Spain Allows Kosovo Athletes To Use National Symbols At Competitions - IOC

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th November, 2018) Madrid has allowed Kosovo athletes to use their national symbols at international competitions held in Spain, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced Wednesday.

"The Spanish Government will provide the Kosovan sports delegations competing in Spain with the relevant visa and will authorise them to use their own national symbols, anthem and flag," it said.

The decision was communicated to the IOC and the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) by Spain's Foreign Minister Josep Borrell in a letter addressed to COE President Alejandro Blanco.

"The IOC and the COE wish to underline the fundamental role played by sport and the Olympic Movement in building a more inclusive, fairer society," the statement read.

Spain is one of a few EU countries that did not recognize the Balkan nation's declaration of independence in 2008. Russia, China, and Israel also regard the Albanian-majority region as part of Serbia.