Sun02052012

Last update02:54:17 PM GMT

Albania greets Kosovo coalition deal

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TIRANA, Jan. 8 Albania has welcomed the power-sharing deal agreed between Kosovo's two rival parties, confirming its support for Kosovo's aspirations for independence, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday. "We value the engagement of the political parties in Kosovo. They demonstrated a high democratic spirit, maturity and responsibility in creating the necessary institutions for a functional administration," the statement said.

    Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) leader Hashim Thaci signed the power-sharing agreement with the opponent Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) leader, President Fatmir Sejdiu on Monday, almost two months after PDK won Kosovo's parliamentary elections on Nov. 17, last year.

    Albania has long been a strong supporter for Kosovo's independence, whose population is more than 90 percent ethnic Albanian.

    "We confirm our strongest support for the new institutions in Kosovo, and wish them a success in realizing their age-long aspirations for independence," the statement said.

    Following failed talks between Belgrade and Pristina on the future status of the province, Kosovo's ethnic Albanian leaders have pledged to unilaterally declare independence in early 2008, but the move is unlikely before Jan. 20, the date for presidential elections in Serbia.

    The United States and a number of European countries are expected to recognize Kosovo's independence once it is declared, but Serbia and its ally Russia said they would oppose any such move.     


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