Montenegro should follow in the footsteps of most EU countries and recognize an independent Kosovo because it is in the interest of rapid stabilization of the region, a French expert said.
Judie Butt, expert at the Paris-based EU Institute for Security Studies, said the expected declaration of Kosovo independence is likely to be recognized by most EU member-states. Kosovo’s neighboring countries, such as Macedonia and Montenegro, should do the same, Butt told Vijesti daily.
“Macedonians should act hand in hand with the EU and the international community while making decision on recognition. I don’t see any reason why Montenegro should differ in making such a decision,” Butt told Vijesti daily.
Asked to comment the eventual side effects of recognition given the fact that Serbs comprise one third of Montenegro’s country’s population, Butt said it would depend on the response from pro-Serb politicians in Montenegro.
She added that EU also is divided on the issue, but it’s not a catastrophe, as some members are still not ready to recognize Kosovo immediately, and one or two members are unlikely