Countries split on Kosovo

[MarZutra]

http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/326835

Countries split on Kosovo
 
 
Visar Kryeziu, the Associated Press

February 19, 2008
Robert Wielaard
The Associated Press; With files from The Canadian Press
BRUSSELS (Feb 19, 2008)
The United States and the European Union's biggest powers quickly recognized Kosovo as an independent country yesterday, widening a split with Russia, China and some EU members strongly opposed to letting the territory break away from Serbia.

The rift was on view for a second day at the UN Security Council, which was holding an emergency session to discuss the declaration of independence issued Sunday by Kosovo's ethnic Albanian majority.

Ethnic Serbs rallying in northern Kosovo angrily denounced the United States and urged Russia to help Serbia hold on to the territory Serbs consider the birthplace of their civilization. Protesters marched in Serbia's capital, and that country recalled its U.S. ambassador to protest U.S. recognition for an independent Kosovo.

Despite Serbs' clamouring to retake Kosovo, Serbia's government has ruled out a military response.

But the dispute is likely to worsen strained relations between the West and Russia, which is a traditional ally of Serbia and seeks to restore its influence in former Soviet bloc states. The Kremlin could become less likely to help in international efforts important to the United States and its allies, such as pressuring Iran to rein in its nuclear program.

For Washington, the declaration of independence by Kosovo vindicated years of dogged effort to help a land achieve its dream of self- determination after years of ethnic conflict and repression .

In Tanzania, U.S. President George W. Bush declared: "The Kosovars are now independent." Washington formally recognized Kosovo as an independent country soon afterward.

Germany, Britain and France also gave their heavyweight backing, saying they planned to issue formal recognitions.

There was no word from Ottawa on what position the government would take. The Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement Sunday saying only that "the government is still considering a decision."

But Liberal Leader Stephane Dion said yesterday that Canada should be ready to recognize Kosovo as a country in the same way many other countries already have.

Dion dismissed the arguments of Quebec sovereigntists who draw parallels between the Kosovo declaration and their own drive for independence.

The sovereigntists have argued other countries could recognize Quebec sovereignty without having to get the approval of the federal government. But Dion says Quebec sovereignty would be regarded as an internal Canadian political matter and the international community wouldn't intervene.

Russia, Serbia's key ally, and emerging global power China remained adamantly opposed to Kosovo's independence, warning of the danger of inspiring separatist movements worldwide.

As veto-wielding Security Council members, Russia and China both have the power to block any attempt by Kosovo to gain a seat on the international body.

[spiritus_persona]

I have a question.  With the separation of Kosovo from Serbia, will it really be independent, or will it be an extention of Albania?

[MarZutra]

My guess it will be just extention of Albania, but one of our Serbian members will better guess on this...

[JR-Obilic]

They are greedy, so i'm sure they will fight amongst themselves and Kosovars will want their own state, own politicians etc.  But when it comes down to it it's all Albanian any way u look at it.  Either way, Albania is a country even poorer then Serbia even though it's had no wars to bring it down to that level.  It's a real [censored] of a country and asside from Mother Theresa, a Christian minority who left there when she was just a young girl and never came back, there is NO noteworthy Albanians in history.

[Lamed]

My guess it will be just extention of Albania, but one of our Serbian members will better guess on this...

At first it won't be an extention.
Not until the albanian muslims in FYR MAcedonia don't get the part of it were they are majority (mainly northeastern part of FYR Macedonia) and the parts of Monte Negro.
Then they will probably form Great Albania or some kind of Federation or Confederation of albanian muslim countries/states.

[JTFFan]

My guess it will be just extention of Albania, but one of our Serbian members will better guess on this...

At first it won't be an extention.
Not until the albanian muslims in FYR MAcedonia don't get the part of it were they are majority (mainly northeastern part of FYR Macedonia) and the parts of Monte Negro.
Then they will probably form Great Albania or some kind of Federation or Confederation of albanian muslim countries/states.

Greater Albania is Nazi muSSlim unification, the Serbs should prevent this at all costs!

[MarZutra]

Dear Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper and Hon. Peter MacKay,

I wish to ask, request or plead to you NOT to make the highly questionable and deplorable tactic of affording recogniztion of Kosovo as the shameful Bush Administration recently afforded.  May Canada not/never recognize an independant Kosovo but support the Serbian People who supported us during World War II.
 
Thank you for your time,
 
MarZutra
Toronto

Dear MarZutra:

I have recently received your correspondence concerning Canada’s recognition of Kosovo. Thank you for sending this to me.

Unfortunately there is little I can do as Minister of Defence to affect the Government’s decision on whether to recognize Kosovo as an independent state. I have therefore taken the liberty of referring your correspondence to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. I trust the Minister will be able to better address your concerns.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me and notify me of this matter.

Sincerely,

Peter G. MacKay