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News item | 18-02-2008
The Netherlands sees stability in Kosovo and the Balkans as a top priority. Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen made this clear in response to the declaration of independence by Kosovo's parliament.
He called on the Serbs and Kosovars to exercise restraint and act responsibly.
The Netherlands urges the authorities in Kosovo to deal responsibly with all citizens - especially members of the Serbian and other minorities.
'The Netherlands faces a new reality, and we have to decide whether to recognise Kosovo under international law', said the minister. 'It's an important decision, which we mustn't take hastily. Before we take it, we have to look carefully at the new constitution and declaration of independence. I cannot and will not anticipate the result.'
The EU foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels on 18 February, and Kosovo is the main item on their agenda. The Netherlands expects the ministers to draw up a common position, after which each member state will determine its own relations with Kosovo in accordance with its own rules and procedures.