EU remains split on Kosovo
The question of whether the 27-nation European Union will be able to come up with a unified reaction to the self-proclaimed independence of Kosovo currently rests with Spain, as the country is refusing to sign up to a common position drafted by the Slovenian EU presidency.
According to a draft document discussed by EU foreign ministers, "the council noted that member states can decide, in accordance with national practice and legal norms, to establish their relations with Kosovo as an independent state under international supervision."
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However, Spain has refused to agree to the text and has instead tabled its own proposal. Cyprus also strongly opposes the current text proposed by the Slovenian EU presidency.
"The council notes that member states will decide, in accordance with national practice and international law, on their relations with Kosovo," reads the Madrid-sponsored paper.
Spanish foreign minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said before the ministers' meeting on Monday morning that his country will not recognize Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence – made on Sunday (17 February) - as it is not in accordance with international law.
"The Spanish government has always shown respect for international law," the minister added, pointing to the fact that following the US-led invasion of Iraq, the Socialist government withdrew troops from the country upon its election in 2004.
He concluded by saying that should Serbia's territory be split, it should be via an agreement reached between Belgrade and Pristina or via a decision taken by the UN Security Council.
Spain, which is to hold parliamentary elections on 9 March, has its own worries about separatist movements in the Basque country and Catalonia.
The Spanish draft proposal also says: "Kosovo constitutes a sui generis case, which does not set any precedent. The council reiterates the EU's commitment to the principle of territorial integrity of states as enshrined in the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act."
But Madrid's version is also facing opposition. The UK is said to prefer that the EU's position has some reference to Kosovo's status, rather than the more general statement that Spain has drawn up.
According to diplomats, if the EU bloc fails to agree on the common position, its is unlikely to see swift recognition by individual member states.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has already been cited by AFP as saying Berlin would not decide on Monday whether to give formal recognition.
Germany will wait for the EU meeting "to put in place a platform that will allow each member to take a position on the declaration of independence."
