http://winnipegsun.com/News/Winnipeg/2008/03/02/4887098-sun.html
Serbs rally government
Don't want Kosovo Republic recognized
By SHANNON VANRAES, SUN MEDIA
A global village came to Winnipeg yesterday as members of the local Serbian
community held a rally to pressure the Canadian government not to recognize the
recently-declared Republic of Kosovo.
They gathered at the Manitoba Legislature yesterday afternoon.
"Justice will not be served by a unilateral declaration," said Vjlislav Misic.
"I felt it was my duty to come and give support."
Misic, 52, moved to Canada five years ago. He was one of about 100 people who
turned out to encourage the federal government not to recognize Kosovo's
declaration of independence.
The group chanted slogans, sang songs and peacefully marched around the
Legislature grounds with homemade signs and banners for about two hours
yesterday.
Similar protests were also planned in Toronto, Ottawa and Calgary. The Canadian
government has yet to announce whether it will recognize the Republic of
Kosovo.
The province declared independence from the Republic of Serbia on Feb. 17,
resulting in political unrest.
Organizers of the Winnipeg rally said Kosovo's declaration is contrary to
international law, including the United Nations Charter and the Helsinki Act.
It's a move that will cause future clashes between ethnic Albanians and
Serbians, protesters said.
"(The rally) is helping to alert the larger community to what is happening,"
said Bob Travica, a rally organizer and University of Manitoba professor.
He said a successful and internationally-endorsed independence bid by Kosovo
could embolden separatists in other parts of the world, like Quebec.
"If you don't think globally, how can you understand what happens at home?"
said Travica, stressing the far-reaching impact international events can have.
He hopes Canada develops its own position on Kosovo instead of following the
lead of the U.S., which has recognized Kosovo as a sovereign state.
Travica said members of Winnipeg's Serbian-Canadian community will continue to
protest until the issue is resolved. He hopes additional people from a variety
of communities will take part in upcoming rallies.
Already individuals from other groups are showing support, including Father
Bohdan Hladio of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
"Kosovo is the heartland of Serbia, and in Kosovo we have hundreds of very old
monasteries and churches," he said, adding the Orthodox community wants to see
them protected.
The priest also wants to ensure the area doesn't see human rights abuses.
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