The Kenya Times: Diplomatic dispute after Serbia reacts to Kenya's recognition of Kosovo

In a statement issued by Serbia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Belgrade condemned Kenya for the decision, calling it a violation of international law and violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1244.

Furthermore, the ministry criticised Kenya for ignoring the UN Charter and “overcoming efforts towards stability and regional dialogue”.

Describing the decision as “for regret”, Belgrade warned that the decision could harm its traditionally strong relations with Nairobi, which have been built over the decades.

The action sets a precedent for regret in traditionally friendly relations between Serbia and Kenya ʹ relations that have been built over the decades on principles of mutual respect and co-operation”, said in part of the declaration.

Serbia also rejected any excuses based on the advisory opinion of the 2010 International Court of Justice (GJND), arguing that it does not legitimise Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence.

Serbia responds

Belgrade, at the same time, stressed that 28 countries have withdrawn or suspended recognition of Kosovo's independence in recent years, stressing that most of the international community remains supportive of Serbia's territorial claims.

The Serbian government has pledged to intensify diplomatic efforts to oppose Kosovo recognition and “to defend its sovereignty” through all available legal channels, despite Kenya's decision, this medium reports.

“We also stress that over the past eight years, twenty-eight countries have withdrawn or suspended recognition of unilaterally proclaimed independence of so-called Kosovo, while only two new states have granted recognition”, the ministry's announcement said.

The clear majority of the international community, along with law and justice, remain on Serbia's side.

The Republic of Serbia has warned that it will take all necessary diplomatic and political measures “in response to this unacceptable and unfriendly act”.

Kenya recognises Kosovo

This comes after President William Ruto on Wednesday, March 26th, signed a letter recognising Kosovo as an independent nation during a closed-door meeting at the State House in Nairobi.

“The signing of recognition letter implied that Kenya formally recognised the breakaway Balkan state as an independent state, becoming the first country to do so after nearly five years of stalled attempts to gain further international recognition”, writes the “The Kenya Times”.

Former Kosovo President Behgjet Pacolli, in a statement sharing photos with President Ruto signing the letter, named it as an extraordinary “ceremon”.

“17 years after Independence, at an extraordinary and memorable ceremony, the Republic of Kenya ʹ one of the most important countries in Africa officially recognised the Republic of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state!”, Pacolli has said.

This recognition is not just a statement ʹ is a great victory for the state of Kosovo, it is the voice of our freedom that is heard deep in the heart of Africa! Today our state flag waves proudly in Nairobi, and this is evidence that Kosovo moves forward, strong and dignified when it is worked and will! ”

The former president added that he had lobbied for the recognition of Kosovo by Kenya since 2009. /Periscope/