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More Countries Formally Recognise Kosovo |
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Written by Scott Bevan and Rafael Epstein
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Monday, 18 February 2008 |
A growing number of countries are indicating their support for Kosovo by
agreeing to formally recognise the newly proclaimed state.
The United States has announced formal recognition, while France, Germany, Italy
and Turkey have all committed to do the same.
But others like Spain and Cyprus are worried about about their own separatists
if other nations bypass the UN and recognise the new state.
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband announced his country's support after a
meeting of European Foreign minsters in Brussels.
"On behalf of the United Kingdom, I can announce that the British Government has
decided to recognise Kosovo," he said.
"We will do so alongside other European countries - at least half of whom I
estimate from the discussion today will recognise the new country of Kosovo."
This small landlocked nation relies heavily on aid from Western countries, so
being recognised by world powers is crucial if the new Government wants to
fulfil peoples massive expectations.
Yesterday, thousands of Serbs went to a rally in the divided northern town of
Mitrovica. They burnt an American flag but there was no violence and there were
other smaller rally's across Kosovo.
Meanwhile, Serbia has ordered its ambassador in Washington to leave the US, as a
counter measure to the country's recognition of Kosovo independence, Prime
Minister Vojislav Kostunica told Parliament.
"The Government of Serbia ordered that the Ambassador of Serbia in Washington
urgently withdraw to Belgrade," Mr Kostunica said.
"That is the first urgent measure of the Government which will be implemented in
all countries that recognise unilateral independence" of Kosovo, he added.
The US decision to formally recognise an independent Kosovo "cannot make the
fake state real, but it showed to the entire world the real face of the US
policy of forcing" a solution, Mr Kostunica said at an emergency session of the
Parliament.
New trend
Meanwhile, two breakaway republics in Georgia are increasing their push for the
same recognition as Kosovo.
For 17 years, since the break-up of the Soviet Union, the self-proclaimed
republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia have been seeking independence from
Georgia.
Now, with Kosovo as a precedent, both territories' presidents say they have a
stronger case than ever and are demanding what they call their right for
independence.
The leaders have been in Moscow appealing for help from Russia, who they refer
to as their main ally.
Abkhaz President Sergei Bagapsh says his Republic will soon officially ask
Russia to recognise its independence.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is meeting with his Georgian counterpart,
Mikhail Saakashivili, later this week.
Source: ABC News
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