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Bidding: IOC grant Kosovo provisional recognition

By Allsports.com.gh
Sports News Bidding: IOC grant Kosovo provisional recognition
OCT 23, 2014 LISTEN

The National Olympic Committee of Kosovo could achieve full membership by December, when the IOC meets in Monaco, following Wednesday's announcement.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, which has led to a territorial dispute between the two neighbours.

Serbia refuse to recognise Kosovo, claiming the Balkan region is part of its own sovereign territory.

However, Kosovo - recognised by 108 of the 193 United Nations member states - is on track to feature in Rio de Janeiro in four years time with athletes previously only able to represent Albania.

"The Executive Board noted that the National Olympic Committee of Kosovo has met the requirements for recognition as outlined in the Olympic Charter," the IOC said in a statement.

"These include the sport and technical requirements as well as the definition of 'country' as defined in Rule 30.1 " 'an independent State recognized by the international community.' Kosovo is recognized as a country by 108 of the 193 UN Member States."

The Serbian Olympic Committee (OKS) has since confirmed it will appeal the decision.

"The OKS most vehemently condemns the decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board to grant provisional membership to the national Olympic Committee of the unilaterally declared Republic of Kosovo," the OKS said on its official website.

"Henceforth the Olympic Committee of Serbia has lodged a protest to the International Olympic Committee. The OKS will continue to act in line with recommendations from Serbia's authorities."

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