Parliament in Ukraine discussing Kosovo recognition

The chairman of the Commission for Foreign Affairs in the Ukraine Parliament, Oleksandr Merezhko, said in an interview for Kosovo media that the issue of Kosovo recognition is being discussed in Kyiv, though he deemed it not easy to make a decision.

Merezhko said that in the Ukraine Parliament, there are MPs who support recognition of Kosovo's independence and that perhaps an liaison office should be opened in Pristina in response to the support Kosovo is giving his country.

“Now in our Parliament we have deputies who are great supporters for the recognition of Kosovo, but we still have discussions because it is not an easy issue. There's pro and against. On the one hand, we see the decisive majority of the European Union recognise Kosovo as an independent state. Our closest allies, such as the United States, Great Britain, recognise Kosovo. That's why it's a strong argument in favour of recognition”, said Merezhko.

He said that “previously had some concerns that whether we recognise Kosovo or not, it would give arguments in the hands of Russian propaganda”, but added that it is not “and so certain now”, as it stressed that “too many things have changed”, as Russia began the invasion of Ukraine.

We now see many things differently. What I see as a Ukrainian citizen is that Kosovo is on Ukraine's side, as Kosovo has imposed sanctions against Russia and you are trying to support us”, he said.

On the other hand, Ukraine does not receive this support from Serbia. At this point, the representative of Ukraine's parliamentary diplomacy mentioned Aleksandar Vulin, which he said is a very dangerous “when he holds a position on security issues in Serbia”.

From the communication I have had with my Serbian colleagues, I see some doubts. I see that unfortunately sometimes Serbia is trying to lean towards Russia. Serbia does not want to impose sanctions against Russia, which is very disturbing to me. So, look, my attitude is simple: you have to support your friends, you have to support those who support you, especially when you're in a difficult position, when you're fighting for survival”, he said.

 

 

But we haven't decided yet. We'll continue this discussion. As I said, there is pro and cons, and recently I am to take some steps in favour of Kosovo, because when Kosovo is supporting us in our country, we have to respond somewhat. Perhaps as a solution it could be at least a liaison office in Pristina. So why not? But I'm still saying that I represent pre-meditary diplomacy and I don't see the whole view because I don't represent the entire Ministry of State”, Merezhko added.

He said he talked several times with “colleagues from Kosovo”.

For the letter sent to the top diplomats of the West, where it says that “Kosovo is sovereign state”, which he himself signed, Merezhko said the goal was simple: “we try to stop escalation” and make “prevent the turmoil”.

The goal is to treat both sides equally and fairly”, he said, referring to the international community's behaviour with Kosovo and Serbia.

He said he's seeing that “situata in Europe is dangerous”.

 

 

Possible escalation in the Western Balkans, he said, “could distract attention from our fight against Russian aggression”. “Russia is now desperate. He's losing his fight against Ukraine and will try everything he can, Merezhko said. /T7