Bulgaria, Hungary and Croatia said on Wednesday that they will recognize Kosovo's independence.
The three countries neighboring Serbia published a joint statement on the website of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying that the declaration of independence of Kosovo came after the failure of all the efforts of the international community to find a negotiated solution between Belgrade and Pristina on the status of Kosovo.
The statement said in these circumstances the change of the unsustainable status quo was unavoidable.
It stressed that Kosovo is a sui generis case arising from the unique circumstances of the disintegration of former Yugoslavia as well as the continued period of international administration.
The three governments said in the statement that they attach paramount importance to a maximum degree of stability in South-Eastern Europe and a clear European perspective for all countries in the region.
"The decision on the recognition of Kosovo is based on thorough consideration and on the conclusions adopted by the General Affairs and External Relations Council of the European Union on 12 February 2007 and 18 February 2008, as well as by the European Council on 14 December 2007," the statement said.
The three countries emphasized that they will continue to support the active commitment of the EU and NATO to the stability of and democracy-building in Kosovo, insisting that Kosovo's institutions should provide guarantees for a multi-ethnic state, based on the principles of democracy, rule of law and ensuring broad rights for Serb and other communities, including their effective participation in all institutions.
They also expressed their interest in developing ties with a Serbia that maintains good relations with its neighbors, enjoys economic growth and keeps its European orientation, believing that European integration is the only solid and sustainable platform for economic development, social progress and prosperity for all countries of the region, including Serbia.
The three countries reinforced their support for the further strengthening of ties between Serbia and the EU.
Kosovo declared independence unilaterally from Serbia on Feb. 17, but Serbia rejects Kosovo's independence as illegal. The situation in Kosovo has remained tense since it declared independence.
Source:Xinhua
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