Pristina _ Austria has recognised the Republic of Kosovo, Vienna's Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik said in a letter according to the President's Cabinet.
According to a press release from the cabinet of Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu, Austria has recognised Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state and wants to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“Responding to your letter of February 17, when you informed us about the declaration of Kosovo’s independence, I have the honour to inform you on behalf of Austrian government, that the Republic of Austria recognises Kosovo as an independent and sovereign member of the community of states,” the release says, quoting the letter signed by Plassnik.
"Further more, Austria believes that all issues resulting from Kosovo’s independence will be resolved through peaceful means."
Austria joins the list of 21 countries that have recognised Kosovo since February 17 when the authorities formally declared independence from Serbia. Four other countries have recognised Kosovo in principle but the formalisation of the recognition act is pending.
28-II-08, balkaninsight