VIENNA -- Kosovo constitutes a test for Europe's efforts to stabilize the Western Balkans, Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger said in Vienna.
According to him, Kosovo is also a test of EU's ability to promote the economy and integrate the region in the long term in the European Union.
He made the statements after meeting with the visiting Kosovo Albanian Prime Minister Hasim Taci.
"Austria is fully behind the European perspective of Kosovo. We were one of the companions of Kosovo's independence and now also offer a platform for international engagement in this country," he said.
The minister commended the "successful holding of the first elections after independence was declared one year ago", and added that the "fact that the Serb community exercised their right to vote, was a positive sign for the development of a multiethnic Kosovo".
"Priština must, however, actively pursue its efforts regarding the Serb people," Tanjug quoted Spindelegger as saying in its report from Vienna.
The meeting lasted a short time, and unusually, reporters were not invited to directly cover the event.
Spindelegger is due to arrive in Belgrade on Wednesday.
Monday, February 8, 2010
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