The Netherlands will follow developments in Kosovo for ‘several weeks’ before deciding whether or not to recognise its independence, according to foreign minister Maxime Verhagen, reports news agency ANP.

‘We will look critically at the new constitution which still has to be formally adopted, and will also follow developments on the ground very closely over the coming days and weeks,’ Verhagen was reported as saying.
Verhagen was speaking on Monday evening after it emerged that the EU was divided on recognising Kosovo’s declaration of independence. The UK, Germany and Italy all gave their backing to Kosovo on Monday.
Verhagen said the Netherlands wanted to be sure that Kosovo would respect human rights and the rights of the Serbian minority. About 10% of the province’s population is ethnic Serbs
ANP also reported that the cabinet still has to decide whether to contribute tens of police officers to the new EU mission to Kosovo which is to help with the setting up of a local legal system