The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has blocked Kosovo's quest for membership in the global body. Kosovo failed to secure UNESCO membership despite winning majority of votes during a session of General Conference in Paris on Monday.
Ninety-two members supported its bid, with 50 voting against and 29 abstentions. It needed two-thirds of the total 142 members - 95 votes - in order to become a full time member, according to DW.
Prime Minister Isa Mustafa blamed Serbia for Kosovo's rejection, saying that he deeply regretted the decision. He also accused Serbia of always conducting a racist campaign against Kosovo.
"That especially influenced some countries that have the same interests as Serbia. But that will not stop us, because we are determined to work tirelessly on strengthening the state of Kosovo, so we can affirm it as a successful project that serves the interest of all its citizens and contributes to peace, tolerance and prosperity," he said, according to b92.
"We will not give up on its Euro-Atlantic agenda and will convince everyone it deserves to join all international organizations," added Mustafa.
Serbia dubbed Kosovo's membership rejection as a victory for the country.
"This is a justified and moral victory in almost impossible conditions. This victory was not achieved with money, but through the appreciation Serbia has in the world. This is also a clear sign that we will not give up our southern province," Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic said, according to Balkan Insight.
Russia described Kosovo's UNESCO membership bid as a "premature move."
"After long debates, that exposed major differences of the member countries on the issue, a voting took place and confirmed that Pristina's bid to become an independent member of UNESCO was premature," the Russian foreign ministry said, according to TASS.
