Ireland recognises Kosovan independence

Ireland has officially recognised the independence of the Republic of Kosovo, according to the Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern.

The parliament of Kosovo voted unanimously to adopt a declaration of independence from Serbia on February 17th.

In a statement released today Mr Ahern said that he is aware that the independence of Kosovo is "painful and difficult to accept" for Serbia. He said Irish recognition of Kosovo's independence should not be viewed as an act of hostility towards Serbia.

"I hope that Serbia and Kosovo can soon begin to put their tragic shared past behind them and move toward a brighter future together in Europe," the Minister said. "I look forward to future friendly relations between Ireland and Kosovo."

On Wednesday, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern welcomed Kosovo's declaration of independence, which he said was "inevitable". Serbia had nothing to fear from the move, he added.

"The Serbian people are part of the European family. A deepening relationship with the European Union, leading to membership, will bring concrete benefits to the people of Serbia," the Taoiseach told a meeting of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe in Vienna.

The United States, France, Britain, Germany, Italy and several other EU states have recognised Kosovo's independence. Spain, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Cyprus, Romania and Greece have refused to do so, however, fearing Pristina's lead will inspire separatist movements in their own countries.

Russia, a key ally of Serbia, has claimed Kosovo's declaration violates the UN charter and any recognition by states would undermine international law.

Kosovo becomes the sixth state carved from the former Serbian-dominated Yugoslav federation since 1991, after Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Montenegro.