Controversy over Kosovo independence

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The unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo from Serbia has generated controversy in international politics. For a start, it has led to deep divisions between those states that recognise the declaration and those that do not. (See International reaction to the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence.) However, the controversy over Kosovo independence includes not only the legality of the declaration itself, but also the fate of Kosovo Serbs, the impact on international relations, and whether it sets a legal precedent for other separatist conflicts throughout the world.

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[edit] Legality of independence

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, passed in 1999, legally affirmed Yugoslavia's (ie. Serbia's) territorial integrity and sovereignty over Kosovo, but placed the region under the authority of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), with security provided by a NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) and authorized a process to determine Kosovo's final status.

In the context of the above, the controversy over the legal basis of Kosovo's status has centered on two fundamental principles of international law: the principle of the territorial integrity of states and the right to self-determination of people. Despite the general belief that there is a universal right to self-determination, as laid down in the UN Charter, until recently this right has usually been viewed as having only limited application. Specifically, it has been applied to territories under military occupation or colonies. Even in these cases, the application of the right of self-determination was seen to be applicable only at the point of decolonization. Instead, the emphasis has been placed on the the territorial integrity of states. This too is laid down in the UN Charter.

In the context of European security, the 1975 Helsinki Final Act specifies "Inviolability of frontiers" and "Territorial integrity of States" on one hand and "Equal rights and self-determination of peoples" on the other hand. Where the two principles come into collision, the international community has previously favoured the principle of the inviolability of borders. In these cases, the right to self-determination was instead interpreted as a right for a minority population of a specific community to manage their own affairs within the framework of an existing state according to some form of autonomy. In this regard, those who oppose Kosovo's declaration of independence argue that the move was unacceptable under the previously existing framework of international law.

Supporters of Kosovo's independence take a different view and argue that there is an emerging understanding of the principle of self-determination that is more fluid than the traditional view. For example, according to a NATO report on the question of Kosovo's status (see External Links), the Declaration on Friendly Relations states a region may have the right of secession in the case of foreign occupation or if the region is a colony of another nation. The NATO report claims, while mentioning disagreement on the interpretation, that a third condition exists when "a people whose right to internal self-determination has been thoroughly violated by a Government that does not represent the people" and suggests Kosovo qualifies under this condition. In the report a Canadian Supreme Court ruling on the secession of Quebec is cited which states:

“ The international law right to self-determination generates at best, a right to self determination...where a people is oppressed... or where a definable group is denied meaningful access to government to pursue their political, economic, social and cultural development. In all three situations, the people in question are entitled to the right to external self-determination because they have been denied the ability to exert internally their right to self-determination ”

Following this, the NATO report discusses the exercise of what is seen as an emerging right to secession in international law represented by the response of the international community in the cases of the secessionist movements in Eritrea, East Timor, the USSR, and Yugoslavia. However, it concludes that while there is a case in favor of a right to secession for Kosovo, the report nevertheless rejects the right to secession in cases where regions are open to democratic mechanisms.

In the preamble of the Constitution of Serbia Kosovo is defined as an "integral part" of Serbia with "fundamental autonomy". On 18 February 2008, the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia declared Kosovo's declaration of independence null and void per the suggestion of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, after the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Serbia deemed the act illegal on the basis of the UN Charter, the Constitution of Serbia, the Helsinki Final Act, UNSCR 1244 (including previous resolutions) and the Badinter Commission.[1]. On March 27, 2008 Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic said Serbia would request the International Court of Justice review the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence.[2]

[edit] Status of Kosovo Serbs

See also: 2008 Post declaration of independence unrest in Kosovo
Ethnic composition of Kosovo in 2005 according to the OSCE
Ethnic composition of Kosovo in 2005 according to the OSCE

Attacks on the border posts of Kosovo raised fears of a separation of Northern Kosovo and subsequent merger with Serbia.[3] Russian diplomat Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko, who took part in the negotiations on the status of Kosovo, said such partition was inevitable:

“ A factual division of Kosovo to a northern, Serbian part and a southern, Albanian one, will take place as a consequence of the illegal declaration of independence.[4] ”

Under Secretary for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns following suggestion Kosovo be partition said "We absolutely oppose the partition of Kosovo," and that the "great majority of countries around the world are not going to stand for that."[5] In response to the seizure of railways in Northern Kosovo and formation of Serbian offices to serve as part of a parallel government Kosovo's Prime minister stated that they would "not tolerate any parallel institution on Kosovo's territory" and would assert their authority over all of Kosovo.[6] The UN's Special Representative in Kosovo said the "international community has made it very clear that no partition of Kosovo will be acceptable."[7]

Ivan Eland a Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute suggested such "a partition within a partition" would prevent a "Serbia-Kosovo War" and provides the "best chance" of Kosovo having a long-term stable relationship with Serbia.[8] Chairman of the Serb Municipalities of Kosovo Alliance Marko Jakšić dismissed the talk of partition and said the action of Serbs in Kosovo is to protest the Kosovo declaration. Oliver Ivanović a Kosovo Serb leader, said he was against Kosovo's partition because "most Serbs live south of the Ibar and their position would become unsustainable".[9]

A Reuters analysis suggeted that Kosovo may be divided along ethnic lines similar to Bosnia-Herzegovina. James Lyon of the International Crisis Group thinktank was quoted as saying "The Republika Srpska (Bosnian Serb Republic) style is acceptable for Serbia, but within the confines that it (Kosovo) is still part of Serbia."[10] Pieter Feith, the European Union's special representative in Kosovo, and the International Civilian Representative for Kosovo said no plans are under discussion to carve out a canton or grant any other autonomy to Serbs living in the north of Kosovo. He told the Pristina, Kosovo, daily Koha Ditore, "It is quite clear that the privileged relations between the Serbs here (in Kosovo) and Belgrade are in the spheres of education, healthcare and religious objects," adding that "the government in Pristina has to be respected."[11]

On March 22, 2008 Serbia's Minister for Kosovo, Slobodan Samardzic said he had submitted a proposal to the United Nations Mission which would create "the functional separation of Serbs and Albanians" within Kosovo.[12] Serbia's Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic said implementing such a proposal was necessary to avoid violent conflict.[13] Yevgeny Primakov, Chairman of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and former prime minister under Boris Yeltsin, said “the best solution now would be if the Serbs (could) move from the southern parts… to the north, which is closer to Serbia, and to then join Serbia."[14]

Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica declared in an interview with a local television station in Jagodina that a "functional separation" of Kosovo was inevitable.[15] A Kosovo Serb ally of Kostunica, Marko Jaksic, said Kosovo Serbs would form their own assembly following local elections considering the plan for the "functional division" of Kosovo. He argued that the Kosovo Assembly was dominated by "Albanian puppets" who would not work in the interest of the Serb minority.[16] The mayor of Mitrovica condemned the formation of a parallel municipal assembly in North Mitrovica by Serbs on June 6, 2008 following the election saying the institution was "illegal" as well as the elections.[17] Serbian parties also agreed to form a parliament for Kosovo Serbs by June 15 including 45 delegates, 43 from the local assemblies and two seats reserved for Romani and Muslims.[18]

Samardzic said in an interview that the UN had accepted a Serb proposal on Kosovo which included a partnership with UNMIK that would effectively give it rights to run vital services. Areas identified as key were police, customs, justice, control of the Serbia-Kosovo border, transport and telecoms, and protection of Serbia's cultural heritage. He said it was included in a package on reconfiguring UNMIK.[19]

[edit] Kosovo's independence: a precedent or a unique case?

Several states which have come out against Kosovo's declaration of independence, such as Spain and Russia argue Kosovo would set a precedent. Such a precedent would prioritise the self-determination of prospective states over the territorial integrity of the host state, thus stimulating separatism. This "Kosovo precedent" could involve territorial disputes in several unrecognized states around the world. This interpretation is disputed with several countries who argue Kosovo is a sui generis case.

In its declaration of independence Kosovo claimed that it was a special case: " ... Observing that Kosovo is a special case arising from Yugoslavia's non-consensual breakup and is not a precedent for any other situation, Recalling the years of strife and violence in Kosovo, that disturbed the conscience of all civilized people, ...". In other words, Kosovo claims its independence is a special case because it is a result of the Kosovo War and continues the breakup of Yugoslavia.

The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation said that recognition of Kosovo would "redefine and clarify key concepts of international law." [4] It said:

“ Experts agree that the declaration of independence for Kosovo will set a precedent and world leaders are equally aware of the precarious position they face when determining whether to recognize Kosovo’s independence. For regions in similar conditions, Kosovo's independence represents new hope for the future of their own potential statehood. ”

In a statement issued February 19th the U.S. State Department argued every territorial conflict is unique. It said Kosovo's unilateral independence cannot be used by other states to resolve disputes.[20]

Russian President Vladimir Putin said, "Our position is extremely clear. Any resolution on Kosovo should be approved by both sides. It is also clear that any resolution on Kosovo will set a precedent in international practice." Analysts take this as meaning Russia would come out for the independence of de-facto independent breakway regions in the Former Soviet Union.[21]

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in an interview for Interfax news agency said "Each situation needs to be examined based on its unique circumstances," and said Kosovo was a "highly distinctive situation" because of the intervention of the international community. At the same time he emphasized that recognition is left up to UN Member States and is not decided by the UN Secretariat or the Secretary-General.[22]

[edit] As a precedent for Republika Srpska

See also: Dayton Agreement

According to a poll of Bosnian Serbs taken by the Banja Luka-based Partner agency before Kosovo's declaration, 77% would support a referendum being called on Republika Srpska's independence from Bosnia and Herzegovina.[23] The Prime Minister of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik, citing popular demand, suggested that a referendum on the Serb entity's independence could be held if Kosovo declares its independence.[23] However, Dodik denied accusations that there were already ballots being printed for such a referendum on independence.[24]

Location of Republika Srpska (yellow) in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Location of Republika Srpska (yellow) in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Since Kosovo's declaration of independence Bosnian Serb nationalists have called for Dodik to fulfill his promises and call a referendum. Dodik has since said he will only call a referendum if Srpska's autonomy is threatened.[25] Despite this Bosnian Serb lawmakers passed a resolution on Thursday February 21st calling for a referendum on independence if a majority of the UN members (97 out of 192), especially members of the European Union, recognize Kosovo's declaration of independence.[26] After the resolution was passed the U.S. cut aid to the SNSD and the resolution was condemned by the European Union.[27] The Peace Implementation Council (PIC) overseeing Bosnia and Herzegovina said the country's entities have no right to secede.[28] The High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Miroslav Lajcak said Srpska has "absolutely no right" to secede and that he would use his Bonn Powers "if there are threats to peace and stability" or the Dayton peace agreement.[29]

In an interview for a Novi Sad daily, Dodik said if most countries recognize Kosovo's self-proclaimed independence, this would legitimize the right to secession and added "we do not see a single reason why we should not be granted the right to self-determination, the right envisaged in international conventions."[30]

A non–governmental organisation called 'The Choice is Ours' is calling for a protest demanding the independence of the Bosnian Serb entity. The group issued a statement saying, “If Albanians in Kosovo, where they are an ethnic majority can do it, then we, the Serbs, as the constitutional nation in RS can follow suit”. The organisation said it expected thousands of people at the rally who would sign a petition for the referendum, which will then be handed over to the Bosnian Serb Parliament. However, a date for the rally has not yet been set. Miroslav Lajcak reacting to the statement said that if Srpska was to leave the state of Bosnia "it would be a violation of the Dayton agreement and that those who advocate such move should be aware of the consequences.”[31]

[edit] As a precedent in the Former Soviet Union

Main article: Frozen conflict
v • d • e
Conflicts in the

Former Soviet Union

Sergei Mironov, the chairman of Russia's upper house of parliament said in December of 2007, "In case of the unilateral recognition of the independence of Kosovo, Russia will be entitled to change its approach to the so-called unrecognized republics in the post-soviet regions - South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Pridnestrovie." He went on to say "In case of such a recognition of Kosovo, Russia will be able to say that it is free in its approach, including towards the so-called unrecognized republics of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Pridnestrovie [Transnistria]."[32]

Immediately following Kosovo's declaration of independence Russian officials appeared to soften their position with Boris Gryzlov saying only that Moscow should “reshape its relations with self-proclaimed republics” which according to news reports could mean lifting the economic embargo on the regions.[33] On March 6, 2008 Russia's Foreign Ministry announced it had lifted sanctions on Abkhazia and called on other CIS member states to do the same. Russia denied the event had any connection to Kosovo, but Georgian parliament speaker Nino Burjanadze said she believed the move was part of Russia's response to Kosovo's declaration and signals an attempt to "annex" Abkhazia.[34][35] Shalva Natelashvili, leader of the Labor Party of Georgia, said Abkhazia would be "finally separated from Georgia" and cited the lifting of sanctions as the first sign.[36] Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, raised similar concerns about the dropping of trade restrictions saying, "That could look like a de facto annexation and that would be a matter of great concern if it were the case."[37] Eduard Kokoity, the President of South Ossetia's breakaway republic, talking about recognition said, "Some countries will recognize our republics [South Ossetia and Abkhazia]. I cannot rule out that some of them may do so later this year. Russia, however, will not necessarily be the first to recognize our independence."[38] Georgia, which claims South Ossetia and Abkhazia as its territory based on UN Resolutions, has warned that such recognition would amount to a declaration of war (see also United Nations resolutions on Abkhazia).[39] The U.S. State Department has urged for countries not to make statements which could prevent the peaceful settlement of Abkhazia and South Ossetia's status. They also called for all countries to reiterate their support for Georgia's territorial integrity and its sovereignty within the borders defined by the UN Security Council.[20]

Armenia's Deputy Parliament Speaker Vahan Hovhannisyan has said Kosovo's independence will influence the settlement of the dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh. Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan declared at the UN General Assembly session in October of 2007 that the Armenian side “does not understand and cannot accept the reverse logic that Kosovo was given independence and that another nation cannot obtain self-determination."[40] Before being elected president, Armenian prime-minister Serzh Sargsyan said Kosovo was not a precedent for Karabakh. He underlined that Nagorno-Karabakh has been independent for the past 17 years. [41]

Following a skirmish between Armenian military forces in Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan forces which left 4 Azeri and 12 Armenian soliders dead, Azerbaijan said it was sparked by international recognition of Kosovo. US State Department Spokesman Tom Casey rejected the comparison stating "Kosovo is not a precedent and should [not] be seen as a precedent for any other place out there in the world. It certainly isn't a precedent for Nagorno-Karabakh."[42]

South Ossetia, Abkhazia, and Transistria have all submitted formal requests for recognition of their independence to Russia, among other countries, and international organizations citing Kosovo as a precedent.[43][44] South Ossetia's appeal was approved at a joint session of the breakaway republic's parliament and the parliament of North Ossetia a Russia autonomous republic.[45] Russia's Duma called a session for March 13 to discuss the issue of recognition in respect to the unrecognized republics in the Former Soviet Union.[46] However, Nagorno-Karabakh was not included in the agenda for the Duma.[47] When asked about the appeal for recognition U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice dismissed it and said, “we’ve been very clear that Kosovo is sui generis and that that is because of the special circumstances out of which the breakup of Yugoslavia came. The special circumstances of the aggression of the Milosevic forces against Kosovars, particularly Albanian Kosovars, and it’s a special circumstance.”[48] Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel said the European Union was concerned by what it considered moves by Russia to recognize Abkhazia. External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said, there was "a growing preoccupation and anxiety that Russia may be paving the way for recognition of Abkhazia," and stated the EU's support for Georgia's territorial integrity.[37]

The Duma Committee for CIS on March 13th, following a hearing on the unrecognized republics recommended an upgrading of relations with Abkhazia, Transnistria, and South Ossetia including the possibility of recognition. Other recommendations included or reported are the establishment of diplomatic missions in the regions with the foreign ministry to decide whether they are consulates or another type of mission, a removal of import duties on goods created by businesses with Russian shareholders in the regions, and increased humanitarian and economic assistance for Russian passport holders in the regions. Alexei Ostrovsky, chairman of the lower house's committee on former Soviet affairs said at the parliamentary hearing, "The world community should understand that from now on the resolution of conflicts in the ex-Soviet area cannot be seen in any other context from that of Kosovo." [49][50] Participation of the breakaway republics in international organizations and forums was also mentioned in a press release before the hearings.[51] The Nezavisimaya Gazeta daily described the hearing as "the launch of a procedure of recognition." The committee recommendations are set to be put before a vote a week after the hearing. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said the ministry would "look carefully at all the recommendations" but that Russian policy remained unchanged.[49]

[edit] As a precedent for other disputed regions

Ozdil Nami a senior Turkish Cypriot official told the Turkish Daily News, "When diplomatic efforts are exhausted other alternatives are put on the table. We clearly see this in Kosovo where diplomacy proved futile and other formulas are floating around. This will certainly have an impact on Cyprus."[52] Nami suggests the resolution of Kosovo may be applied to Northern Cyprus well. According to Nami, "Everyone sees 2008 as the last window of opportunity for a solution to the Cyprus problem." He claims Cyprus is being warned that "other alternatives could be on the agenda" if there is no resolution.[52] Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat has rejected this connection saying "We do not see a direct link between the situation in Kosovo and the Cyprus Problem. These problems have come up through different conditions."[53]

Member of Palestinian negotiating team Yasser Abed Rabbo said if talks with Israel continue to falter, Palestinians should unilaterally declare independence.[54] In reference to Kosovo, he said that "we deserve independence even before Kosovo, and we ask for the backing of the United States and the European Union for our independence."

[edit] As a precedent in autonomous regions which have not declared independence

The Spanish government decided against recognizing Kosovo's declaration of independence fearing similar moves by its autonomous territories of Galicia, Catalonia, and the Basque Country. Authorities in all three autonomous regions praised Kosovo and pressed Spain to recognize its independence.[55]

[edit] Political leaders who have discussed the Kosovo precedent

The following political leaders have voiced their belief that the independence of Kosovo will create a precedent for other separatist movements.

[edit] Impact on international relations

The former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton, former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger and former Assistant Defense Secretary Peter Rodman have warned that Western recognition of Kosovo independence would create "an avoidable confrontation with Russia" and "turn what is now a relatively small problem into a large one."[89]

On February 1, 2008 President Saakashvili described the Kosovo issue as a major challenge for Georgian diplomacy.[90]

On March 8, 2008, Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica dissolved his government (except to perform caretaker functions) until new elections could be held, principally in reaction to Western support of Kosovo's independence. The next elections are expected to revolve primarily around the questions of European Union membership and Kosovo's recently declared sovereignty. [91]

Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica has said Serbia would not join the EU without Kosovo, though other members of the Serbian government have disagreed with his position.[13] According to Polish paper Dziennik Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, the chairman of the EU parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, during a visit to Belgrade would "ask Serbs which of the two scenarios they will choose - isolation in a region that will in the next few years belong to the European Union or speedy integration."[92]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Decision of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia regarding the Confirmation of the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Serbia regarding the Abolition of Illegal Acts of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in Kosovo and Metohia in regards to the unilateral Declaration of Independence
  2. ^ "Serbia to seek World Court opinion about Kosovo's declaration of independence", International Herald Tribune, 2008-03-27. Retrieved on 2008-03-27. 
  3. ^ "Serbian convoy enters Kosovo amid fears over partition of new state", The Guardian, 2008-02-20. Retrieved on 2008-02-20. 
  4. ^ "Botsan-Kharchenko - Partition of Kosovo is inevitable", makfaxonline, 2008-02-20. Retrieved on 2008-02-20. 
  5. ^ "US 'absolutely' opposed to Kosovo partition", Agence France Presse, 2008-02-28. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  6. ^ "Kosovo PM: End to Parallel Structures", Balkan Insight, 2008-03-07. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  7. ^ "UN: Kosovo Partition 'Not An Option'", Balkan Insight, 2008-03-05. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  8. ^ Eland, Ivan. "Prevent trouble with partition of Kosovo", The Detroit News, 2008-02-20. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  9. ^ "K. Serb leader: Partition talk is nonsense", B92, 2008-02-25. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  10. ^ Robinson, Matt. "Serbs bid for Bosnia-style division in Kosovo", Reuters, 2008-02-29. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  11. ^ "EU dismisses Serb autonomy in Kosovo", United Press International, 2008-03-03. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  12. ^ "Serbia Proposes Ethnic Division in Kosovo", Voice of America News, 2008-03-22. Retrieved on 2008-03-22. 
  13. ^ a b "Serbia to push for separating ethnic Serbs from Kosovo", Reuters, 2008-03-27. Retrieved on 2008-03-27. 
  14. ^ "Russian Official Calls for Kosovo Partition", Balkan Insight, 2008-03-26. Retrieved on 2008-03-27. 
  15. ^ "Koštunica: Functional separation in Kosovo "inevitable"", B92, 2008-05-02. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. 
  16. ^ "Kosovo Serbs to seek own assembly", Television New Zealand, 2008-05--07. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. 
  17. ^ "Kosovo Mayor Slams Serb Parallel Council", Balkan Insight, 2008-06-06. Retrieved on 2008-06-06. 
  18. ^ "Kosovo Serbs’ Provisional Parliament Will Be Formed By June 15", eYugoslavia, 2008-06-07. Retrieved on 2008-06-07. 
  19. ^ "INTERVIEW-Serbia expects key powers in north Kosovo", Reuters, 2008-06-06. Retrieved on 2008-06-06. 
  20. ^ a b "Kosovo autonomy is no precedent for other territorial conflicts - U.S.", interfax, 2008-02-20. Retrieved on 2008-02-20. 
  21. ^ "Putin says Kosovo resolution would set precedent", FOCUS Information Agency, 2008-01-17. Retrieved on 2008-01-18. 
  22. ^ "UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: I wish to note that Kosovo is a highly distinctive situation", Interfax. Retrieved on 2008-03-11. 
  23. ^ a b "Bosnian Serbs want secession if Kosovo goes -- poll", Reuters, 2007-11-21. Retrieved on 2007-12-28. 
  24. ^ "Bosnians stockpile staple food as fear mounts", Financial Times, 2007-12-19. Retrieved on 2007-12-28. 
  25. ^ "Bosnia's Dodik Calms Secession Fears", Balkan Insight, 2008-02-20. Retrieved on 2008-02-20. 
  26. ^ "Bosnian Serbs threaten secession over Kosovo", Reuters, 2008-02-22. Retrieved on 2008-02-22. 
  27. ^ "U.S. cuts aid to main Bosnian Serb party", PR-inside, 2008-03-04. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  28. ^ "Bosnia Serb PM Dismisses US Aid Cuts", Balkan Insight, 2008-03-05. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  29. ^ "Major powers reject Bosnian Serb secession calls", Agence France-Presse, 2008-02-27. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  30. ^ "Dodik insists RS has right to self-determination", B-92, 2008-03-09. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  31. ^ "Top Bosnia Envoy Warns Serbs", Balkan Insight, 2008-03-25. Retrieved on 2008-03-29. 
  32. ^ "Russia ready to recognize Pridnestrovie if Kosovo gets independence", The Tiraspol Times, 2007-12-27. Retrieved on 2007-12-28. 
  33. ^ "Separatist leaders give no indication of imminent recognition from Moscow", The Messenger, 2008-02-20. Retrieved on 2008-02-20. 
  34. ^ "Russia lifts Abkhazia sanctions", BBC News, 2008-03-06. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  35. ^ "Georgia: Tbilisi Outraged At Moscow Withdrawal From Abkhaz Sanctions Treaty", Radio Free Europe, 2008-03-07. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  36. ^ "Natelashvili: Georgia officially loses Abkhazia", The Georgian Times, 2008-03-10. Retrieved on 2008-03-10. 
  37. ^ a b "EU concerned at Russian moves on Abkhazia", Reuters, 2008-03-10. Retrieved on 2008-03-10. 
  38. ^ "South Ossetia's leader says recognition may come "this year"", RIA Novosti, 2008-02-20. Retrieved on 2008-02-20. 
  39. ^ "Approaching Kosovo Deadline Ratchets Tension in Abkhazia", Georgia Today, 2007-12-21. Retrieved on 2007-12-28. 
  40. ^ "Kosovo seen as precedent by four more new countries", The Tiraspol Times, 2007-12-17. Retrieved on 2007-12-28. 
  41. ^ (Russian)"Совбез ООН по требованию России проведет экстренное заседание по Косово. НАТО созывает Совет альянса", NEWSru.com, 2008-02-17. Retrieved on 2008-02-18. 
  42. ^ "US Concerned About Fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh", Voice of America News, 2008-03-05. 
  43. ^ "Georgia's rebel Abkhazia calls for independence recognition", Agence France-Presse, 2008-03-08. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  44. ^ "Transnistria asks int'l community for recognition as Europe's newest country", Tiraspol Times, 2008-02-29. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  45. ^ "Ossetians ask Russian lawmakers to recognize South Ossetia", RIA Novosti, 2008-03-05. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  46. ^ "RF Duma to hold hearing on unrecognized republics on March 13", PanArmenian Network, 2008-02-27. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  47. ^ "Representative of Russian Parliament: “Nagorno Karabakh Armenians will not attend hearings in the parliament”", Azeri Press Agency, 2008-03-12. Retrieved on 2008-03-12. 
  48. ^ "U.S Rules Out Recognising S.Ossetia", Civil Georgia, 2008-03-06. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
  49. ^ a b "Russian lawmakers call for missions in Georgian rebel regions", Agence France Presse, 2008-03-13. Retrieved on 2008-03-13. 
  50. ^ "Russia Seeks to Deepen Links With Rebel Regions", Javno, 2008-03-13. Retrieved on 2008-03-13. 
  51. ^ "Russia Intends to Open its Representations in Unrecognized Republics", Trend News Agency, 2008-03-13. Retrieved on 2008-03-13. 
  52. ^ a b "Turkish paper: Northern Cyprus eyes Kosovo outcome", B92, 2007-12-27. Retrieved on 2007-12-28. 
  53. ^ "A united Cyprus: first fruit of Kosovo's independence?", New Kosova Report, 2008-03-29. Retrieved on 2008-03-29. 
  54. ^ http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3509005,00.html
  55. ^ "Kosovo arouses fears of disintegration in Spain", Monsters and Critics, 2008-02-18. Retrieved on 2008-02-20. 
  56. ^ Bagapsh: International recognition of Abkhazia sure to follow Kosovo precedent, Messenger.ge, August 1, 2007
  57. ^ Por las Malvinas, el Gobierno decidió no reconocer a Kosovo
  58. ^ Robert Kocharyan: "Kosovo may become a precedent for recognition of Nagorno Karabakh's independence"
  59. ^ Azerbaijan says not recognizing Kosovo independence
  60. ^ Belarus supports Serbians’ pursuit of territorial integrity
  61. ^ a b Venezuela's Chavez won't recognize independent Kosovo
  62. ^ China 'concerned', Australia backs Kosovo split, AFP, February 18
  63. ^ Ataques al “padre” de la secesión de Kosovo
  64. ^ Czech, Slovak presidents: Kosovo sets precedent, b92, March 11, 2008
  65. ^ Activists want govt to oppose Kosovo independence
  66. ^ Georgia: Solana Fears Kosovo 'Precedent' For Abkhazia, South Ossetia
  67. ^ Ambassador: India's Kosovo stand consistent
  68. ^ The position of the Kyrgyz Republic on Kosovo
  69. ^ New governments of Spain and Cyprus will refuse Kosovo recognition
  70. ^ Canada recognizes Kosovo, Serbia pulls ambassador
  71. ^ Kosovo may be next to split from Serbia, International herald Tribune, June 13, 2006
  72. ^ "Kosovo model for Transylvania"
  73. ^ A KOSOVO “PRECEDENT” CUTS BOTH WAYS, Eurasia Daily Monitor, January 22, 2007
  74. ^ Kosovo precedent for 200 territories—Lavrov, Tanjug/B92, January 23, 2008
  75. ^ [1] Possible steps are planned on Kosovo precedent in all regions of the world, Azeri Press Agency, February 16, 2008
  76. ^ [2] Russia Will Have Its Eye on Those Who Recognize Kosovo, Kommersant, February 17, 2008
  77. ^ World’s Reaction to Declaration of Kosovo’s Independence
  78. ^ Slovaks divided on Kosovo
  79. ^ Slota: The Kosovo Issue is a Precedent That May End in a Third World War
  80. ^ Georgia breakaway provinces eye Kosovo as precedent, Reuters, June 4, 2007
  81. ^ [3]Spain says won't recognise Kosovo independence
  82. ^ http://in.reuters.com/article/southAsiaNews/idINIndia-32003120080218
  83. ^ Таджикистан не признает независимость Косово и считает ее опасной для Европы
  84. ^ Transdnestr deserves independence more than Kosovo - leader, RIA Novosti, December 27, 2007
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