TALLINN, Feb 21, BNS - The Estonian government decided today to recognize Kosovo as an independent nation and charged the Foreign Ministry to start procedures for establishing diplomatic relations between Estonia and Kosovo.
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said West Balkans-related questions are one of the most important spheres of the European Union's common foreign and security policy.
The best plan for Kosovo is the status proposal and timetable put forward by the UN special envoy Martti Ahtisaari, Paet emphasized.
"It is noteworthy that in its declaration of independence the Kosovan assembly confirms readiness to implement the Ahtisaari plan, including everything concerning the protection of minorities and their historical and cultural heritage," he added.
The minister affirmed Estonia's support for the European Security and Defense Policy mission in Kosovo to which also Estonian experts will be sent.
Data in the international press show that by Thursday morning 12 countries had recognized Kosovo's independence and another 20 had promised to do so soon. At the same time 15 countries, among them EU members Cyprus, Romania, Slovakia and Spain, have said they do not intend to recognize the new Balkan state.
Tallinn newsroom, +372 610 8861, sise@bns.ee
