STATEMENT OF
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
ON THE UNILATERAL DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE BY KOSOVO
With regard to the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo, thereby separating itself
from Serbia, on Sunday, 17 February 2008, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia wishes to make the following statement:
- The Government of Indonesia fully respects the national sovereignty and territorial integrity
of every member of the United Nations, as vital principles embodied in the UN Charter and
International Law. These principles must be upheld by all countries, particularly by the
developing countries, which are still facing challenges in their endeavours at nation-building.
- The Government of Indonesia, however, is also mindful of the issue of Kosovo that constitutes
a set of unique cases involving territories or ethnic components of Former Yugoslavia that
has led, during the past 15 years, to the establishment of a number of independent countries.
- From the very beginning, the Government of Indonesia has urged that the final status of the
issue of Kosovo be resolved peacefully through dialogue and negotiations so that any
agreement to be reached by all concerned parties would not cause any tensions or new conflicts in
the Balkans. The Indonesian Government, however, regrets that efforts to resolve the issue of
Kosovo through dialogue and negotiations have failed. That failure has led to the unilateral
declaration of independence by Kosovo.
- The Government of Indonesia will therefore follow very closely developments in Kosovo, and it
is not yet in a position to give recognition to the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo.
The Government of Indonesia hopes that this unilateral declaration of independence will not create
any tensions or outbreaks of conflict, especially with Serbia. There have been too many victims
of conflicts in the Balkans.
Jakarta, 17 February 2008
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