Israel denies change of Kosovo stance

BELGRADE -- Israel has not recognized Kosovo’s independence and sees no reason to change its position. This is according to a statement made by the Israeli embassy in Belgrade on Monday. The embassy reacted to a report by Radio Kosovo that Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman "promised Albanian Foreign Minister Edmond Haxhinasto at their meeting that Israel would reconsider its stand regarding recognition of Kosovo's independence". Israel does not recognize Kosovo's independence, the embassy reiterated. The province's ethnic Albanians unilaterally declared independence over three years ago, which was rejected by Serbia's authorities as an illegal act of secession.