Japan to recognize independence of Kosovo from Serbia 02/07/2008
BY TSUTOMU ISHIAI, THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
Japan will likely recognize the independence of Kosovo soon after the province breaks away from Serbia as early as this month, sources said.
The United States and the European Union, which have supported Kosovo, are also expected to immediately acknowledge an independent Kosovo, which has been under the control of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) since 1999.
Given its position as chair of this year's Group of Eight (G-8) summit, which is supposed to adjust the interests of the member nations, the Japanese government is cautious about endorsing Kosovo's independence at the same time as the United States and the EU.
However, Tokyo is considering early recognition of Kosovo's independence following similar decisions by the United States and the EU, because the chances for a peaceful settlement to the conflict have improved following the re-election Sunday of pro-Western Serbian President Boris Tadic.