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The Netherlands recognises Kosovo

News item | 05-03-2008

Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen has informed Kosovo that the Kingdom of the Netherlands recognises it as an independent state.

Verhagen did this in a diplomatic note delivered to the new state's government via the Dutch embassy office in the Kosovar capital, Pristina.

After Kosovo declared independence on 17 February 2008, the Netherlands investigated whether the declaration and draft constitution adequately protect human rights.

It has concluded that the legislation enacted since then provides sufficient guarantees for the Serbs and other minorities. For example, they have been granted explicit rights in the fields of language, culture, media, religion, education and participation in politics.

It is a positive sign that the Kosovar government wants to work closely with the International Civil Representative, the Dutchman Pieter Feith. Finally, the Netherlands is pleased with the calm and responsible approach adopted by the Kosovar government since declaring independence.

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