Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization

March 5, 2010

Kosova: Appoints Ambassador to Macedonia

The first Kosovo ambassador to Macedonia since the two countries established diplomatic ties has been identified.

Below is an article published by Balkan Insight:

The first Kosovo ambassador to Macedonia since the two countries established diplomatic ties, Skender Dervishi will officially hand his credentials tomorrow. The young diplomat comes from the post of advisor to the Kosovo ambassador in Brussels, Kosovo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed.

Kosovo’s Foreign Ministry is still looking for a residence in Skopje for its Embassy. Until then the ambassador in Macedonia will probably stay at a hotel, local media speculate.

Skopje recognized the former Serbian breakaway province in October 2008 after Prishtina proclaiming its independence in February the same year.

However, due to a wish to maintain good ties with both neighboring Prishtina and Belgrade, which strongly objects Kosovo’s independence, Skopje stalled sending its ambassador there.

Macedonia and Kosovo finally established diplomatic relations in November last year and last month Macedonian Ambassador in Kosovo Stojan Karajanov handed over credentials.

Macedonia was under strong pressure to settle diplomatic ties with the newborn state on its northern border. The USA and many EU countries were at the helm of recognizing Kosovo’s independence. In addition, Macedonia’s one quarter of population is ethnic Albanian which has strong sentiment towards their kinsmen in Kosovo.