Slovak Foreign Affairs Minister Jan Kubis thinks that in case that the southern Serbian province of Kosovo unilaterally declares independence, it is still unclear what stance Slovakia will take. He agrees with Prime Minister Robert Fico who cannot imagine that Slovakia would recognize Kosovo, which would declare independence unilaterally. "We have a problem with that. So I really do not suppose that in case it comes to a unilateral declaration of independence, the Slovak Republic will recognize Kosovo," stated Minister Kubis for SITA new agency. He continued that the position of the European Union (EU) will be important, which will be discussed by EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Friday. Minister Kubis, who visited Belgrade and Pristina this week, believes that Serbs will not use its armed forces to defend the country's unity. "In case of unilateral declaration of independence, they very clearly stated they would use all means -- except armed forces -- [that is] political, diplomatic, economic, to let clearly know that they disagree with it," Mr. Kubis said. Serbian politicians can still see room for negotiations, unlike Kosovars. They intend to declare independence after December 10. Until that date, the UN Secretary General is to receive a final report on latest unsuccessful negotiations.
Kosovar representatives have announced that that if the U.N. Security Council does not approve Kosovo's independence, they would declare independence unilaterally. "The European Union is still working on its statement. I think that it will correctly wait for the report. We [foreign ministers of EU countries] are to meet [on December 7] in Brussels with a European Union representative who is to present the report of the three-member group with a commentary. That will be decisive for the discussion as well as final stance of the EU. Some countries, Slovakia including, fear that Kosovo's separation from Serbia will encourage separatists in other part of Europe.
StoryEditor