Archive for the month of February 2008
Russia warns Canada over Kosovo
Balkanblog — February 21, 2008 - 22:56
Russia sent a warning to Ottawa through its ambassador, Georgiy Mamedov, to "think twice" about embracing Kosovo's independence. Serbia's ambassador threatened to file a diplomatic protest if Canada sides with Kosovo.
Canada, like China, Indonesia and Spain has its own secessionists and has yet to take a stand on the Kosovo issue. Quebec separatists believe Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence could set a precedent for a similar move on their part. However, Canada has always treated its French minority with much more respect than the Serbs have shown toward Kosovo.
NATO seals off Kosovo border crossings
Balkanblog — February 20, 2008 - 21:57
Hundreds of protesters torched customs and police posts at Jarinje and Brnjak, northern Kosovo, manned by UN and Kosovo police. Closing the borders infuriated Kosovo Serbs and Serbia's government. NATO KFOR troops were called in and US, Estonian and French troops sealed the two border crossings.
Russia warns US over Kosovo
Balkanblog — February 19, 2008 - 20:00
Russia warned the US that Kosovo's independence endangers international stability.
Serbia withdraws Washington envoy
Balkanblog — February 18, 2008 - 20:00
Serbia withdrew its envoy from Washington in protest at the US approval of Kosovo's independence, stating this declaratin is in violation of international law.
The United Nations Security Council is divided and has not taken any action.
Kosovo proclaims independence
Balkanblog — February 17, 2008 - 22:53
Kosovo's parliament has unanimously declared independence from Serbia. Prime Minister Hashim Thaci promised a democracy that respected the rights of all ethnic communities.
At the UN Security Council Russia said there was no basis for changing resolution 1244 (1999), which handed Kosovo to the UN.
In the ethnic Serbian area in Mitrovica, two hand grenades were thrown. One exploded at a UN court building while the other failed to go off outside offices expected to house the new EU mission. In Belgrade, demonstrators threw stones and broke windows at the US embassy.