Citizens of Kosovo began receiving their first official government passports Wednesday, five months after its ethnic Albanian leaders declared unilateral independence from Serbia.
"This is a historic day for our country and for all Kosovan citizens," Prime Minister Hashim Thaci said during a symbolic presentation of the first passport to a woman.
The new passports are blue and adorned with the emblem of the fledgling Kosovan state: a shield with six stars along the top and a map of the territory inside it.
"We are completing our state. Today’s journey marks the final step for citizen of Kosovo," Thaci added.
"From today onwards Kosovan citizens enjoy their real identity, that of the Republic of Kosovo," he said.
Kosovo’s ethnic Albanian leaders declared independence on February 17, which was quickly recognized by around 40 countries, including key players such as the United States and more than half of European Union member states.
Serbia, which still claims the territory as its own, has not recognized Kosovo’s independence, nor have Russia and several other states.
Serbia insists that Kosovo is an integral part of its territory, culture and history.
No comments:
Post a Comment