The Czech government is to recognize the independence of Kosovo and establish diplomatic relations with the newly independent state. "We must deal with the fact (that Kosovo declared its independence) and acknowledge it. Especially when we have more than 500 citizens in the area," Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg said, referring to the Czech troops deployed in Kosovo.
The Czech Republic will turn its liaison office in Pristina into the Czech embassy in Kosovo, the Foreign Ministry said.
Czech diplomacy believes that this step will confirm its active politics in the West Balkans and its effort to achieve long-term stability and democratic development in the region.
Kosovo declared independence of Serbia on February 17.
Mike Hitchen, Mike Hitchen Consulting Publisher of i On Global Trends Sydney Irresistible The Jeremy Young Files and The Jill Havern FilesLane Cove , NSW 2006
