[Serbian]

Spain won't recognize Kosovo, FM tells EP

24 November 2009 | 16:17 | Source: Tanjug

BRUSSELS -- Madrid will not recognize the independence of Kosovo, Spain's Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos has stated.

Speaking before a European parliament commission about his country's priorities during its upcoming EU presidency, Moratinos explained that Kosovo will still be allowed to attend meetings concerning the Balkans, but "in accordance with accepted international frameworks and mechanisms".

He also stated, according to the Spanish media, that the Spanish government would maintain contact with the authorities in Kosovo without recognizing its secession from Serbia.

"We will not obstruct development and institutional and political stability in Kosovo, but do not ask us to explain why Spain did something that was in accordance with international law," Moratinos remarked.

The minister did, however, allow for the possibility of Spain changing its view and recognizing Kosovo, "but only after the UN had done it or after Serbia had come to an agreement with the authorities in the breakaway province".

He said that the decision by the International Court of Justice on the legality of Kosovo's independence declaration would be important to Spain, but that Madrid had no intention of opening a diplomatic office in Priština.