Austria–Kosovo relations

Austrian–Kosovan relations

Austria
Kosovo

Austrian–Kosovan relations are foreign relations between Austria and Kosovo. Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 17 February 2008 and Austria recognised it in 28 February 2008.[1] Austria has an embassy in Pristina since 20 March 2008.[2] The Kosovan embassy in Vienna was opened on 5 February 2009.[3][4]

Relations

On 25 March 2011 Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger stated that "Austria intends to increase its efforts to gain recognition for Kosovo's independence by all of the EU countries, Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger said Friday, commenting on his visit to Kosovo... [and that] Kosovo needs to show the sceptical countries within the EU that it is doing what is necessary to protect its minorities".[5]

Military

Austria currently has 606 troops serving in Kosovo as peacekeepers in the NATO led Kosovo Force.[6]

See also

References and notes

Kosovo is the subject of a territorial dispute between the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Kosovo. The latter declared independence on 17 February 2008, but Serbia continues to claim it as part of its own sovereign territory. Kosovo's independence has been recognised by 108 out of 193 United Nations member states.

  1. ↑ "Plassnik: "Letter on Kosovo’s recognition signed"" (Press release). Austrian Foreign Ministry. 2008-02-28. Retrieved 2008-02-29.
  2. ↑ KosovaLive
  3. ↑ "Botschaft des Kosovo in Wien eröffnet" (in German). Kleine Zeitung. 2009-02-06.
  4. ↑ "Kosovo Diplomatic Missions". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  5. ↑ "Austrian foreign minister lobbies for recognition of Kosovo's independence by entire EU". emg.rs. Retrieved 28 March 2011.
  6. ↑ "Kosovo Force (KFOR)" www.nato.int Link accessed 21-07-09