Japan to recognize independence

The United States and the European Union, which have supported Kosovo, are also expected to immediately acknowledge an independent Kosovo, which has been under the control of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) since 1999.

Given its position as chair of this year's Group of Eight (G-8) summit, which is supposed to adjust the interests of the member nations, the Japanese government is cautious about endorsing Kosovo's independence at the same time as the United States and the EU.

However, Tokyo is considering early recognition of Kosovo's independence following similar decisions by the United States and the EU, because the chances for a peaceful settlement to the conflict have improved following the re-election Sunday of pro-Western Serbian President Boris Tadic.

The conflict started in 1989 after Serbia, then part of Yugoslavia, limited the autonomy of Kosovo province, where about 90 percent of the residents are Muslim Albanians while 6 percent are followers of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

In 1999, NATO forces started air raids mainly in Serbia, and the UNMIK was established.

Based on an arbitration proposal prepared by a United Nations special envoy effectively allowing Kosovo's independence, the United States and the EU have supported Kosovo's stance.

Serbia and Russia have opposed Kosovo's independence.

Moscow fears Kosovo's independence could fuel similar moves in Chechnya and other regions of Russia.

Kosovo had been expected to immediately declare its independence if extreme nationalist Tomislav Nikolic had won the presidential election in Serbia.

Following Tadic's victory, Kosovo is expected to delay its declaration of independence until it completes final adjustments with the United States and the EU.

Source: ASHAI

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