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EU FMs oppose Kosovo's independence
Tue, 20 Nov 2007 05:52:35
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Ballot counting in Saturday's elections
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European Union foreign ministers have urged Kosovo not to declare any unilateral independence after elections in the Serbian province.
Hashim Thaci, expected to become the Prime Minister of the majority ethnic Albanian province after Saturday elections, said parliament would declare independence after a Dec. 10 deadline for international mediation efforts.
Russia does not support independence for Kosovo in the UN Security Council, while the US has voiced support for its independence.
EU countries have different views, but after talks among EU ministers, British Europe Minister Jim Murphy said that "above 20 EU states supported recognizing Kosovo's independence."
"Kosovo should have her independence (but) it shouldn't be an unmanaged unilateral declaration. It should be one that is coordinated with the international community," he said.
Several states neighboring the Balkans, as well as Germany and Spain have been the most uncertain to support a unilateral declaration.
German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier told reporters that an agreed solution would benefit everyone, including Russia, more than a unilateral declaration, which is only partially recognized.
AGB/MMN
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