"Disagreements go toward recognition of Kosovo"

"Disagreements go toward recognition of Kosovo"

The head of the program for Southeastern Europe at the Hellenic Foundation for Foreign and European Policy, Ioannis Armakolas, told Koha Ditore that he has no knowledge about the latest moves of Belgrade in connection with the Macedonian problem, but clarified that the recognition of that country by Belgrade under its constitutional name meant "throwing down the gauntlet at Greece, which has always supported Serbia all these years."

He added that this is "an old story that Athens never opened in the past."

Armakolas said the fact that certain foreign policy circles in Greece are talking about it shows the dissatisfaction with the reaction of Belgrade to the visit of Greek foreign minister to Kosovo, including a statement by Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic.

"I think that the statement of Minister Dacic that a potential change of the Greek stance on Kosovo would be contrary to international law and friendly relations between the two countries was tactless," he was quoted as saying.

Greece is one of the five EU countries that do not recognize Kosovo's independence.

Ethnic Albanians in this Serbian province unilaterally declared independence in 2008. Serbia rejected the proclamation as a violation of its territorial integrity and Constitution.