Lithuanian parliament recognizes Kosovo's independence

VILNIUS - After heated debates, the LithuanianSeimas recognized Tuesday the independence of Serbia'sbreak-off nation of Kosovo.

In opposition to the recognition of Kosovo's independence, Order and JusticeMP Julius Veselka said Lithuania is especially activein supporting Georgia'squest to maintain control over the separatist Abkhazia and South Ossetia territories, however the country's stance with regards toKosovo is completely opposite, he said.

"Why don't Lithuanianswant to grant independence to Ossetians and Abkhazians, while they do so withthe Kosovo Albanians," the MP said.

However, Conservative MP Audrius Azubalis stressed that the Kosovo case is anexceptional one, as Serbiahad repressed its own citizens, who have to be protected by the internationalcommunity. Social Liberal MP Vaclovas Stankevcius also backed his opinionstating that given such animosity between the Serbians and Albanians, there isnothing left other than separating the two sides of the conflict with nationalborders.

Kosovo's parliament declared independence in February and the new statestarted pursuing international recognition at once. The new state has beenrecognized by the United Statesand most European Union (EU) member states, however six of them, namely Malta,Romania, Slovakia,Spain, Greeceand Cyprusdon't intend on doing so.

Serbia isagainst the independence of the new state and considers Kosovo the cradle ofits culture and religion. Russiaand China, bothstanding members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council are also againstrecognition of the new state.