During his visit today in the Vatican state, Kosovar president Fatmir Sejdiu met with Pope Benedict XVI. The Vatican expressed no particular change in their position regarding the independence of Kosovo. During his first visit ever to the Vatican, Fatmir Sejdiu met with the secretary of the Vatican state Tarcizio Bertone and the Pope Benedict XVI. The presidential cabinet is yet to release a press statement after the meeting, the Vatican side however has expressed that “in the event of an independence declaration, the Vatican would follow developments “with particular attention” and take into account the position of the international community”.

Benedict has earlier claimed that the final status of Kosovo must take into consideration the legitimate claims of the parties involved and must guarantee everyone’s rights.

The purpose of the trip to the Vatican is yet to be known, but political anallysts believe the main issue to be discussed is the political status of Kosovo. It is believed that President Sejdiu would seek recognition from the Vatican state personally during his visit.

Kosovo's previous president, late Dr Ibrahim Rugova was a great admirer and personal friend of Pope John Paul II.

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