Recently, Kosovo had declared its independence from Serbia. However, Serbia had declared this move by Kosovo’s parliament to be illegal. Russia an ally of Serbia had condemned Kosovo’s action of declaring itself as an independent state. Kosovo’s independence has been recognized by the United States and the European Union.
However, the EU is divided on the issue of Kosovo. Russia said that Kosovo’s declaration should be nullified. That had caused a split within the United Nations Security Council. Serbia’s Prime Minister had called Kosovo a “false state” and denounced it.
Russia said there were no grounds for Kosovo to become independent. Kosovo technically is still controlled by both NATO and the UN due to the 1999 security resolution where NATO and US air strikes stopped the genocide of ethnic Albanians by Slobodan Milosovic, the former leader of Yugoslavia.
It is likely that Britain, France, Germany, and a few other Western European states will support Kosovo as a state. But, there are strong fears and concerns that there will be a dangerous precedent that will be set as a result.
“We are determined to take up our own responsibilities, as states and through the EU and NATO, to secure stability and security in the region,” said Johan Verbeke, Belgium’s UN ambassador.
The UN Security Council is set for another emergency session on Monday.
Hashim Thaci, the PM of Kosovo had reiterated that there will be no discrimination. He promised that Serbs living in Kosovo will not be persecuted. Currently, the majority of those living in Kosovo are ethnic Albanians.
Most of the major powers in Europe plan to recognize Kosovo’s independence. But there are others that have their concerns and reservations.
Romania, Spain, Cyprus, and Greece are nations that have such reservations. They are concerned that it might send separatists across Europe some sort of signal.
Cyprus’ government is concerned about the northern part which is controlled by the Turkish. Recently, Cyprus had just gone through elections where the incumbent was voted out of office.
Romania is concerned with the region of Moldova where there are pro-Russian separatists.
Russian has already voiced its concerns with the breakaway areas of Georgia.
Late last year, Turkey had clashes with the PKK that hid out in northern Iraq which is occupied by the Kurds.
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