Ahern signals Irish support for Kosovo

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has insisted that support for Kosovo's declaration of independence should not be regarded as a threat to Serbia.

His comments will be seen as a clear indication that Ireland is to follow a number of major world powers in formally recognising Kosovo as an independent state.

Addressing a meeting in Vienna of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Mr Ahern said he was conscious that Pristina's declaration of independence on February 17 ^thwas a cause of concern for many countries.

However, he pointed out that Kosovo has been a separate United Nations protectorate since 1999, pending a UN final status ruling and, with 90 per cent of the population of Kosovo wanting independence, change was "inevitable".

"Recognition of Kosovo is not an expression of hostility towards Serbia," Mr Ahern insisted. "The Serbian people are part of the European family. A deepening relationship with the European Union, leading to membership, will bring concrete benefits to the people of Serbia."

The Taoiseach said Ireland would continue to support efforts by the European Union, the UN and the OSCE to ensure future stability in the whole Balkan region. There are 300 Irish troops in Kosovo as part of the multinational 16,000-strong, Nato-led Kfor peace force.

The US, France, Britain, Germany, Italy and several other EU states have already recognised Kosovo's independence. Spain, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Cyprus, Romania and Greece have refused to do so, fearing Pristina's lead will inspire separatist movements in their own countries.

Russia, a key ally of Serbia, has claimed Kosovo's declaration violates the UN charter and any recognition by states would undermine international law.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said last week he would bring a memo to yesterday's Cabinet meeting recommending that Ireland recognise Kosovo. A formal declaration has yet to be made.

The Taoiseach also told today's Joint Meeting of the Forum for Security Co-operation and the Permanent Council that the OSCE should continue to play a key role in the areas of security, conflict prevention and resolution, democracy and human rights.

He cited the Northern Ireland peace progress as an example of successful conflict resolution.

"This progress did not occur by chance," he said. "This required constructive engagement, creative thinking and the painstaking building of trust between divided communities. It required a willingness to take risks for peace and to step forward into a different, shared future, leaving behind the divisions of the past."

The OSCE is the world's largest regional security organization, with 56 participating States across the northern hemisphere.