Finland–Kosovo relations

Finland–Kosovo relations are foreign relations between Finland and Kosovo. Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008 and Finland recognised it on 7 March 2008.[1][2] Finland maintains an embassy in Pristina.[3]

Finnish–Kosovan relations
Map indicating locations of Finland and Kosovo

Finland
Kosovo

History

In 1999, the President of Finland, Martti Ahtisaari, was reported as wanting to step up attempts to secure a peace agreement for Kosovo in his new role as a leading negotiator for the European Union. It was also reported that "Correspondents say that despite Mr Ahtisaari's support for air strikes, his position as president of a non-NATO country could make him palatable to Belgrade [Serbian Government]."[4] In 2007, United Nations envoy for Kosovo says independence was the "only viable option" for the territory of Kosovo.[5]

However, Ahtisaari's plan for peace failed [6] and he was unable to reconcile Serbs and Albanians in Kosovo and that "Serbians see him as a leading player in the break-up of their country." [7]

Following Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008, Kosovo Albanians living in Finland celebrated and expressed their gratitude to the Finnish Government and President Ahtisaari.[8]

Military

As of 2009, Finland has 411 troops serving in Kosovo as peacekeepers in the NATO led Kosovo Force.[9]

See also

Notes and references
    1. "Finland recognised the Republic of Kosovo (Press release 80/2008)" (Press release). Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. 2008-03-07. Retrieved 2008-03-07.
    2. "Finland recognises Kosovo". NewsRoom Finland. Helsinki: Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. 2008-03-07. Archived from the original on 2009-03-24. Retrieved 2008-03-07.
    3. "Finnish Liaison Office, Pristina (Kosovo)". Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. Archived from the original on 2009-01-21. Retrieved 2008-03-28.
    4. "Kosovo relief effort criticised". BBC News. 1999-05-18. Retrieved 2010-05-02.
    5. "UN plans for Kosovo independence". BBC News. 2007-03-27. Retrieved 2010-05-02.
    6. Hasani, Nora; Popham, Peter (2007-07-11). "Kosovo close to boiling point, warns UN chief". The Independent. London. Retrieved 2010-05-02.
    7. "Nobel Peace Prize for Finnish statesman Ahtisaari". The Irish Times. 2008-10-10.
    8. "Kosovo Albanians in Finland Celebrate Independence | News | YLE Uutiset | yle.fi". Archived from the original on 2010-06-27. Retrieved 2009-08-18.
    9. "Kosovo Force (KFOR)" www.nato.int Link accessed 21-07-09


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