Serbia to recall ambassador to Norway

Norway has declared it will recognise Kosovo’s independence from Serbia, sparking a strong reaction from the Serbian government.

Serbia has announced it will recall its ambassador to Norway as soon as Norway’s recognition of Kosovo takes effect, reports the Norway Post.

According to Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere and Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, making a decision about the status of Kosovo was extremely difficult. However, both politicians felt that it was “necessary to clarify Kosovo’s future status so that it can continue its economic and political development”.

In the same declaration, Stoere emphasised the historically close relationship between Serbia and its leaders and Norway. Serbia is, however, unlikely to be appeased by the statement. Ambassador Vladislav Mladenovic said publicly that he felt surprised and sorry about Norway’s position on the matter.

“We attach great importance to maintaining the mutual trust and cooperation we have built up over the years,” the Norwegian Foreign Minister said.

The date which Norway’s’ recognition of Kosovo will come into effect has not been fixed but must be put in the form of a Royal Decree.

Kosovo unilaterally declared its independence from Serbia on February 17th. France has already recognized Kosovo’s independence, as has Australia, Britain, Germany and the United States.

Serbia has recalled its ambassador from Canberra and Washington and has threatened to do the same for any country which recognizes Kosovo’s independence.