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Kosovo: Germany and Majority of EU Partners will Recognize The member states of the European Union are taking a common position on the declaration of independence by Kosovo. EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on February 18 agreed on a statement on the basis of which each state can decide if and when it will recognize an independent Kosovo. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier called the agreement evidence that Europeans are standing by their responsibility in the Western Balkans. Germany will recognize Kosovo. Chancellor Angela Merkel made clear, however, that any eventual recognition of Kosovo would not become precedence for other provinces aspiring toward independence. Kosovo can not be compared to any other case, Merkel emphasized in Berlin. The overall situation in the Western Balkans could only be calmed and brought to peace with European future prospect. Without the European outlook, freedom, democracy, and reasonable economic development would have a much, much worse chance in the western Balkans, Merkel said. Foreign Minister Steinmeier made several phone calls on Sunday, including to the Slovene Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel and the Serb Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremi?. The ministers agreed that maintaining stability in the region is the number one priority. Federal Minister Steinmeier emphasized that this would require all those involved to remain calm and show moderation in the coming days. The foreign ministers were clear in rejecting any form of violence, underlining that the Balkans had experienced enough violence in the past and that this was not a solution to the questions and challenges to be dealt with. February 18, 2008 Links
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