Slovenian institute: Macedonia recognized Kosovo under pressure
Slovenian institute Ifimes claims that the Macedonian government was not intending to recognize Kosovo any time soon, but did so under foreign pressure
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Ifimes adds to its observation that "Macedonia finally recognized Kosovo" the fact that it was a long-awaited move, not only for Kosovo and Macedonian Albanians, but for the U.S. and the EU as well.
On the basis of its information, Ifimes claims that Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski did not want to chair the item on the agenda at the Macedonian government's cabinet meeting where recognition of Kosovo was discussed, and that "his deputy for European integration Ivica Bocevski" did so.
This fact gives weight to the institute's claim that the Macedonian government did not intend to recognize Kosovo any time soon, but that "it could not resist the foreign political pressure, which was to be expected."
"This case shows that Macedonia only functions under pressure and in no other way," writes Ifimes, adding that Macedonia put itself into a position to recognize Kosovo, not because it was a political reality in the Balkans or because it was in Macedonia's interests and the interests of regional stability, but as a result of foreign political pressure.
On Monday, Pristina media reported that "Kosovo has recognized Macedonia" under its constitutional name.
In Skopje, Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister Abdilacim Ademi said that during the week, Skopje would establish "full diplomatic relations with Kosovo".
