May 21, 2008 | Aktuálně.cz
Prague/Teplice - The Czech Republic has joined a list of countries that now recognize the independence of Kosovo. Government ministers made the decision during a cabinet meeting in Teplice.
The Czech Republic will now establish diplomatic relations with Kosovo. "The Czech Republic's policies are the result of a conviction that the recognition of the independence of Kosovo will strengthen stability in the region," the Foreign Ministry stated in a press release.
The Foreign Ministry also announced that the office of the European UNMIK mission in Pristina will become the Embassy of the Czech Republic in the Republic of Kosovo.
"A development occurred where Kosovo became independent. And we have to work with that fact and recognize what has become a reality. Particularly when we have 500 of our people in the region," commented Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg.
The government discussed the acknowledgement of Kosovo as early as April, despite the fact that a large number of predominantly Christian Democrats did not support the move.
KDU-ČSL Chairman David Macek told Aktuálně.cz on Wednesday that he had no information concerning how ministers belonging to the Christian Democratic Party made up their minds, but that it seems as if they supported the decision.
"It is however, our enduring opinion that we should have waited to give recognition. That was backed up by the resolution of the meeting in Pardubice. For us it's about pro-European forces in Serbia, which we would like to support. We never said that we wouldn't recognize Kosovo. Rather it's about giving time for stabilization," commented Macek to Aktuálně.cz.
"I respect the majority of resolutions by the government; I have presented my opinion on the recognition of Kosovo many times and have no reason to change it," said Finance Minister and Christian Democrat Miroslav Kalousek. President Václav Klaus has also voiced his opposition to recognizing Kosovo.
Kosovo declared unilateral independence from Serbia in February. The country's independence has been recognized by the majority of Western countries, including the United States, France and Britain.
Russia is opposed to the independence of Kosovo, as are Slovakia and Spain. Serbia has repeatedly announced that it will never recognize Kosovo's independence.