A plenary session of the UNESCO Executive Board is expected to table on Wednesday a request by Albania and a group of countries for Kosovo’s admission to that organization.
Church dignitaries, top state officials and representatives of the Serbian Academy of Science and Arts met yesterday and called on the UNESCO members to reject this request. Russia, China, Cuba, Argentina, Spain and Brazil stood up against the idea that a creation like Kosovo can become an UNESCO member, and announced that they will explain their position at the plenary session.
The Executive Board comprises 58 countries, including 32 that have recognized Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence. Around 20 members have backed Albania’s request. If the request is adopted by the board, it will be sent to the UNESCO General Conference, which will be meeting November 3-18.
Serbian PM Aleksandar Vucic said on Tuesday “Serbia was making every effort in order to prevent Kosovo’s admission to UNESCO,” and that “Serbia’s chances are much bigger at the General Conference.”
