Maldives’ decision to recognise Kosovo as an independent state has been described as “very good news” for both the government and its people, by a Kosovan government spokesperson.
Kosovo, a predominantly Muslim country, declared its independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008, but backed by Russia, Serbia claimed the move was illegal. Vojislav Kostunica, the Serbian prime minister at the time, described Kosovo as a “false state”.
In an exclusive interview with Minivan News, Memli Krasniqi said he was delighted to hear about Maldives’ recognition and hoped it would strengthen ties between the two countries.
“We had officially requested the major powers and Islamic countries including the Maldives to recognise Kosovo after declaring independence,” he said. “A number of Islamic countries like Senegal, Malaysia and United Arab Emirates have also recognised Kosovo.”
Maldivian foreign minister Dr Ahmed Shaheed told Minivan News that the Maldives was committed to upholding the principles enshrined in the United Nations charter, which supports the principle of national self-determination.
“This is the main reason for recognising Kosovo,” he said. “The Maldives will announce the date of its recognition after official discussions.”
Shaheed added Kosovan recognition had been recommended to the Maldives by two of its allies, the UK and the USA, to ensure peace in Eastern Europe.
Following the Maldives’ decision, Krasniqi has said the Kosovan government is interested in holding an official meeting with the Maldives.
After declaring independence, the UN Security Council was divided on the issue of recognition in July 2008.
While countries like the USA, the UK and France supported Kosovan independence, others such as Russia and China considered it to be illegitimate.
55 countries have since extended recognition to the Republic of Kosovo including Australia, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, and Japan.
Pakistan and India, two of the Maldives’ neighbouring countries, have not recognised Kosovo.
Commenting on this, Shaheed said, “We don’t have to consider neighbouring countries policies as the Maldives is an Independent state.
“We are also entitled to make our own decisions. There won’t be a negative impact with our relationship with India and China after we recognise Kosovo.”
The foreign minister added he was interested in pursuing both business with Kosovo and free visas for Maldivians travelling to the country.
The last country to recognise Kosovo was Panama, on 16 January 2009
Source: minivannews.com
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