2008 has been a very important year for the Republic of Kosovo. Our Republic has been recognized by 53 countries the world over, and with very good outlook for more recognitions to come in 2009. Predictions that foresaw instability for Europe have not come to fruition. In short, though a lot more could be done, 2008 can be marked as an important turning and starting point for the Republic of Kosovo.
In the next year, we hope to see an improved foreign policy, and more concrete plans for the economic development of our Republic. We are also hoping to see more activity in streamlining various processes for citizens, such as information about passports.
And of course, more recognitions.
We wish all our supporters, allies and friends a Happy New Year.
May peace and light continue to prevail in 2009.
December 31, 2008
· Filed under General
The government of Malaysia confirmed for the Kosovo officials that Malaysia has officially recognized the new Kosovar passport. It is also announced that Visa can be issued for the related documents.
MIA source
December 23, 2008
· Filed under Passport
Thanks to our contributors, Iraq, Canada, and Bulgaria have also been added to the passport list as countries that accept the Kosovar Passport.
Full list of countries that accept the new Kosovo Passport
December 21, 2008
· Filed under Passport
“All conflicts can be settled, and there are no excuses for allowing them to become eternal,” are the words of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Martti Ahtisaari, upon taking this well deserved recognition.
Martti Ahtisaari was the first to tell the world that freedom of Kosovo will not spell the end of the world, or set a precedent, or bring the Balkans into a new war. Ahtisaari was the first to counter those who argued that if Kosovo people were free, that if 2 million citizens of Kosovo tasted freedom, somehow this corner of Europe would see its end.
During the past 30 years, the former Finnish president has played an active role in resolving numerous conflicts, such as Namibian independence from South Africa in 1989, the Kosovo-Serbia war in 1999, and of course the Ahtisaari package for Kosovo independence.
On February 2nd 2007, after almost a year of negotiations between Kosovar and Serbian authorities, the laureate Ahtisaari delivered a proposal for resolving the status issue for Republic of Kosovo. After another year of negotiations, the proposal’s conclusion was that Kosovo should be governed by its citizens, become an internationally supported state, with strong guarantees for minorities and a clear plan for building a modern and democratic European state. The Athisaari package was a realistic and unavoidable outcome that was accepted by the government of what was to be one day Republic of Kosovo. On 17th of February 2008, Republic of Kosovo declared independence. This makes Kosovo the state that gives the widest breadth of guarantees for its minorities in the whole of South East Europe. Today the Republic implements the Ahtisaari agreement on its own accord.
Belgrade refused to accept this proposal, in the same manner it refused the autonomy agreement of 1999 in Rambouillet, France.
The former Finnish president has given the world an important legacy. Ahtisaari’s work is proof that obstacles can be overcome through discussion, rather than bullets, and that justice must be the driving motive for making important world reaching decisions. He has also shown us that self-determination is not a catastrophe but an opportunity to build something that is long-lasting and good for all the parties involved, as is the case with Namibia, and one day also Kosovo.
We would like to thank Martti for this. We would like to thank Martti for saying that our freedom is not dangerous for others. We need this freedom to grow and stand shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors and one day with the rest of Europe. In a proper Finnish realistic fashion, he has made the world a slightly better place.
Kiitos Martti!!!
December 12, 2008
· Filed under General
Today, Mr. Jeem Lippwe, Charge d’Affaires a.i. Federated States of Micronesia Permanent Mission to the UN notified Mr Hyseni, the Kosovo Minister of Foreign Affairs, that FSM has recognized the Republic of Kosovo. This news has been informally confirmed by the FSM Mission to the United Nations in New York for KosovoThanksYou and KosovoThanksYou team is waiting for the official confirmation by either party.
Considering this recognition, Federated States of Micronesia becomes the 53rd UN Member Country that has recognized the new republic as an independent state.
UPDATE – Dec 6, 2008
The news is confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign affairs of Kosovo.
December 5, 2008
· Filed under Recognitions
