Spain soon with Kosovo liaison office

The five European Union states, which since 2008 refuse to recognise Kosovo's independence, have begun to give the first signs of changing attitudes.

Days earlier, Greece announced it would increase its level of relations with Kosovo, until the Minister of Foreign Affairs visits Kosovo this week.

But another country seems to have changed its attitude.

Spain, which is considered the most re-directed state towards Kosovo independence, is soon expected to open an liaison office in Pristina.

Democracy. com from diplomatic sources in Brussels has learned that Spain has already decided to open its liaison office in Pristina.

Spain's “Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Borrell, now responsible for the EU Foreign Policy, has played a defining role in this step”, a well-informed diplomat for Democracy.com has said.

Spain's liaison office, just as the Russian and Chinese office will open in UNMIK, but informing Kosovo institutions of its existence.

It is learned that Borell is guaranteeing the opening of the Spanish office in exchange for the constructiveness of Prime Minister Kurti and as a sign that the five non-recognising EU member states can recognise Kosovo if the signing of the agreement between Kosovo and Serbia occurs.

The French plan, which envisions greater rights for Serbs in the north, the life of all agreements signed in Brussels, and additional rights for the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo in exchange for visa liberalisation and recognition by the five EU states, has been discussed in recent days.

Within this agreement, which is being covered in diplomatic circles, there will be no recognition of the state of Kosovo on the part of Serbia and Kosovo's membership in the UN.

Even the adviser of Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi's negotiating team, Veton Surroi, days ago stressed that Kosovo's membership in the UN is not a priority.

According to Surroi, it is now important to have recognition by the five EU states.