Slovakia will not recognize Kosovo as an independent state, Slovak Foreign Minister Mikulas Dzurinda stated and once again confirmed that Bratislava will not change its position concerning this issue.

Slovakia does not feel that it is being pressured into recognizing Kosovo as an independent state, Dzurinda said after a meeting with American and British diplomats in Bratislava.

Everyone understands our position which is a result of our long historical experience and political beliefs, he added.

In a statement for the press, the minister reminded that Slovakia shares the opinion of Cyprus, Greece, Romania and Spain regarding the Kosovo issue.

Dzurinda pointed to the need for Serbia's speedy EU integration.He also expressed belief that the situation in the Balkans cannot be stabilized without Serbia's cooperation.

Following the release of the ICJ advisory opinion which stated that Kosovo's unilaterally declared independence does not constitute a violation of international law, Slovak officials have voiced their stand on several occasions and pointed out that the ICJ opinion will not affect their policy.