Spain reaffirms it will not recognize Kosovo

PRISTINA Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has said that his country does not intend to recognize Kosovo as independent. This position is irrespective of the agreement on normalization of relations reached between Belgrade and Pristina, he explained. Spain reaffirms it will not recognize Kosovo Albanian language media in Pristina reported Rajoy as saying on Wednesday that Spain's position on the issue will not change. "We have held this position for several years now and that is the position of the government that will not change. That means we will not recognize Kosovo, since Spain does not believe in unilateral declarations of independence," he was quoted as saying. Tanjug has reported that EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule said yesterday that any decision on Kosovo was Spain's to make, but that within the EU they were seeking "a general consensus on the issue." Ethnic Albanians in Kosovo in February 2008 unilaterally declared independence, a proclamation that Serbia rejected as illegal under its Constitution. The territory has not been able to join the UN, while out five out of EU's 27 members do not recognize it as independent. Mariano Rajoy (Beta/AP) Tanjug

Spain reaffirms it will not recognize Kosovo

Albanian language media in Priština reported Rajoy as saying on Wednesday that Spain's position on the issue will not change.

"We have held this position for several years now and that is the position of the government that will not change. That means we will not recognize Kosovo, since Spain does not believe in unilateral declarations of independence," he was quoted as saying.

Tanjug has reported that EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule said yesterday that any decision on Kosovo was Spain's to make, but that within the EU they were seeking "a general consensus on the issue."

Ethnic Albanians in Kosovo in February 2008 unilaterally declared independence, a proclamation that Serbia rejected as illegal under its Constitution.

The territory has not been able to join the UN, while out five out of EU's 27 members do not recognize it as independent.