Javno.hr, Croatia
Feb 17 2008

Kosovo Starts a Wave of Separatism

The Spanish Basque region, Southern Ossetia, Abkhazia and other
regions, will follow Kovo’s example and ask for independence.

The declaration of Kosovo’s independence will strengthen separatist
intentions in many regions in Europe and the world, backed by
Kosovo’s example, Blic reports.

Spannish Basques to follow Kosovo’s example

The regional authorities of the Spanish Basque area have estimated
that Kosovo’s secession from Serbia is an example to imitate. Spain
stated that they will not recognise independent Kosovo, which is
logical, as the country has similar problems with the Basque region
and Catalonia, who have been fighting for independence. Also today,
Spain repeated that they will not back a unilateral declaration of
independence.

– The declaration of independence is an example to imitate in when it
is about solving a problem of identity and belonging in a democratic
and a peaceful way – said the spokeswoman of the Basque authorities,
Miren Askarate, during a press conference in San Sebastian. The
Basque region is ruled by the Basque National Party, a
Christian-democratic national party.

Abkhazia and South Ossetia want independence

The separatist Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Ossetia announced on
Sunday that they will ask Russia and the UN to recognise their
independence.

– The situation in Kosovo represents a benchmark. We can not talk
about a unique case. Abkhazia will soon as Russia and the UN Security
Council to recognise their independence – said the president of
Abkhazia, Sergej Bagaps after the declaration of Kosovo’s
independence.

The president of southern Ossetia, Eduard Kokoiti, said that what
Kosovo has done today, has already happened in Abkhazia and southern
Ossetia, and he announced that both regions will do the same.

Nagorno Karabakh will ask for recognition

The Caucasian region of Nagorno Karabakh will follow Kovo’s example,
their premier confirmed.

– If the states recognise the independence of Kosovo, and they do not
recognised the independence of Nagorno Karabakh, we will think that
there is a difference of standards – said the premier of the region,
which is a self-declared state of Armenian separatists. Nagorno is in
the part of Azerbaijan that bothers with Armenia.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress