Serbia has condemned President William Ruto’s recognition of Kosovo as an independent state.
The Balkan nation has termed Ruto’s move as a violation of international law and a breach of the United Nations Security Council resolution.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia strongly condemns the decision of the Republic of Kenya to recognize the unilaterally declared independence of so-called ‘Kosovo’.
“Such an act constitutes a blatant violation of international law and a direct breach of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, which unequivocally guarantees the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia. This decision comes in the very year that marks the 80th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Charter, which the Kenyan authorities have disregarded with this move,” a statement by the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs read.
To Serbia, Kenya’s move only undermines regional stability and efforts to have meaningful dialogue.
“This decision also undermines efforts to foster constructive dialogue, regional stability, and respect for the international legal order. We particularly emphasize that any reference to the 2010 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice as justification is unfounded. At the same time, this move sets a regrettable precedent in the traditionally friendly relations between Serbia and Kenya—relations that have been built over decades on the principles of mutual respect and cooperation, including within the Non-Aligned Movement,” it added.
Serbia says it will take all necessary diplomatic and political measures in response to Ruto’s move, which they termed an unacceptable and unfriendly act.
“We also highlight that over the past eight years, twenty-eight countries have withdrawn or suspended their recognition of the unilaterally declared independence of so-called Kosovo, while only two new states have granted recognition. The clear majority of the international community, along with law and justice, remains on Serbia’s side.
“Serbia will continue its efforts with even greater determination. The Republic of Serbia remains firmly committed to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity through all available diplomatic and legal means,” the statement concluded.
This move comes after Kenya recognised Kosovo as an independent state, the first country to do so after nearly five years of stalled efforts to gain further international recognition.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 but is not a United Nations member due to opposition from Serbia and its allies, including U.N.-veto holders Russia and China.
Over 110 countries, including the United States and most European nations, have recognised Kosovo’s independence.
The announcement was made by former Kosovo president Behgjet Pacolli, who shared photos on his Facebook page with Kenyan President William Ruto as he signed the recognition letter.
“I have gone door to door, office to office, with only one goal – to make the voice and the right of the people of Kosovo for freedom, independence and sovereignty being heard,” Pacolli said, adding that he had been lobbying for this since 2009.
The last country to recognise Kosovo as a state was Israel in September 2020.
