The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MVP) announced on Monday that recalling Kosovo passports does not mean at the same time recognition of Kosovo’s independence.
Kosovars welcomed the Spanish decision to recognize Kosovo passports after the liberalization of the visa regime for that country, which enabled its citizens to move freely after January 1, as a step towards the recognition of statehood.
“This does not in any way imply the recognition of Kosovo. Without this change, the owners of these passports would have problems during visits to countries that do not recognize Kosovo,” the Spanish Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding that Spain will continue to support the dialogue process between Serbia and Kosovo, under the auspices of the European Union.
The visa-free regime, which entered into force on January 1, enabled Kosovars to travel to the countries of the Schengen area without visas for a period of 90 days in a period of 180 days.
In just one week, more than 83,000 passengers passed through Pristina’s “Adem Jashari” airport, airport spokeswoman Valentina Gara said on Monday, reports Reporteri.net.
In Pristina, the decision to liberalize the visa regime is seen as another step towards full recognition of the state and towards the ambition, announced in 2008, to join the European Union. However, Kosovo is not yet recognized by five European Union members, namely Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Spain and Slovakia.
Kosovo declared independence in 2008.
