Kosovo officially declared independence from Serbia on Sunday. Kosovo, the seventh state to emerge from the former Yugoslavia, worked with international actors, in hopes to be accepted into the international community. On Monday, President Bush gave his approval and signaled that full recognition will come soon. Europe is divided on whether to recognize the new country. Spain, Russian, and China have expressed concern over the secession.
Officially a province of Serbia, Kosovo has been under UN jurisdiction since 1999 when NATO threw out the Serbian government. Serbia, a strong ally of Russia, believes the succession is illegal, and will lower diplomatic relations with the countries that extend recognition. Out of the 2 million residents of Kosovo, 130,000 are ethnic Serbians. Convincing this minority to accept and participate in an independent Kosovo will be a significant challenge. Ethnic Albanians make up the majority of the population.
In 1991, Kosovo declared its independence, to no avail. Albania was the only country to recognize it.
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Butterfly
Virginie Monroe
Petite Fleur
And Serbia's weakened diplomatic tie with the big powerful EU and America affect only them, none of these nations need anything from Serbia so it's in their best interests to pipe down and take it on the chin. As for the Serbians left in kosovo i sincerely hope that they will be treated equally and fairly and as full citizens with a right to live in Kosovo.
1I found this cover of Kosovo’s Gazeta newspaper:
http://rjjago.wordpress.com/2008/02/18/yu-is-the-internet-code-for-yugos...
I think it expresses quite explicitly how Kosovars feel right now. I'm so happy Kosovo has finally its deserved independence.
2But really, how can this be legal?
3I agree, Pequena!
The Kosovars have worked for it many years.
Janneth,
4How would it be illegal? Any group can call for their independence, whether they win it or not is something else.
I'm from Kosovo and you can't imagine how happy I am, 17 February was one of the
greatest days in my life and all Albanian people.
5Congratulations, SugarAGirl12! I'm so happy for you and your people!
6Thank you trésjolie!
7KOSOVA REPUBLIK!!!!!!!!!! I am an Albanian living in New York City. One of the reasons we left was because of persecution. I am so happy that the US has been instrumental in finally recognizing our love and devotion for the land we've been protecting since ancient times!!!!
Janneth, do some reading on how many people Serbs killed and the methods they employed to do so in the 90's and let me know if you're still questioning the legality of this declaration.
There is a reason Kosova is the SEVENTH state to come out of the Former Yugoslavia. IT NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN A PART OF IT.
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