We, the Austrian Young Liberals, support the declaration of independence of Kosova. The speech of Prime Minister Hashim Thaci given today in Pristina supported our hopes for a strictly non-disciminatory, democratic and liberal policy followed by the new independent state. The declaration was the logical consequence of the right of self-determination, already claimed by the other peoples of former Yugoslavia.

We stongly urge the citizens and leaders of Kosova not to forget the principles they have declared today. Kosova must be a democratic, free state that supports and protects its citizens equally, irrespective of their ethnic or ideologic background, in accordance to the European Declaration of Human Rights.

In addition, we call on the Austrian government, and all other governments of the European Union and in the world, to recognize Kosova as independent member in the community of states without delay and to accept Kosova in the United Nations as soon as possible. This call of course includes Serbia. The will of the people of Kosova is to be respected also by Serbia. The speech of Prime Minister Hashim Thaci provided confidence that the Serbian minority in Kosova will be protected and supported by the new state, so there is no reason for Serbia to recognize the will of their former citizens to declare independence.

Of course we especially congratulate our friends from our partners, the liberal movements in Kosova (Liberalët e Rinj te Kosovës - LRK) that have acheived a great political victory today.

The states of the Balkan are strongly invited to become members of the European Union, if they wish so and if they are willing to comply with the framework of the EU, especially the non-discriminatory regulations and the freedom rights for their citizens.