Kosovo slams partners in Austrian government

At the weekend the old Belgrade newspaper Politika quoted Strachen as saying that Kosovo is part of Serbia.

Taken as a welcome statement was applauded in Serbia, but met with strong opposition to Austria and Kosovo.

It was not too late, and the Austrian government's second-man office exposed the Serbian newspaper, denying that Strache has called Kosovo part of Serbia.

And on Monday, the Austrian politician landed in Belgrade, where he met with Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic.

There he has presented consensus for Serbia, but said it is clear that Austria has recognised Kosovo and that this is a fact, but that final status has not been resolved yet and that it would be good for Kosovo and Serbia to find a common, acceptable solution for both sides.

The newspaper Politika has remained behind her writing, and Zv/kanceari's spokesman has said what he has been trying to say is that from the Serbian perspective Kosovo continues to remain part of Serbia.

The Austrian political scene in each case has rejected the statement, saying that this state is a major supporter of independent Kosovo.

Jörg Leichtfreed, part of the same government cabinet, but from the SPO, has accused Strachen of placing gasoline in the conflict between Kosovo and Serbia and is underestimating the European consensus for Kosovo.

Foreign Minister Karin Kneissel, nominated by Strache's party, said recognition of Kosovo's independence by Austria is irreversible.

Othmar Karas, Austrian MP in the European Parliament, has said the Zv/kanceari statement is an attack on peace in the Western Balkans.

Strache is the leader of the far-right party, The FPO, which joined the coalition government with Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who is a major supporter of Kosovo's independence.