Brussels, February, 21st, 2008 - The Declaration of Independence adopted by the Pristina Parliament on February 17th, 2008, has consacrated a reality: the appearance on the world map of a new state, Kosovo. Nothing from the international law opposes the recognition of the Kosovar state. The same international law which has justified the presence of the international community in Kosovo when the existence of the Kosovar Albanians was in jeopardy, justifies now the appearance of the new state and gives the world states the opportunity to recognize it.

I deplore the fact that the European Union, from which we all have huge expectations regarding the role it could and it should play in the international relations, did not manage to have a common stand in the matter of Kosovo's recognition, but it is clear that the conclusions of the EU Council from February the 18th, 2008 and the attitude of the member states which have already recognized the new state, respect the international law. At the same time, this recognition proves also their committment and responsibility for the stability in the area and forthe fact that the transition process of the new country, the establishment and consolidation of new institutions will take place according to democratic rules and with respect for the human rights.

Of course, the state of Kosovo has, according to the international law, the obligation to respect human rights, the rights of the Serbian and other minorities.

Romania has chosen not to recognise the state of Kosovo. The speculations regarding the appearance of a precedent have no basis. Not only any resemblance with Transylvania is excluded, but even the appearance and recognition of the state of Kosovo cannot constitute a precedent, because each case in which the existence of a community is threatened - which affects world peace - is judged separately, one by one. The international law recognises the right to secession whe this is the last resort to ensure the continuity of a community, of its culture and traditions.

In the context of the emerging of a new state and the problems it is confronted with, Romania could play a significant role, through the transfer of expertise it has in relation with its own minorities, and could become an important factor in the democratic evolution of the new Kosovar state.

Not of the least importance, it would be natural that the strategic partnerships Romania has formed, through its president, with USA, Great Britain, France, countries which have already recognized Kosovo as state, are found in a common position in a moment of such importance as the emergingof a new state and the assistance given to it to become a stability factor in the Balkans.