http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Canada/2008/04/11/5255056-sun.html
EDMONTON SUN (CANADA) April 11, 2008 Backing Kosovo wrong: expert By RENATO GANDIA Canada's recognition of Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence was a mistake, says a former ambassador to Yugoslavia and an expert on the Balkans. "I thought it's quite wrong for Canada to recognize Kosovo," said James Bissett, who spoke to Sun Media before a forum last night at the University of Alberta "The primary reason is that we're in violation of international law and we're also in violation of United Nations charter." Kosovo can't change borders without mutual consent from its neighbours, he said. Kosovars declared their independence in February, which angered many Serbians and gained strong criticism from Russia. Canada sat on the fence for about 30 days before it supported the change. Although numerous countries, including the United States, Britain, Germany, Italy and France, have already expressed support to the declaration, Bissett argued the majority of the 192 members of the United Nations have not. More than 30 countries have rallied behind Kosovo's claim. "It's doubtful if Kosovo will ever gain admittance to the United Nations and even if that should happen, it will be a failed state," Bissett said. Bissett said he is aware this issue is no longer a hot topic but it's something that people should be informed about.
