Statement by British Foreign Secretary David Miliband following recognition of Kosovo by Montenegro and Macedonia

Published date: 10.10.2008 13:49 | Author: Naslovna strana

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I welcome the decision taken today by the Governments of both Montenegro and Macedonia to acknowledge the political reality in the Western Balkans and recognise the independence of Kosovo. Given the close historic ties both countries have with Serbia and as neighbours of both Serbia and Kosovo, the decision has not been an easy one but it is key to embedding stability in the region in which Montenegro and Macedonia have a shared interest and a positive role to play. Key challenges for an independent Kosovo and her neighbours lie ahead delivering stability and prosperity for all people in the region. I strongly believe in the European future of the whole of the Western Balkans it is what the people of the region want and deserve

Notes for Editors

Since her declaration of independence on 17 February 2008, 50 countries have recognised Kosovo as an independent, sovereign State (Montenegro and Macedonia are 49th and 50th) including 22 EU members (latest being Portugal on 8 October), all of the G7 and five other regional neighbours (Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia).