PanARMENIAN.Net
Russia may recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia independence?
15.02.2008 16:40 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Russia has indicated it may change its policy
towards breakaway regions in Georgia if the West recognizes the
independence of Kosovo. Moscow has repeatedly hinted it could
recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia if Kosovo separates from
Serbia. The Foreign Ministry said Moscow would "take into account"
developments in Kosovo, but did not say how. Kosovo may declare
independence this weekend, and the U.S. and most EU states are
expected to recognize it quickly. Kosovo’s Prime Minister Hashim Thaci
is expected to say later on Friday that the declaration of
independence will be made on 17 February, the AFP reports quoting a
source in Mr Thaci’s office. Serbia earlier urged the UN Security
Council to oppose Kosovo’s expected move. Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk
Jeremic said Belgrade would not use force to stop the secession of the
southern province but warned that allowing it would give a green light
to other separatist movements. "We will, without doubt, have to take
into account a declaration and recognition of Kosovo independence in
connection with the situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia," Russia’s
foreign ministry said in a statement. The statement came after Russian
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met the leaders of South Ossetia and
Abkhazia in Moscow, BBC reports.