The Swiss government announced on Wednesday that it had decided to recognize Kosovo as an independent country.
In a statement, Swiss President Pascal Couchepin also said Switzerland would establish diplomatic relations with the breakaway Serbian province after it unilaterally declared independence 10 days ago.
Couchepin said the decision was made on Wednesday on the recommendation of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and following consultations with two key parliamentary committees.
"Switzerland has always adopted balanced positions on issues concerning the Balkans, taking into account the legitimate interests of all parties involved," the statement said.
The Swiss government "wished to emphasize that Switzerland's recognition of Kosovo goes hand in hand with its desire to develop further its good relations with Serbia and to strengthen the very close cooperation that exists between Serbia and Switzerland," it added.
Switzerland is home to about 170,000 Kosovars, one of the largest Kosovar expatriate communities in Europe. There are also about 40,000 Serbs in Switzerland.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article