"On 17 February 2008 the Kosovo Assembly adopted a resolution which declares Kosovo to be
independent. The Council takes note that the resolution commits Kosovo to the principles of
democracy and equality of all its citizens, the protection of the Serb and other minorities, the
protection of the cultural and religious heritage and international supervision. The Council
welcomes the continued presence of the international community based on UN Security Council
resolution 1244.
The Council notes that Member States will decide, in accordance with national practice and
international law, on their relations with Kosovo.
The Council recalls the European Union's longstanding commitment to the stability of the Western
Balkans region. The Council reiterates the European Union's readiness to play a leading role in
strengthening stability in the region, and recalls the European Union's commitments contained in
the conclusions of the European Council of 14 December 2007, as well as the agreement to Joint
Actions establishing an ESDP Police and Rule of Law mission and appointing an EU Special
Representative in Kosovo. The European Union will continue to cooperate with the UN, KFOR,
OSCE and other international actors in order to preserve stability in the region.
The Council reaffirms its commitment to fully and effectively support the European perspective for
the Western Balkans. It asks the Commission to use community instruments to promote economic
and political development and to propose to the broader region concrete measures in order to
advance in that direction.
The Council reiterates the EU's adherence to the principles of the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final
Act, inter alia the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity and all UN Security Council
resolutions. It underlines its conviction that in view of the conflict of the 1990s and the extended
period of international administration under SCR 1244, Kosovo constitutes a sui generis case which
does not call into question these principles and resolutions."
Source: The Council of the European Union Press Release
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