Croatia will recognize Kosovo independence
Croatia will follow "a large number of E.U. member countries who will recognize Kosovo, but when it will happen I cannot say at the moment," Sanader was quoted by the HINA news agency as saying.
He was speaking after the U.K., France, Germany and Italy announced at an E.U. foreign ministers meeting Monday they would soon give Kosovo official recognition.
Earlier Monday the government issued a call for calm and the protection of Serbs in Kosovo, a day after its ethnic Albanian majority proclaimed independence from Serbia.
Croatia "expects that all sides ... show restraint and take into account the long-term interests for maintaining and strengthening peace, stability and cooperation" in the Balkans, a statement said.
"Kosovo institutions are responsible for the full protection and security of all its citizens, notably minority communities," in accordance with a U.N. envoy's plan for its independence, said the statement released after a meeting between Sanader, President Stipe Mesic and parliamentary speaker Luka Bebic.
Croatia would continue "monitoring the development of the situation, notably in line with Croatia's interests as the country is in the process of joining the E.U.," it said.
The leaders stressed Zagreb would "adjust its foreign policy decisions with the common foreign and security policy of the European Union."
Zagreb also said it believed "the democratic and pro-European potential of Serbia, as expressed in recent elections" will remain a guarantee of peace and cooperation in the region.
Kosovo made a unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia Sunday, nearly nine years after the end of a conflict between Serbian forces and separatist Albanian guerillas.
Croatia itself declared independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991, sparking a four-year war with Serb rebels backed by Belgrade.
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