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The International Radio Serbia Reaction on Albanians' Secession Bakoyanni: recognition of Kosovo would be a dangerous precedent <http://glassrbije.org/E/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1543&pop=1&page=0&Itemid=26> 15. February 2008. 17:12 (Izvor: Tanjug) The recognition of Kosmet by European countries and the US could create a dangerous precedent for separatism in other parts of the world, including northern Cyprus, said in Washington Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyanni. She spoke about possible dangers which could follow after the possible proclamation of independence of Kosmet. At the same time, State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack said that Washington does not think that the recognition of independence of Kosovo represents a precedent. Taricheanu: Romania shall not recognize an independent Kosovo 15. February 2008. 17:12 (Izvor: Tanjug) Romania shall never recognize the independence of Kosmet, but will not either interfere in the position of other European countries on this matter, said Romanian PM Popesku Taricheanu. He assessed that the problem of Kosmet could be resolved by achieving mutual understanding of Serbs and Albanians living in the province, which would guarantee the monitoring of the rights of national minorities. According to him, the situation in the southern Serbian province should be resolved in accordance with norms of international law. Russia without dilemma – immoral and illegal 15. February 2008. 17:12 (Izvor Tanjug) Russia has done everything it can in resolving the Kosmet issue, and will not participate in undermining the foundations of modern Europe and the UN Charter, said in Geneva Russian Foreign Minister Sergej Lavrov . At a moment when many Western countries, lead by the US, announce the recognition of this unilateral move of Pristina, Lavrov reminded since the appearance of the idea of the ‘uniqueness’ of the Kosmet case, Moscow stresses that it would be difficult to explain to separatists throughout the world. Many understand the risks and dangers, that this will cause a chain reaction in many parts of the world, but think that they will ‘somehow handle this’, while no one proposes a clear plan in case of such a response, said Lavrov before a meeting with the diplomatic leadership, which intends to send a mission without a SC decision to Kosmet and replace the existing one with a UN mandate. Russia shall accept that Kosmet is an EU matter, when all of the Balkans, including Serbia is in the EU, and until then it is a UN matter, pointed out Lavrov. Die Welt: EU faced with the test of a split because of Kosmet 15. February 2008. 16:02 (Izvor Tanjug) The EU is facing the test of a split on Kosmet, writes the German Die Welt daily, regarding the expected proclamation of independence of Kosovo and the EU’s response. The atmosphere is tense to breaking point, states the daily. It reminds that before the declaration of independence, which would be against the strict will of Serbia and Russia, there is no unity among the EU on further steps regarding the Serbian province. In spite intensive diplomatic efforts, the governments of the EU 27 are still in dispute over the text of the main declaration, i.e. the so-called Coordinated Platform, which should be passed on Monday in Brussels by EU foreign ministers. The daily writes that above all Spain and Cyprus have announced their resistance to this document. Terzic: defeat of the principle ‘Balkans to Balkan Peoples’ 15. February 2008. 16:02 (Izvor Tanjug) The decision of Western powers to violently seize a part of the territory of Serbia, under the pretence of preserving stability, opens up a crisis hotspot in Europe and introduces a kind of protectorate over the Balkans, assessed scientific advisor of the Historical Institute of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Art, Slavenko Terzic. He stressed that thus, at the beginning of the 21st century, the principle ‘Balkans to the Balkan Peoples’ has been completely defeated, which was proclaimed by the Balkan peoples a century ago. The renowned Serbian Balkanologist had regarding the intent of the Western powers to unilaterally recognize the self-proclaimed independence of the Albanian minority in the Serbian province, pointed out that this decision was a part of a strategy of disintegration, first of the former Yugoslavia, and then Serbia and warned that, historically viewed, its consequences could be catastrophic. Russian deputies preparing resolution on Kosmet 15. February 2008. 16:01 ( Izvor: Tanjug ) President of the Foreign Policy Board of the Russian Duma Constantine Kosachov said that both houses of the Russian parliament were preparing to adopt a resolution in case of the self-proclamation of independence of Kosovo and Metohija. Such a joint resolution has already been effected by the Russian parliament, among other things, when the US military operation began in Iraq, reminded the Russian parliamentarian. Kaminjin: SC session showed the validity of the Russian position 15. February 2008. 16:01 ( Izvor: Tanjug ) The special session of the UN SC has shown once again the validity of the Russian approach to the status of Kosovo and Metohija, said official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Mihail Kaminjin. According to him, unilateral proclamation of independence of Kosmet would represent a violation of international law. The majority of SC states expressed concern regarding possible consequences of unilateral proclamation of independence of Kosmet, for various regions in the world, said Kaminjin.
