Govt should immediately recognize Kosovo's independence

Jakarta, NU Online
The government of RI should immediately recognize Kosovo's independence that was declared on last Sunday (17/2). If not it is understandable to hesitate its free-active foreign policy.

Former Indonesian ambassador to Lebanon, Abdullah Syarwani, told NU Online in Jakarta on Tuesday (19/2).<>

"Indonesia's free-active politics as mandated within the opening of the 1945 Consitution must firmly be conducted. Indonesia should pursue this momentum to soon recognize Kosovo's independence," Syarwani said.

He urged the government not to be doubtful and await other countries in dealing with the Kosovo's declaration. He also urged the government not to be worried over Indonesian diplomatic ties with both Russia and the United States.

More over, he added, Kosovo, the new country separating itself from Serbia was considered as a populous Muslim-majority country and predominantly ethnic Albanians.

"It is not necessary to await Malaysia and other countries," the former chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama Institute for human resource study and development (Lakpesdam NU) said, adding that Kosovo had received partial international recognition as a state notably from the United States and some major European countries.

Indonesia has delayed its decision on whether to recognize or reject Kosovo's independence until it can settle differences at home and be sure of the international voice.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Monday Indonesia was closely following developments in Kosovo and monitoring views at the national level and at the United Nations before issuing the right decision on Kosovo.  (rif)