovo's "independence", and by doing so, putting at risk the ethnic cohesion and the very state integrity of Spain or The United Kingdom, both of which experience separatist movements of their own. Referring to Kosovo "independence" (in quotes), Castro made no identifiable statement concerning Cuba possibly witholding its recognition of Kosovo, or granting it.[135]
 Cyprus Then Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou Marcoullis, of the Papadopoulos administration, stated "Cyprus will never recognise a unilateral declaration of independence outside the U.N. framework, and in particular by side-stepping the role of the Security Council".[136] Newly elected President Dimitris Christofias has confirmed that Cyprus would not recognise Kosovo as an independent country, out of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia.[137] Christofias reiterated his opposition to recognition in an interview with a Russian newspaper, saying, "The one thing that Kosovo and Cyprus have in common, as far as the situation in these regions is concerned, is that in both cases, the basic principles of international law and legality, as well as UN decisions, are constantly being violated". The Cypriot president underlined that the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of both Serbia and the Republic of Cyprus were being violated in the most brutal manner.[138] Flag of Europe EU member state
 Egypt A Foreign Ministry spokesman urged the parties to abide by international law and support regional stability, but did not say whether Egypt recognises Kosovo.[139] At the summit of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference on 10 March 2008, Egypt opposed adoption of the document, proposed by Turkey, that would lend support to Kosovo's declaration of independence.[115] On 19 June 2008, during the meeting of Organisation of the Islamic Conference, Egypt was among countries that opposed the recognition of Kosovo as an independent country.[107] On 29 September, Foreign Minister Ahmed About Gheit said that his government is closely following all developments in Kosovo and the region, and that his country will act at the right time regarding the issue of recognition of Kosovo.[140]
 Georgia Foreign Minister of Georgia, David Bakradze, said on 18 February 2008 that Tbilisi would not recognise Kosovo's independence, adding: "I think everyone in Georgia, regardless of political orientation, is unanimous on this".[139][141][142] On 29 March 2008 the Prime Minister, Lado Gurgenidze, gave a recorded interview in Estonia, in which he clearly said in English that as Georgia's friends have recognized Kosovo, it is only natural that eventually Georgia will do likewise. The printed publication of the interview elicited demands by the opposition to impeach him, and the government spokesman stated that the Prime Minister was misinterpreted, after which the Estonian paper Postimees, which conducted and printed the interview, released the audio to the world.[143] On 9 May 2008 President of Georgia, Mikhail Saakashvili, said "We are saying loud and clear that we have never planned to recognise Kosovo. Nor do we plan to do so in the future. The way out of the situation that has been chosen is not the best one. The Serbs should have been given more time for negotiations. The solution for Kosovo was a hasty one."[144]
 Ghana In mid-March 2008, Ghanaian president John Agyekum Kufuor stated that Ghana "would be guided by consultations through the United Nations (UN) system", and that he "wished the best for Serbia to attain genuine peace and stability".[145]
 Greece The day after the declaration, Greece stated that it would make a decision whether to recognize or not independent Kosovo after examining the issue in depth and that its decision would come as a result of close cooperation with European and neighboring countries, bearing in mind Serbia's role in mantaining regional stability.[146]

On 7 July 2008, according to New Kosova Report, President Karolos Papoulias said that his "country is doing positive small and diligent steps in the direction towards recognising Kosovo independence."[147] According to Tanjug, on the other hand he pointed out that UN Security Council Resolution 1244 was still in force and questioned whether "the important principle of territorial integrity [could] be ignored". He also stated that both the U.S. and Russia had an interest in the Balkans, adding that “Europe has made big mistakes in the Balkans.”[148]

On 29 August 2008, following the crisis in the Caucasus, an MFA spokesman replied in passing during a press briefing that Greece did not recognize Kosovo and will not recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia because "the basic principle of respect for the territorial integrity and independence of states" is of "long-standing importance to, and is a fundamental constant of, the Greek foreign policy of all Greek governments."[149] Subsequent official statements issued by the Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis in August and September 2008 about Greece's engagement in EULEX said that Greece has interest in the betterment of the living conditions in Kosovo, especially that of minorities.[150]

As of September 2008, Kosovan citizens can be issued visas in Greek liaison office in Pristina in a specific process as the Kosovan passports are not recognised.[151] Also according to Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, Dora Bakoyannis herself extended an invitation for Kosovo to open a visa-granting liaison office in Athens.[152]

 Flag of Europe EU member state
NATO member state
 Haiti On 28 August, the Parliament Speaker of the Republic of Kosovo, Jakup Krasniqi, was informed in a meeting with the Ambassador of Haiti to the US, Raymond Joseph, that the "Haitian government is in the process of recognition of Kosovo independence."[153]
 India In response to questions on developments regarding Kosovo, an official spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said "We have taken note of the Unilateral Declaration of Independence by Kosovo. There are several legal issues involved in this Declaration. We are studying the evolving situation." "It has been India's consistent position that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be fully respected by all states. We have believed that the Kosovo issue should have been resolved through peaceful means and through consultation and dialogue between the concerned parties."[154] In March, the Indian ambassador to Serbia, Ajay Swarup, told a Serbian newspaper, "India's position on Kosovo has been and still is consistent, and that is that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every country must be fully respected by all other countries." Swarup added that a "high level of India's support to Serbia" can be seen from the comments and articles which appeared in the Indian press following Kosovo's declaration. Swarup also pointed out that Kosovo "can set a very dangerous precedent for similar cases around the world".[155] On 15 May, the Foreign Ministers of India, Russia and China made a joint statement regarding Kosovo during the conference in Ekaterinburg. It was read by the host minister, Sergey Lavrov of Russia, and it said "In our statement, we recorded our fundamental position that the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo contradicts Resolution 1244. Russia, India and China encourage Belgrade and Pristina to resume talks within the framework of international law and hope they reach an agreement on all problems of that Serbian territory".[129][4][130][131] On 31 July Ambassador Swarup stated that "India abides by the principles of international law and does not recognise Kosovo's secession".[156]
 Indonesia 19 February 2008 Foreign Ministry spokesman Kristiarto Soeryo Legowo said that the Indonesian government will closely observe developments in Kosovo and is not yet in a position to give its recognition to the unilaterally declared independence. The issue will be debated in parliament among the Indonesian parties.[157] At the summit of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference on 10 March 2008, Indonesia opposed adoption of the document, proposed by Turkey, that would lend support to Kosovo's declaration of independence.[115] On 27 March, Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda, stated that Indonesia does not see Kosovo as a religious, but as an ethnic and political problem as well as the question of principle of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of a UN member. He said that "Indonesia supports a solution to the Kosovo problem with peaceful means, through dialogue and negotiations", and added that "Indonesia supports Serbia’s idea that the UN General Assembly asks for opinion from the International Court of Justice on the legality of declaration of independence by Kosovo".[158] On 19 June, during the meeting of Organisation of the Islamic Conference, Indonesia was among countries that opposed the recognition of Kosovo as an independent country.[107] On 26 August, Ambassador of Indonesia in Belgrade, Muhammad Dalimunthe, said that "Indonesia stands firmly behind the notion that every move on the international scene must be based on international law, and that is not the case with the unilateral proclamation of Kosovo's independence. Our stance starts with the fact that we respect Serbia’s integrity." and that Indonesia insisted among Islamic countries that Kosovo is a political and not a religious issue.[159]
Flag of the United Nations non-permanent member of the UNSC at the time of the declaration of independence
 Iran On 13 March, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that Iran, after considering the region's issues and conditions, had not recognised the independence of Kosovo.[160]

In early March, Gholamreza Ansari, Ambassador of Iran to Russia, said that "this question has very important aspects. Frankly speaking, the United Nations divided one of its members into two parts, though Article 1244 confirms the territorial integrity of Serbia. This is a very strange event. We think that some countries try to weaken international organisations. Presently, Iran is studying the question of Kosovo's future. Iran expresses its concern over the weakening of international organizations".[161]
 Israel "We haven't decided when we're going to decide, and instead will monitor events and consider the issue," an Israeli Foreign Ministry official said[who?]. Israel will not recognise Kosovo's independence at this time, in part because of the possibility of Palestinians using recognition of Kosovo to justify their own unilateral declaration of independence.[162] Foreign Ministry officials and politicians[who?] are privately voicing a general sympathy towards the Kosovar cause.[163] Knesset representative Ruhama Avraham Balila said that "at present the government of Israel has made decision not to join the group of countries which recognised the independence of Kosovo". She also said that Israel considers the situation "very disturbing".[164]
 Jordan Awaiting the United Nations Security Council's decision.[165]
 Kazakhstan A Kazakh foreign ministry spokesperson said that Kazakhstan opposes Kosovo's unilateral proclamation of independence. Kazakhstan insists the Kosovo issue should be solved peacefully in accordance with UN principles on national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the spokesperson said.[166]
 Kuwait Kuwait's ambassador to Russia said that his country "hopes that all participants of this discussion will listen to a voice of reason and will find the conciliatory proposal".[167]
 Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan will not recognise Kosovo's independence and considers it a dangerous precedent for separatist organisations in the world.[168][169]
 Laos On 27 February, Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that "The Lao PDR urged all sides to respect the resolution of the UN Security Council No 1244, dated 10 June 1999, recognizing Kosovo as a Serbian province".[170]
 Libya According to Serbia, Abdulhati Al Obeidi, Secretary for European Affairs of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, after meeting with the Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Jeremić on 17 March 2008, stated that Libya will not recognise a unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo. Al Obeidi said that Libya strongly supports the position of Serbia regarding Kosovo, despite the pressure from the European Union and some Islamic nations to recognise, and that Libya considers the unilateral declaration of independence illegal. Al Obeidi stated that Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi considers the UN Security Council to be the only place where the Kosovo problem can be solved the right way.[171].[172] Flag of the United Nations non-permanent member of the UNSC at the time of the declaration of independence
 Macedonia "The Republic of Macedonia will decide its view when we deem it most appropriate for our interests," said President Branko Crvenkovski, soon after the declaration of independence by Kosovo. Crvenkovski also said that Macedonia would follow the position of NATO and the EU on Kosovo, but pointed out that nations in the two organisations have to yet to assume a common stance.[173][174] On 27 March 2008, the Macedonian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Milošoski, expressed his concern regarding the delay in the technical demarcation of the Macedonia-Kosovo borderline, and asked that the issue be solved in accordance with the Ahtisaari proposal for Kosovo[175] reiterating Macedonia's support for the Ahtisaari plan, which had been endorsed before the declaration of independence.[176] On 10 July, Foreign Ministry spokesman Petar Čulev announced that Macedonia will accept new Kosovan passports.[177] Members of both ethnic Albanian parties in Macedonia, the DUI and the DPA, have been vocal in their support of recognition of Kosovo.[178][179] Some members of the Border Demarcation Commission recently stated that the demarcation should be finished by Autumn, and speculated that talks about recognition would begin after that.[180] The Foreign Minister neglected to answer questions on the issue at that time.[181] On 21 September the Prime Minister, Nikola Gruevski, stated "currently we don't have anything new" with respect to the Macedonian position, and reiterated previous stances.[182] EU candidate country
NATO candidate country
 Malaysia On 20 February, Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed news on Kosovo independence. On 21 February the head of Malaysia's Liaison Office in Pristina, Mustafa Mansor, said that Malaysia had recognized Kosovo,[183] however on 24 April, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim stated that there were many things needed to be considered before taking a decision on the matter and that Malaysia "is not in hurry to impose recognition or otherwise".[184][185] In August 2008 Serbian Foreign Minister claimed in public, after the meeting between Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, that Malaysia has frozen its process to recognise Kosovo until further notice.[186] But two days later, in a meeting with Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu, the head of Malaysia's Liaison Office in Pristina, Mustafa Mansor, stated: "this is an issue still being considered", elaborating that Malaysia has not made up its mind one way or the other.[187][188] On 28 August, Malaysian ambassador in Belgrade Saw Ching Hong stated that he believes that Malaysia would back Serbia in its initiative to seek the opinion of the International Court of Justice and that it would certainly not vote against the plan as "Malaysia is a country that believes in the International Court of Justice" and that it had itself twice called upon the ICJ regarding territorial disputes with Indonesia and then Singapore.[189]
 Mali Mali's President Amadou Toumani Touré was reported in the press as having expressed the Malian stance on Kosovo as follows: "International norms must be respected, because their abuse and the violation of territorial integrity could threaten a series of countries with a similar problem".[190]
 Mexico On 19 February 2008 the Foreign Ministry issued a statement: "Our country is closely paying attention to the situation as it develps in order to adopt, at an opportune moment, a position on what took place last Sunday".[191] The same statement calls on all parties to agree peacefully, through dialogue, on the final status of Kosovo and to reach an agreement on the rights of minorities and maintaining peace and security in the Balkans.[192]
 Moldova Kosovo's declaration creates "deep concerns in the Republic of Moldova," the Moldovan government said in a statement. Moldova will not recognise Kosovo's independence.[193]
 Montenegro On 24 June, Prime Minister Milo Đukanović said "Many important member states of the EU and the international community as a whole have already recognised Kosovo so I do not believe that any serious person would like the wheel of history to go back. We are acting rather cautiously for two reasons. The first is that we are a neighbour of both Kosovo and Serbia, so we should help rather than feed fuel to the fire by making rush moves. The second is that we have been independent for only two years now and we have achieved this independence by leaving the Union with Serbia. Our independence has left some traumas on the Serbia-Montenegro relationship."[194] Three days later an official with the governing DPS party said that recognising Kosovo "is not currently on the agenda of national priorities."[195] On 7 July 2008 Montenegrin Minister of Foreign Affairs told Podgorica media that his government will recognise Kosovo’s independence. He did not, however, say when the government would make such an announcement. When he asked whether it will be sooner or later he responded with "Neither I nor anyone else can say at this moment. It shall happen as soon as we conclude that it is politically best for Montenegro."[196] However, on 15 July, in an interview with a Russian radio station, Prime Minister Đukanović said that his nation has not yet taken a position on recognition, adding that this "restraint" was caused by the need to contribute, as a neighbor, to stability in the region and improve relations with Serbia.[197] In July 2008, Government of Montenegro accepted new passports of Kosovo. Foreign Minister Jusuf Kalamperović said that that this act did not mean recognition of Kosovo but that Montenegro, as a member of the UN, would accept all documents accepted by UNMIK. He said that Montenegro "would not think of closing its borders to citizens and goods from Kosovo".[198]
In September 2008 Prime Minister Milo Đukanović announced that the President Filip Vujanović will reveal the Montenegrin decision regarding Kosovo at the United Nations General Assembly[199] but Vujanović did not even mention Kosovo in his speech.[200]
 Mozambique The Mozambican government has not yet taken a position on whether to recognise Kosovo. The Deputy Foreign Minister said, "It's a very sensitive matter and like all matters of this kind, it demands a lot of thought. Our government will work so that it may make the most appropriate decision in this case".[201] Deputy Foreign Minister Henrique Banze said "We shall wait for the appropriate moment"
 New Zealand "It's never been the New Zealand Government's position to recognise in such circumstances. Over time the way in which we deal with those who govern in the territory will, I suppose, imply whether there is recognition, but we are not intending to make a formal statement," said Prime Minister Helen Clark.[202]
 Nicaragua The chancellor of Nicaragua, Samuel Santos, said that the government of his country maintains a position of "observation" to the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo. "Nicaragua is watching the issue of Kosovo's independence, we have friends who are in agreement with this independence and other friends who disagree, there are some who are saying that [independence] is a threat to peace in that tender area. We just look at [this case and] we have no opinion on this issue."[203]
 Niger Niger's ambassador to the U.S. Toure Magiu discussed the situation in Kosovo with Kosovar Parliament Speaker Jakup Krasniqi and was given a copy of Kosovo's constitution. Krasniqi called for Toure to pressure Niger's government on recognition. Toure thanked Krasniqi for the information and said she would inform Niger's government and the president of Niger on the political developments in Kosovo.[153]
 Pakistan The Foreign Ministry says that it "support[s] the legitimate aspirations of the Kosovars".[204]
 Panama Panama regrets that Serbia and Kosovo could not come up with a negotiated solution and has no current policy on whether to recognise or not recognise Kosovo's independence.[205] Flag of the United Nations non-permanent member of the UNSC and Rotating President at the time of the declaration of independence
 Paraguay Paraguay has taken note of the independence declaration and is analyzing the situation.[206]
 Philippines Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo said in a statement: "Considering the existing sensibilities in the region, continued dialogue should be encouraged among all the parties concerned to ensure regional stability".[207]
 Portugal Portuguese Prime Minister José Sócrates has said he will recognise Kosovo in due course but only after consultations with his country's leaders and the president, Aníbal Cavaco Silva. The latter said that Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence was "abnormal" and called on his country's government to consider any recognition carefully. The President is worried for the safety of the Portuguese contingent serving in Kosovo.[208].The Assembly of the Republic discussed the issue twice and parties agreed that Portugal should not recognise Kosovo for now because the UN and the EU have not yet reached a consensus position.[209] On 31 March, Foreign Minister Luís Amado stated that the independence declaration of Kosovo was a rupture of the international law and that the effect of precedent does not depend on Portugal recognising or not as the precedent is aleady created, for a breach of the principles of international law and the question of minorities. He accused the European Union of irresponsibility in the conduct of the process up to 2007 and pointed out the necessity of the process to return sooner or later to the Security Council of the United Nations. He also stated that the easy and efficient transmission of competencies and powers of the UNMIK to the EULEX mission is not secured.[210] Flag of Europe EU member state
NATO member state
 Qatar On 19 June 2008 the Prime Minister who is also Foreign Minister, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabr Al Thani, at an Islamic summit in Uganda declared that "his country is in the process of recognising the Republic of Kosovo." This information was earlier stated by Qatar's UN representative during a late May 2008 meeting with the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kosovo.[117][211]
 Romania A joint session of Parliament voted not to recognise Kosovo's independence by 357 to 27, with support from all parties except the UDMR. Also the President and the Prime Minister oppose recognition.[212][213][214] Flag of Europe EU member state
NATO member state
 Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin described the recognition of Kosovo's unilaterally declared independence by several major world powers as "a terrible precedent" that "breaks up the entire system of international relations" that have taken "centuries to evolve", and "undoubtedly, it may entail a whole chain of unpredictable consequences to other regions in the world" that will come back to hit the West "in the face".[215] During an official state visit to Serbia following the declaration, Russian President-elect Dmitry Medvedev reiterated support for Serbia and its stance on Kosovo.[216]

Russia has also said that the recent violence in Tibet is linked with the recognition by some states of the independence of Serbia's breakaway province, Kosovo. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in an interview with a Russian newspaper, also linked the demands for greater autonomy by ethnic Albanians in Macedonia with the Kosovo issue. Lavrov said, "There are grounds to presume that this is not occurring by chance. You can see what is happening in Tibet, how the separatists there are acting. The Albanians in Macedonia are already demanding a level of autonomy that is a clear step toward independence. Furthermore, events in other areas of the world give us grounds to assume that we are only at the beginning of a very precarious process".[217]

On 23 March Vladimir Putin ordered urgent humanitarian aid for Kosovo Serb enclaves.[218] Prime Minister of Kosovo, Hashim Thaci, opposed the Russian plan for sending aid to Kosovo Serbs. He stated that Russia could only send aid if it was agreed and coordinated with Government in Pristina.[219]

On 15 July, President Dmitry Medvedev stated in a major foreign policy speech "For the EU, Kosovo is almost what Iraq is to the United States.... This is the latest example of the undermining of international law".[220]

 Flag of the United Nations permanent member and current Rotating President of the UNSC
 Saint Kitts and Nevis On 27 March Kosovo's declaration of independence was discussed at a meeting of St. Kitts & Nevis' Foreign Affairs Consultative Committee. It is "to be researched for fuller examination in future meetings".[221] The St. Kitts & Nevis Foreign Ministry had the following to say in a commentary article: "The feud between Serbs and Albanians in Kosovo date back to the 7th century and it would be naïve to expect the conflict will be resolved overnight. The issues relating to territory, sovereignty, religion, ethnicity and minority rights are intricate to the fracas in the Balkans."[222]
 Saudi Arabia On 7 April 2008 King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia was reported as having promised that his country will recognise Kosovo during a meeting he held in Riyadh with Albania's parliament speaker, Jozefina Topalli.[223] On 27 May 2008 Abdulrahman Al-Suahibani, the chargé d'affaires at Saudi Arabia's embassy in Vienna, was reported to have told Kosovo's Foreign Minister that "Saudi Arabia will recognise Kosovo very soon".[211]
 Singapore On 18 February 2008 the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement through its spokesman regarding Kosovo's declaration of independence: "Singapore is still studying the matter. This is a controversial move that has many complex ramifications around the world. The situation under international law is not clear and the kind of precedent that could be set needs to be carefully assessed. We hope international mediation efforts would continue so that a solution acceptable to all parties can be found".[224] According to Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić, who met with Singaporean officials in August 2008, Singapore does not intend to recognise Kosovo and it considers the unilateral declaration a dangerous precedent which could cause instability throughout the world.[225]
 Slovakia On the day of the declaration, Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued this statetment on its website: "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic takes note of the Kosovo unilateral declaration of independence. For the time being Slovakia does not consider recognising Kosovo on the basis of this declaration. Slovakia has always been in favour of the final settlement of the Kosovo status based upon an agreement with the decisive role of the UN Security Council in accordance with the UN-approved principles of the Contact Group. As agreed by the international community prolonging of the status quo was not a solution, either. Slovakia will closely follow the development of the situation in Kosovo and the region as well as the steps of the international community. Only after evaluating the situation Slovakia will decide on its further steps.At the same time, Slovakia will support all activities of the UN, European Union, NATO OSCE and Council of Europe regarding Kosovo, primarily by the means of Slovak participation at NATO (KFOR) and the EU (EULEX) missions based on the UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).[226]
Prime Minister Robert Fico was on Slovak television where he stated that the declaration of independence is analogous to the Munich Agreement that allowed the Third Reich to annex the Czechoslovak territory of Sudetenland. Few months later Robert Fico said "I do not exclude the possibility that Slovakia will never recognize Kosovo. Kosovo is not some independent territory, it is an integral part of Serbia where Serbs, and members of the Albanian ethnic minority live".[227] Deputy Prime Minister Dušan Čaplovič said that by declaring independence without Serbian consent, Kosovo broke international law and created a precedent.[228]
On 11 July 2008, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Ján Škoda announced that Slovakia will not accept Kosovan passports, and will consider its bearers to be illegally in Slovakia, even if they are in a possession of a valid Schengen visa.[229][230]		 Flag of Europe EU member state
NATO member state
 South Africa South Africa has called for further negotiation between Serbia and Kosovo, in its capacity as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.[231] At a press conference on 19 February 2008, a spokesman from South Africa's Department for Foreign Affairs stated that the South African "government will be studying... the political and legal implications of this new development", that "there is no way South Africa can consciously not want to take a position on this. But you can only take a position in a matter that is not ongoing... It's a question of time before South Africa takes a definite position", and that "it's not a question of us being in the majority or minority, as it has never been. It's not a question of us being with Russia or China and it has never been and it will never be. We've got our own principles that guide us".[232] Flag of the United Nations non-permanent member of the UNSC at the time of the declaration of independence
 Spain Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Ángel Moratinos said that "the Government of Spain will not recognise the unilateral act proclaimed by the assembly of Kosovo [...] We will not recognise because we consider [...] this does not respect international law". He also added that in order for it to be legal, secession requires either an agreement between the parties or a U.N. Security Council resolution.[233] Spain will not take part in the EULEX mission until legal questions over how it will replace the UN administration are answered. Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Ángel Moratinos told a meeting of European Union Foreign Ministers in Slovenia that Spain will not send its contingent to the EULEX mission until there has been a formal transfer of powers from the United Nations.[234] Flag of Europe EU member state
NATO member state
 Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka called Kosovo's declaration of independence a violation of the U.N. Charter and emphasised its concern that the act "could set an unmanageable precedent in the conduct of international relations, the established global order of sovereign states and could thus pose a grave threat to international peace and security".[235]
 Sudan At the summit of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference on 10 March 2008, Sudan opposed adoption of the document, proposed by Turkey, that would lend support to Kosovo's declaration of independence.[115] On 28 August Sudan’s envoy to the UN Abdel-Haleem Abdel-Mahmood stated that his government remains opposed to the independence of Kosovo and that they will support Serbia’s request that the UN General Assembly ask for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice.[236]
 Tajikistan Asomudin Saidov, Foreign Minister, stated that Tajikistan will not recognise Kosovo's independence as it considers it to be the violation of legal norms and a danger for Europe.[237]
 Thailand Awaiting the decision of the United Nations Security Council.[238]
 Uganda The Ugandan government is carefully studying Kosovo's declaration of independence before it makes a decision to recognise it as a state or not.[166]
 Ukraine Ukraine has yet to come up with a final position regarding Kosovo as of 3 September 2008. The President stated on 19 February 2008 that Ukraine's position on the situation is first of all following national interests and international law. He emphasised that Ukraine's position proceeds from the opinion that the decision on recognising Kosovo or not requires timing for most of the world's countries. "We proceed from hope that resources of regulation through talks have not been yet exhausted."[239] On 18 February 2008 the Ministry of Foreign affairs stated that "The multilateral mechanisms, such as EU, OSCE, UN, should play an important role."[240] On the other hand, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee for Foreign Affairs, Oleh Bilorus, said on 20 February 2008 that Ukraine will back Serbia's stand on Kosovo at a session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to be held February 21-22 in Vienna.[241] On 16 April 2008, Office of mass media relations of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Secretariat issued the following statement on the Government Portal official website: "Ukraine will decide on its position concerning independence of Kosovo after corresponding assessment by international institutions." Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko said that Ukraine lies in the neighbrohood of several countries facing territorial problems and "That’s why before taking any decision, Ukraine wishes to know whether Kosovo is already a norm, a common practice or a unique event the world should react on." Yulia Tymoshenko noted that Ukraine is holding multilateral diplomatic consultations, with the aim of establishing how Kosovo independence is perceived, which will allow it to determine its stand in this issue.[242]
 Uzbekistan The Uzbek government believes that questions of independence should be decided in the UN assembly. As for Kosovo, Uzbekistan has yet to come up with a final position.[243]
 Venezuela Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez announced that Venezuela does not recognise Kosovo's independence on the grounds that it has been achieved through U.S. pressure and criticised a recent political movement calling out for a more autonomous Zulia state..[121][244] On 24 March Chavez accused Washington of trying to "weaken Russia" by supporting independence for Kosovo. He called Kosovo's new leader, Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, a "terrorist" put in power by the U.S. and noted that the former rebel leader's nom de guerre was "The Snake".[245]
 Vietnam UN Ambassador Le Luong Minh "reaffirmed Vietnam policy that the fact that Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence is not a correct implementation of the U.N. Security Council Resolution 1244 and that will only complicate the situation in Kosovo and the Balkan region".[246] Flag of the United Nations non-permanent member of the UNSC at the time of the declaration of independence
 Zambia In early March 2008, Foreign Affairs Minister, Kabinga Pande, said that Zambia has not decided its position on the declaration of Kosovo's independence. Pande said the government needs more time to analyse the matter.[247]

[edit] Non-UN member states

Entity Notes
 Abkhazia President Sergei Bagapsh of the Republic of Abkhazia, another country with only partial recognition, regards "the promotion of Kosovo by the U.S.A. and some European states towards the declaration of independence as a visible demonstration of the policy of double standards". The Sukhumi government controls most of the former Abkhazian ASSR, which was part of the former Soviet Georgia. "Why does not the world community put any attention to the violent actions against ethnic minorities living in Kosovo..., the lack of interethnic reconciliation ...", Sergey Bagapsh notes. "We are solidly convinced of the fact that [now] we have got an even wider moral base for the recognition of our independence."[248] On 5 August 2008, the Abkhazian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Shamba, said he is ready to recognise Kosovo's independence, "if Kosovo agrees to recognise our own (Abkhazia) independence, we will certainly recognise them as well".[249][250]
 Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Georgiy Petrosyan, minister of foreign affairs of the non-recognised, de facto independent Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, does not regard the conflict between his motherland and Azerbaijan, and the conflict between Kosovo and Serbia as completely similar. He noted that "approaches and solutions, which have recommended themselves while regulating one problem, can be used when looking for a solution to another one". Petrosyan stated that "the recognision of independent Kosovo will become an additional factor strengthening the status of [the] Stepanakert government" that he represents.[251]
 Northern Cyprus The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is recognised only by Turkey and is an observer of The Organisation of the Islamic Conference. President Mehmet Ali Talat has welcomed Kosovo's independence, but the TRNC has not yet decided to recognise Kosovo.[252][253]
Palestinian flag Palestinian Authority[254] Shortly after the declaration, two senior Palestinian officials representing the Mahmoud Abbas West Bank-controlling government, who also are part of the team negotiating with Israel, disagreed on what the Kosovo events implied for Palestine.[255] Yasser Abed Rabbo said, "Kosovo is not better than us. We deserve independence even before Kosovo, and we ask for the backing of the United States and the European Union for our independence. If things are not going in the direction of continuous and serious negotiations, then we should take the step and announce our independence unilaterally". Saeb Erekat responded that the Palestine Liberation Organization had already declared independence in 1988. "Now we need real independence, not a declaration," said Erekat, "We need real independence by ending the occupation. We are not Kosovo. We are under Israeli occupation and for independence we need to acquire independence".[citation needed]
Flag of Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic The Polisario Front, which governs the partially recognised (by 45 states) Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, has stated that the speedy recognition of Kosovo's independence by many countries shows the double standards of the international community, considering that the Western Sahara issue remains unsolved after three decades.[256]
 South Ossetia President Eduard Kokoity of the Republic of South Ossetia, stated that it is not fair to compare this breakaway region with Kosovo because South Ossetians have far more right to a state of their own than Kosovo Albanians. He said that "Kosovo Albanians got independence after NATO's aggression on Serbia. Americans and NATO member countries took away Serbia's province. I feel sincerely for the Serb people. Serbs had a well-organized state that provided for a normal life for Albanians. For this reason, what Americans have done to the Serbs is injustice."[257]
Transnistria Transnistria, a de-facto independent, but internationally unrecognised republic which seceded from Moldova in 1990, has no policy towards Kosovo, but the Foreign Ministry has said that "The declaration and recognition of Kosovo are of fundamental importance, since thereby a new conflict settlement model has been established, based on the priority of people's right to self-determination. Pridnestrovie (Transnistria) holds that this model should be applicable to all similar political, legal, and economic bases".[258]
 Vatican City[259] (Holy See) Pope Benedict XVI said the Vatican called for "prudence and moderation" in Kosovo and Serbia. The Holy See urged politicians in the region to show "a decisive and concrete commitment to ward off extremist reactions and violence", Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi announced. "The Holy Father continues to look with affection at the people of Kosovo and Serbia, is close to them and is praying at this crucial moment of their history," the statement said.[260][261] In June 2008, Walter Cardinal Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, stated that "the Holy See has not recognised Kosovo as an independent state, and has no intention to do so in the near future."[262][263]

[edit] Non-states

Entity Notes
 Chechen Republic of Ichkeria (government in exile) Usman Ferzauli, the Foreign Minister of the Chechen republic of Ichkeria's government in exile, said that the rebels "welcome the declaration of state independence by Kosovo and do not question the right of the people of Kosovo to distance themselves from the state that terrorised it".[264]
Flag of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front Kashmir On 11 March 2008 the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front staged a demonstration in Brussels in front of the European Union Commission building. It was headed by one of its leaders, Barrister Abdul Majeed Tramboo, and its agenda cited Kosovo's independence, demanding equal treatment and commensurate application of the same solution by the EU in the Kashmir dispute involving India, Pakistan and China. Protesters included EU Parliament members, students and various NGO constituents and representatives.[265] The nationalist-minded JKLF is part of the 26-entity political and religious coalition All Parties Hurriyat Conference. One of its leaders, Syed Faiz Naqshbandi, addressing the 7th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, "appealed to the world body to impress upon India to allow international delegations to visit the occupied territory to take stock of the human rights situation".[266]
Flag of Crimea Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People (Crimea in Ukraine) Mustafa Cemilev, the Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People supported the right of self-determination for every nation, including Kosovo.[267] He also added that the Crimean Tatars, of which he is leader, will not start a secession process from Ukraine if their rights are respected. Cemilev thinks that the motive for the Kosovars to declare independence was the anti-Albanian situation in Kosovo.[268]
 Republika Srpska Republika Srpska, one of the two entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has adopted a resolution through which it denounces and refuses to recognise the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo from Serbia. In addition, the parliament has adopted a resolution which states that in the event that a majority of EU and UN states recognise Kosovo's independence, Republika Srpska will cite the Kosovo secession as a precedent and move to hold a referendum on its own constitutional status within Bosnia and Herzegovina. Finally, the resolution calls upon all Republika Srpska officials to do everything in order to prevent Bosnia and Herzegovina from recognising Kosovo's declared independence.[269]
 Tamil Eelam IRNA, the Islamic Republic News Agency, quoted sources reflecting the view of the Tamil movement that it hailed the independence of Kosovo. "According to IANS, the Colombo-based radical Tamil daily Sudar Oli in its editorial said it was not surprising that the Sri Lankan government was the first to condemn Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence (UDI)". The view of the Tamil movement is that "Kosovo's independence is a historical necessity, an unavoidable event" and that "Kosovo shows that the chains of oppression will not last and that some day, they will break".[270]
 West Papua (Western New Guinea) Richard Samuelson, Co-Director of the Free West Papua Campaign, based in Oxford, published a letter questioning Sir John Sawers, UK Ambassador to the UN, pointing out that his official speech at the UN advocating and motivating Kosovo's independence is completely congruent point for point with advocating and motivating West Papua's independence from Indonesia, on which the UK has been silent.[271]

[edit] International organisations

[edit] Governmental organisations

International organisation Notes
 UN Russia called an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council on 17 February, but the council members, given differences in stated position between permanent members, failed to reach a consensus. Russia requested another meeting on 18 February. With Russia stating its intention to use its veto to prevent any recognition by the United Nations, Kosovo has no current prospects for membership.[272] The UN has told Serbia to cease its interference in Kosovo.[273]
Member states (47 / 192) It is expected that Russia's refusal to recognise Kosovo will prevent Kosovo from attaining a seat at the UN, as Russia is one of the five permanent members of the Security Council from which Kosovo will need unanimous approval.[274] China, which has expressed concern, and Britain, France, and the United States, which take the opposite position and recognise Kosovo, are among the other permanent members. There are ten other non-permanent members, five of which have recognised Kosovo.
 EU The European Union does not possess the legal capacity to diplomatically recognise any state; member states do so individually. The majority of member states have recognised Kosovo. To articulate a common EU policy of either support or opposition to Kosovan independence would require unanimity on the subject from all 27 member states, which does not presently exist. On 18 February, the EU officially stated that it would take note of the resolution of the Kosovo assembly.[275] The EU is sending a EULEX mission to Kosovo, which includes a special representative and 2000 police and judicial personnel.[276][277]
Member states (21 / 27) Candidates (2 / 3)
Flag of Europe European Parliament On 30 May 2008 the European Parliament announced that it recognises the Republic of Kosovo as an independent nation. This was also the first time Kosovo's flag was officially hoisted at an EU institution.[278][279]
International Monetary Fund On 15 July 2008 the IMF issued a statement saying "It has been determined that Kosovo has seceded from Serbia as a new independent state and that Serbia is the continuing state", thus acknowledging the separation of Kosovo from Serbia. The IMF has received a membership application from the Republic of Kosovo.[280] IMF presently provides technical assistance and monitors the economic development of Kosovo.[281]
NATO NATO maintains that its ongoing Kosovo Force mission and mandate remain unchanged and continues to operate under the agreement "between KFOR and the Republic of Serbia from June 1999".[282]
Member states (21 / 26) Candidates (2 / 3)
 OIC Secretary General of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference Prof. Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu said "Kosovo has finally declared its independence after a long and determined struggle by its people. As we rejoice this happy result, we declare our solidarity with and support to our brothers and sisters there. The Islamic Umma wishes them success in their new battle awaiting them which is the building of a strong and prosperous a state capable of satisfying of its people".[283] OIC is leaving official recognition to the individual states as some member states, including Azerbaijan, Egypt, Indonesia and Sudan, were firmly against any issuance of such a statement.[284]
Member states (6 / 57)
OSCE On 18 February 2008, Chairman Ilkka Kanerva stated that each of the 56 members of the OSCE will decide themselves whether or not to recognise Kosovo.[285] The next day, Kanerva and OSCE Minorities Commissioner Knut Vollebæk called for Kosovo's government to vigorously implement agreed-upon frameworks regarding minorities.[286] Serbia has vowed to oppose OSCE membership for Kosovo and is calling for the organisation to condemn the declaration of independence.[285]
Member states (32 / 56)

[edit] Non-governmental organisations

International organisation Notes
International Olympic Committee An Olympic Committee of Kosovo has been in existence since 1992,[287] which is not recognised by the IOC. On 17 February 2008, the president of the IOC's commission of international relations announced that the IOC is set to recognise Kosovo.[288] A day later, an IOC spokeswoman specified the requirements that Kosovo needs to meet before being recognised by the IOC, most notably it has to be recognized by the United Nations as independent first.[289]
UNPO The Hague-based Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization, whose members comprise 69 entities seeking self-determination and representation, of which Kosovo (listed as Kosova) is one, issued a statement on 18 February 2008:[290] "for regions in similar conditions, Kosova’s independence represents new hope for the future of their own potential statehood".

In the days that followed, several African UNPO members expressed on the internet their own individual secession-minded reactions to Kosovo's independence.[291]

[edit] See also

[edit] Notes and references

  1. ^ "Kosovo rejoices in independence: Ethnic Albanians cheer; Serbia calls declaration illegal". Chicago Tribune (2008-02-18). Retrieved on 2008-03-01.
  2. ^ Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt to visit Kosovo and Macedonia, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, 6 March 2008.
  3. ^ "Kosovo breakaway illegal, says Putin" (2008-02-15). Retrieved on 2008-03-18. 
  4. ^ a b c "Russia, India, China urge resumption of Kosovo talks", Xinhua (2008-05-15). Retrieved on 2008-06-19. 
  5. ^ "Macedonian-Kosovar border demarcation panel starts work", MakFax Online Internet Daily Paper (Skopje, Republic of Macedonia), Makfax (news agency) (2008-03-25). Retrieved on 2008-05-09. 
  6. ^ "Macedonia, Kosovo formally start border demarcation", Southeast European Times (2008-07-01). Retrieved on 2008-07-18. 
  7. ^ "Kosovo, Macedonia start border demarcation process" setimes.com 2 September 2008 Link accessed 03/09/08
  8. ^ "UNSG Report on the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, 15 July 2008 (S/2008/458)", United Nations (2008-07-18). Retrieved on 2008-07-18. 
  9. ^ "Serbia recalls ambassador from US", BBC (2008-02-19). Retrieved on 2008-07-25. 
  10. ^ "Canada recognizes Kosovo, Serbia pulls ambassador" (2008-03-18). Retrieved on 2008-07-25. 
  11. ^ "Govt. to return ambassadors", B92 (2008-07-24). Retrieved on 2008-07-25. 
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "List of countries that have recognised the independence of the Republic of Kosovo" (in English, Albania, Serbian). Official website. Office of the President of the Republic of Kosovo (2008). Retrieved on 2008-09-20.
  13. ^ "The Statement of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on the Recognition of Independence of Kosovo". Kabul, Afghanistan: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Afghanistan (2008-02-18). Retrieved on 2008-05-09.
  14. ^ "Costa Rica se pronuncia por la independencia de Kósovo" (DOC) (in Spanish). Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Culto (2008-02-17). Retrieved on 2008-02-18.
  15. ^ "Statement of Prime Minister of Albania Mr. Sali Berisha on Recognition of Independence of Kosova". Republic of Albania Council of Ministers (2008-02-18).
  16. ^ "Albania: US, EU states first to recognise Kosovo", Balkan Insight (2008-02-17). Retrieved on 2008-02-17. 
  17. ^ "Albania recognises independent Kosovo", Reuters (2008-02-18). Retrieved on 2008-02-18. 
  18. ^ "The Republic of Albania establishes Diplomatic Relations with the Republic of Kosovo at Ambassadorial Level". Albanian MFA (2008-02-19). Retrieved on 2008-07-18.
  19. ^ "Albania In Kosovo Embassy Gift". Balkan Insight (2008-03-05). Retrieved on 2008-07-18.
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h i Kosovo president signs decree for nine diplomatic missions - Xinhua xinhuanet.com 19 June 2008 Link accessed 19/06/08
  21. ^ "Kosovo declares independence". Ministry of Foreign Affairs, France (France Diplomatie website) (2008-02-18). Retrieved on 2008-05-09.
  22. ^ a b Nicholas Kulish and C. J. Chivers (2008-02-19). "Kosovo Is Recognized but Rebuked by Others". Retrieved on 2008-05-09. 
  23. ^ "Ambassades et consulats français à l'étranger - KOSOVO" (2008-07-01).
  24. ^ "Statement of H.E. Mr. Ali Babacan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, Regarding the Recognition of Kosovo by Turkey". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey (2008-02-18). Retrieved on 2008-05-08.
  25. ^ "Turkey Opens Embassy in Kosovo" news.trendaz.com 17 September 2008 Link accessed 2008-09-18
  26. ^ "Turkey to open embassy in Kosovo" turkishdailynews.com 9 July 2008 Link accessed 2008-07-09
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International reaction to the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence
Master list · Kosovo
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Names in italics indicate non-sovereign (dependent) territories and/or former countries.
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