Lajčak confirms Kosovo stance

There is a broad consensus in Slovakia against recognizing Kosovo, the country's new foreign minister, Miroslav Lajcak, says. Lajcak, who was until recently the international community's high representative in Bosnia, said that he will defend that position. Slovakia is one of the five EU member states that have not recognized Kosovo Albanians' unilateral declaration of independence. Lajcak confirms Kosovo stance "Kosovo has declared independence in the way in which it did, and for 54 countries of the world that was enough to recognize it. For the rest, it was not," he told Bratislava daily SME. Lajcak also stresses that the stance on this issue which puts in it minority within the EU, is not an obstacle for his country. He explained that the broad consensus on Kosovo includes all ruling and opposition parties, "except one", and that it is also widely supported in the Slovak society. "There is an absolutely majority opinion in Slovakia that Kosovo's independence should not be recognized, and for this reason, Slovakia has not done so. And that is a fact which I, as foreign minister, respect and defend." Lajcak concluded that Kosovo should be lent a helping hand, and pointed out that his country is already doing so by sending troops and personnel to KFOR and EULEX missions, although refusing to recognize the independence proclamation.

Lajčak confirms Kosovo stance

"Kosovo has declared independence in the way in which it did, and for 54 countries of the world that was enough to recognize it. For the rest, it was not," he told Bratislava daily SME.

Lajčak also stresses that the stance on this issue which puts in it minority within the EU, is not an obstacle for his country.

He explained that the broad consensus on Kosovo includes all ruling and opposition parties, "except one", and that it is also widely supported in the Slovak society.

"There is an absolutely majority opinion in Slovakia that Kosovo's independence should not be recognized, and for this reason, Slovakia has not done so. And that is a fact which I, as foreign minister, respect and defend."

Lajčak concluded that Kosovo should be lent a helping hand, and pointed out that his country is already doing so by sending troops and personnel to KFOR and EULEX missions, although refusing to recognize the independence proclamation.