Rupel: Canada Says Kosovo Sui Generis Case
Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel was upbeat following the meeting of the EU Troika with Canada on Wednesday, saying the EU officials heard "much encouraging and positive news" about Kosovo and the Western Balkans from Canada. The country insists the declaration of independence by Kosovo is a case "sui generis", he said.
The predominantly French Canadian province of Quebec is being mentioned alongside Catalonia and the Basque Country in Spain as one of the spots that could seek inspiration for their separatist aspirations in Kosovo.
The Slovenian presidency of the EU has briefed Canada on the developments in the north of Kosovo and expressed concern about the situation, but more will be said on this issue on Thursday, as it is on the agenda of the session of NATO foreign ministers and the meeting between EU Troika and the US, Rupel said.
He added that Kosovo and Afghanistan dominated today's agenda. The EU commended Canada on its efforts in Afghanistan. "This is a praiseworthy, great role. Canada has more than 2,000 troops in Afghanistan, who are doing an extremely good job."
The minister also highlighted a debate about the Latin America, which he said was important in view of the EU-Latin America and the Caribbean summit in Lima this year. "We hope the story of Columbia, Venezuela and Ecuador will not dominate the summit," Rupel said and expressed hope for reason to prevail.
The EU and Canada also touched on relations with Cuba. "Cuba is in a very interesting situation. We have seen superficial changes, but not substantive ones...we encourage democratic reforms and underscore the importance of human rights".
Apart from Rupel as representative of the EU presiding country, the ministerial Troika between the EU and Canada was also attended by Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner, while the Canadian side was represented by Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier. Such meetings are held regularly once a year.
According to the Slovenian Foreign Ministry, "Canada is one of the oldest oldest and closest EU partners. Their economic partnership goes back as far as 1950, and it has developed into a close strategic alliance. The EU and Canada have been cooperating in a number of different areas, including the Afghanistan issue and the area of effective multilateralism."
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