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Belarusian–Kosovar relations

Belarus	Kosovo

Belarus-Kosovo Relations

The interdependent interest of Belarus and Kosovo is based on the main principles of international relations such as sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law. On the issue of recognition of Kosovo’s independence, Belarus has remained against, supporting Serbia as one of its key allies. The position that the Belarusian government maintains is supported by respect for such prerogatives as legal interpretations, political partnerships, and more generally by the stance against perceived Western encroachments in the post-Soviet space. Through analyzing historical references and legal/politically motivated reasons, Belarus’s stance on Kosovo is explained.

In February 2008, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko wrote in a letter to Serbian President Boris Tadić that "Belarus expresses its solidarity with the Serbians' intention to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity". The National Assembly of Belarus had issued a statement condemning the declaration of independence and encouraged all nations to call the move "illegal" under international law.

Belarus’s Stand on Kosovo Sovereignty

Belarus among other participants negated the existence of a general right to secession besides colonial scenarios or a special right to secession as a solution for grievances. They stated that the independence procedure is “illegal” under international law and called on other countries not to recognize Kosovo's sovereignty. This position aligns with Belarus’s general foreign policy course, emphasizing compliance with international law.

Legal Bases of Pro-Authority Position of Belarus

The controversy surrounding Kosovo’s independence shows global contrasts, where nations like Belarus oppose both Nato’s 1999 intervention in Kosovo, citing it as a violation of international law, and the state’s independence. UN Security Council Resolution 1244 reaffirmed Serbia’s sovereignty, which Belarus uses to justify its stance. Belarus recognized and supported former Soviet States such as Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, which were internationally recognized and admitted to the UN. On the other hand, Belarus does not recognize Kosovo, claiming it fails to meet legal provisions for self-determination and sovereignty, infringing on Serbia’s sovereignty.

The Foreign Ministry of Belarus published a statement saying "that the settlement of the Kosovo and Metochia [sic] status should progress under international law, based on UN Security Council resolution 1244 (of 1999) which is a fundamental document for the Kosovo settlement certifying the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia, and based on the key provisions of the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act, with the essential role of the UN Security Council bearing a predominant responsibility for safeguarding international peace and security".

In a 3 December 2009 hearing at the ICJ, the Belarusian delegation said that secession by international law was allowed only in former colonies, or in cases where the minority population was oppressed for a long period of time and was denied the participation in government, and that the situation in Kosovo had not met these criteria traditionally interpreted as the right for "external" self-determination. The delegation continued saying that the internal law of Serbia, as well as UNSC resolutions, were satisfactory for the "internal" self-determination of the Albanian population.

Belarusian Diplomacy Relations

Through active diplomacy, Belarus has maintained strong ties with Serbia, including recent agreements on security forces. Belarus has consistently pursued a vigorous policy of non-recognition of Kosovo in international organizations and urged other states to follow international law on the matter. In May 2012, Uladzimir Chushaw, the Belarusian ambassador to Serbia, reiterated Belarus’s position, expressing strong support for Serbia.

See also

• Foreign relations of Belarus
• Foreign relations of Kosovo
• Belarus–Serbia relations

References

1. Serbia Praised for Endorsing EU Criticism of ‘Unfair’ Belarus Elections, Balkan Insight, 26 August 2020.
2. Belarus supports Serbians' pursuit of territorial integrity, National Center of Legal Information of the Republic of Belarus, 28 February 2008 Archived 20 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
3. Belarus' Parliament issues statement in connection with Kosovo self-declaration of independence Archived 2 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine, BelTA, 21 February 2008
4. ЗАЯВЛЕНИЕ Постоянной комиссии Совета Республики по международным делам и национальной безопасности и Постоянной комиссии Палаты представителей по международным делам и связям с СНГ Национального собрания Республики Беларусь Archived 28 February 2008 at the Wayback Machine, National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, 21 February 2008 (in Russian)
5. The ICJ Advisory Opinion on Kosovo: Has International Law Something to Say About Secession?, Leiden Journal of International Law, 11 February 2011.
6. Belarus Will Never Recognize Kosovo’s Independence, Says Ambassador to Serbia, Naviny.by, 28 May 2012.
7. Belarus, Serbia Sign Cooperation Agreement on Security Forces, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 30 October 2024.
8. Security Council Action in the Balkans: Reviewing the Legality of Kosovo's Territorial Status, European Journal of International Law, 2003.
9. Belarus Supports Serbians' Pursuit of Territorial Integrity, National Center of Legal Information of the Republic of Belarus, 28 February 2008.
10. Statement by the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Belarus relating to the unilateral proclamation of independence by the Kosovo temporary authorities of self-government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus
11. Treći dan rasprave o Kosovu, RTS, 3 December 2009 (in Serbian)
12. Belarus, Serbia Sign Cooperation Agreement on Security Forces, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 30 October 2024.
13. Belarus Will Never Recognize Kosovo’s Independence, Says Ambassador to Serbia, Naviny.by, 28 May 2012.
14. Belarus Will Never Recognize Kosovo’s Independence, Says Ambassador to Serbia, Naviny.by, 28 May 2012.

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