Portugal preparing to recognize Kosovo: reports

Lisbon - Portugal is preparing to recognize the independence of Kosovo, media reported Friday.

Foreign Minister Luis Amado may disclose the date of recognition on Tuesday, when he will inform a parliamentary foreign affairs commission about Portugal's stance, the daily Publico said.

Amado is currently holding meetings with the parliamentary parties to discuss the issue.

Portugal wanted align itself with most other European Union countries, which have backed the February 17 independence declaration of the former Serbian province, the daily said.

The EU was believed to seek a unified position before the United Nations General Assembly discusses a Serbian request for a legal review of Kosovo's unilateral independence declaration on October 8.

Serbia's ambassador to Portugal, Dusko Lopandic, urged Portugal not to modify its position at the "sensitive juncture of the process" before the UN meeting. (dpa)

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