Government to consider Kosovo’s declaration of independence

“We note that the authorities in Kosovo have issued a declaration of independence today. Kosovo has entered the final, decisive phase of the future status process. The declaration will now be studied carefully by the Norwegian authorities,” says Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

“Throughout the status negotiations, Norway has stressed the importance of finding a solution both parties could agree to and that thus also could lead to a new UN Security Council resolution. It is deeply regrettable that this has not been possible,” says Mr Støre.

During the next days, the Government will consider the future nature of Norway’s relations with Kosovo. In this process we will maintain close contact with other European countries. At the same time, the Government attaches great importance to maintaining Norway’s close friendship with Serbia and the Serb authorities.

“In the period we are now entering, all parties must do their utmost to maintain calm and order in and around Kosovo. In connection with the status negotiations, both the Government in Belgrade and the authorities in Pristina undertook to do everything in their power to avoid unrest. Now all parties must live up to this obligation,” says Foreign Minister Støre.