"Albin Kurti said that Greece is close to recognising Kosovo's independence, i.e. it is closer to changing this decision among the EU members that do not recognise it," a Belgrade paper writes.
However, officials from Athens deny this and say the country's position on the issue remains the same, Euroaktiv reports.
Asked by Euroactiv about Curti's statement, a Greek government source was unequivocal:
"Greece's position remains unchanged."
Greece, Slovakia, Romania, Romania, Spain and Cyprus do not recognise the independence of Kosovo, which was unilaterally declared in 2008.
Speaking on Polish television on Sunday, Kurti said Pristina "worked hard on the diplomatic aspect to unite Kosovo with most EU countries."
"Greece is at the top of these countries, which is close to recognizing the independence of Kosovo. This can be seen from the status of our office in Athens."
Euroactiv recalls that Greece has an Liaison Office accredited by UNMIC in Pristina, while Kosovo has opened an Economic and Commercial Affairs Office in Athens. Athens also recognises passports issued by Kosovo.
For a long time, Greece has been considered the "weakest link" among the five Member States that do not recognise Kosovo. In March this year, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias visited Kosovo for the sixth time, meeting President Viosa Osmani.
In a statement after the meeting, Viosa Osmani praised Greece's commitment and continued support for the liberalisation of the visa regime and Euro-Atlantic integration in Kosovo.
"The meeting also discussed the relations between Kosovo and Greece, where President Osmani showed her willingness to further strengthen bilateral relations," the Kosovo Presidency statement said at the time.
But a few days later, during a visit to Serbia, Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou said that nothing would change regarding Athens' position on Kosovo's independence.
This confirmation came again at the end of August by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Athens.
After that meeting, Vucic said there would be no change in Greece's official position on non-recognition of Kosovo.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
