Macedonia 'Close to Recognising Kosovo

28 August 2008 Skopje _ Macedonia is just a step away from recognising Kosovo's independence, the leader of the ruling ethnic Albanian party, the Democratic Union for Integration says.

"Macedonia has already accepted Kosovo's passports and soon it will officially recognise its independence," Ali Ahmeti said.

Ahmeti also said he is content with the functioning of the new government coalition with the centre-right VMRO DPMNE party so far.

The new majority was formed after the June general elections in which the Democratic Union for Integration, DUI, defeated their bitter ethnic Albanian rivals, the former governing coalition member, the Democratic Party of Albanians.

The fresh alliance with VMRO DPMNE was seen as shift in traditional partners since the DUI had previously only shared power with the now main opposition Social Democrats.

Around 25 percent of Macedonia's population are ethnic Albanians. The country has not yet recognised neighbouring Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia. Analysts say Skopje's hesitancy may stem from fears of retaliation by Belgrade.

However, senior Macedonian officials have repeatedly said that they will follow European Union and NATO policy on this issue, both organisations to which Macedonia aspires to join.

Many EU and NATO members have already recognised Kosovo.

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