Kosovo

This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Kosovo

Constitutional status of Kosovo Declaration of independence Diplomatic response UNSC Resolution 1244 Kosovo status process Standards for Kosovo UNMIK, EULEX and KFOR International Steering Group International Civilian Rep. Pieter Feith Military of Kosovo Kosovo Protection Corps Kosovo Police Service Constitution Provisional Institutions President Fatmir Sejdiu Government / Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi Assembly / Chair Jakup Krasniqi Foreign relations Political parties Elections: 2001, 2004, 2007, 2008 Districts · Municipalities

See also: Portal:Politics  v • d • e

The 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence was an act of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government Assembly of Kosovo, adopted on 17 February 2008, which declared Kosovo to be independent from Serbia. Politics of Kosovo take place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic Republic, whereby the Prime Minister of Kosovo The political status of Kosovo is the subject of a long-running political and territorial dispute between the Serbian (and previously the Yugoslav) United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 authorised an international civil and military presence in Kosovo, then part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia During and after the breakup of Yugoslavia there were increasing ethnic and regional conflicts culminating in the Kosovo War of 1999 The Standards for Kosovo are a set of UN-endorsed benchmarks for the democratic development of Kosovo. The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo or UNMIK is the interim civilian administration in Kosovo, under the authority of the United The European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, EULEX Kosovo, is a planned deployment of European Union (EU police and civilian resources to Kosovo as The Kosovo Force ( KFOR) is a NATO -led international force responsible for establishing a safe and secure environment in Kosovo, the self-proclaimed independent The International Steering Group for Kosovo had its inaugural meeting on Thursday February 28, 2008. The International Civilian Representative for Kosovo (ICR is a civilian officer appointed to oversee the Kosovo status settlement proposal drafted by UN Special Pieter Cornelis Feith ( February 9, 1945) is a Dutch Diplomat, currently serving as the European Union Special Representative The Military of Kosovo is an organisation still in the process of being formed following the self-proclaimed and partially recognized declaration of independence of The Kosovo Protection Corps (Trupat e Mbrojtjes së Kosovës is a civilian emergency services organisation in Kosovo. The Kosovo Police Service (KPS Albanian: Shërbimi Policor i Kosovës; Serbian: Kosovska Policijska Služba) was created in 1999 See also Constitutional status of Kosovo The Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo purportedly came into effect on 15 June The Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (Institucionet e përkohshme të vetëqeverisjes Serbian: Привремене институције самоуправе The President of the Republic of Kosovo (Kryetari i Kosovës or Serbian: sr-Cyrl председник Косова is Head of State of the Republic Fatmir Sejdiu ( Serbo-Croat: Fatmir Sejdiju) (born October 23, 1951) is the second and current President of Kosovo. The Government of the Republic of Kosovo is the branch of Kosovo state institutions that exercises executive authority in Kosovo. The Prime Minister of Kosovo (Kryeministri i Kosovës Serbian: sr-Cyrl Премијер Косова ''Premijer Kosova'' is the Head of Government for Kosovo. Hashim Thaçi ( Albanian: Hashim Thaçi Serbo-Croat: Hašim Tači, Хашим Тачи born 24 April, 1968 in Drenica The Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo (Kuvendi i Kosovës Скупштина Косова Skupština Kosova) is an institution within the Provisional Institutions The Chair of the Assembly of Kosovo (Kryetari i Kuvendit të Kosovës or Kryeparlamentari Serbian: sr-Cyrl Председник Скупштине Косова Jakup Krasniqi is the president of the Assembly of Kosovo. Krazniqi was born in 1951 in the village of Negrofc, in Glogovac municipality Republic of Kosovo 160 seats in Parliament Some parties(mostly minority parties/ very small parties have no representive at parliament because they are in a coalition with another Parliamentary elections to the Assembly of Kosovo (Kuvendi i Kosovës Serbian: sr-Cyrl Скупштина Косова transliterated sr-Latn Skupstina Parliamentary elections were held in Kosovo in 2001 Results Parliamentary elections were held in Kosovo on 24 October 2004. Parliamentary elections to the unicameral Assembly of Kosovo (Kuvendi i Kosovës Serbian: sr-Cyrl Скупштина Косова The 2008 Serbian local elections in Kosovo were held on May 11, 2008 as part of Serbia's parliamentary elections and elections in Vojvodina The Districts of Kosovo (Rreth Serbian: sr Дистрикт transliterated sr-Latn ''Distrikt'' are the higher-level Administrative divisions A Municipality (komuna Serbian: sr-Cyrl општина transliterated sr-Latn ''opština'' is the basic Administrative division in Kosovo The Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (Institucionet e përkohshme të vetëqeverisjes Serbian: Привремене институције самоуправе The Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo (Kuvendi i Kosovës Скупштина Косова Skupština Kosova) is an institution within the Provisional Institutions Events 1500 - Battle of Hemmingstedt. 1600 - Philosopher Giordano Bruno is burned alive at Campo de' Fiori 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Serbia (Србија Srbija) officially the Republic of Serbia (Република Србија Republika Srbija) is a Landlocked Country ^[1]

It was the second declaration of independence by Kosovo's Albanian-dominated political institutions, the first having been proclaimed on 7 September 1990. } Albanians (Shqiptarët are an Ethnic group and a Nation, in the sense of sharing a common Albanian culture speaking the Albanian language Events 1251 BC - A Solar eclipse on this date might mark the birth of legendary Heracles at Thebes Greece. Year 1990 ( MCMXC) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar) ^[2]

The 2008 declaration was a product of failed negotiations concerning the adoption of the Ahtisarri plan, which broke down in the fall of 2007. During and after the breakup of Yugoslavia there were increasing ethnic and regional conflicts culminating in the Kosovo War of 1999 Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The plan, prepared by the UN Special Envoy, former President of Finland, Martti Ahtisaari, stipulated a sort of supervised independence for Kosovo, without expressly using the word "independence" among its proposals. The United Nations ( UN) is an International organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in International law, International security The system of diplomatic rank has over time been formalised on an international basis The President of Finland is the Head of State of Finland. Under the Constitution of Finland, executive power is vested in the President and the Martti Oiva Kalevi Ahtisaari ( pronounced) (born on June 23 1937 is a former President of Finland (1994–2000 2008 Nobel Peace Prize winner and Under the plan, the Kosovo entity would gain self-governance under the supervision of the European Union, and become obligated to expressly protect its minorities' rights by means of a constitution and a representative government, while this entity would be accorded its own national symbols such as a flag and a coat of arms, and be obligated to carry out border demarcation on the disputed Kosovo-Republic of Macedonia border. The European Union ( EU) is a political and economic union of twenty-seven member states, located primarily in A constitution is a system for government often Codified as a written document that establishes the rules and principles of an autonomous political entity A coat of arms or armorial bearings (often just arms for short in European tradition is a design belonging to a particular person (or group of people The Republic of Macedonia (Република The Albanian negotiators supported the Ahtisaari plan essentially in whole, and the plan gained the backing of the European Union and of the United States. The European Union ( EU) is a political and economic union of twenty-seven member states, located primarily in The United States of America —commonly referred to as the However, Serbia and Russia rejected it outright, and no progress was possible on the United Nations front. Serbia (Србија Srbija) officially the Republic of Serbia (Република Србија Republika Srbija) is a Landlocked Country Russia (Россия Rossiya) or the Russian Federation ( Rossiyskaya Federatsiya) is a transcontinental Country extending The United Nations ( UN) is an International organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in International law, International security

Faced with no progress on negotiations in sight, the Kosovars decided to unilaterally proclaim the Republic of Kosovo, obligating themselves in the process to follow the Ahtisaari plan's provisions in full. As of mid-April 2008, this has largely been the case, with the new Republic adopting a constitution written by local and international scholars protecting minority rights and providing for a representative government with guaranteed ethnic representation, which law is to take effect on 15 June 2008. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 763 BC - Assyrians record a Solar eclipse that will be used to fix the Chronology of Mesopotamian history 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common It also adopted some of its national symbols already, including the flag and coat of arms, while work continues on defining the anthem. It has also engaged, albeit with a delay, in the border demarcation talks with Macedonia, initially insisting on being recognized first, but dropping this condition later on. The Republic of Macedonia (Република

The 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence elicited mixed reaction internationlly and a polarized one domestically, the latter along the division of Kosovo Serbs vs. Serbs are currently the largest ethnic minority in Kosovo. Population According to the Statistical Office of Kosovo in 2006 there were 111300 the Kosovo Albanians. Albanians are the majority in Serbian muncipalities of Preševo and Bujanovac and a significant minority in Medvedja. Accordingly, effective control in Kosovo has also fractured along these lines.

One of the consequences of the declaration was the fall of the government of Serbia, due to internal discord on how to deal with the European Union and Kosovo. The Government of Serbia (Влада Републике Србије / Vlada Republike Srbije is the main element of the Executive branch of government in Serbia. The resultant future elections to determine the next government are scheduled for 11 May 2008, and much of the developing situation, including the world reaction, is expected to take on a more definite character, once a new government takes control of Serbia, preumably reflecting the will of its people. Events 330 - Byzantium is renamed ''Nova Roma'' during a dedication ceremony but is more popularly referred to as Constantinople 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common

Another important calendar date in the future is the annual September gathering of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, at which time Serbia intends to seek international validation and support for its stance on the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence, namely, that it is illegal. Membership For two articles dealing with membership in the General Assembly see General Assembly members New York ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous

The loss of Kosovo became a major theme in Serbian national iconography, playing a key role in the formation of Montenegro and later Serbia, and its recovery was one of the key goals of the Serbian and Montenegrin states. Montenegro ( British English) Montenegrin / Serbian: PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THE LANGUAGES WITHOUT CONSENSUS ON THE TALK PAGE! Serbia (Србија Srbija) officially the Republic of Serbia (Република Србија Republika Srbija) is a Landlocked Country Serbia & Montenegro regained control of Kosovo in 1912 during the Balkan Wars. The Balkan Wars were two wars in South-eastern Europe in 1912–1913 in the course of which the Balkan League ( Bulgaria, Montenegro, Greece The restoration of Serbian rule was opposed by Albania, which instigated a failed invasion attempt of Serbian territory. Serbia lost control of the territory in both of the World Wars, during which many Kosovo Serbs were expelled by armed Albanian groups. Serbs are currently the largest ethnic minority in Kosovo. Population According to the Statistical Office of Kosovo in 2006 there were 111300 During World War II, Kosovo (except the northern Serbian tip) was annexed to Albania, which was at that time a colony of Italy. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest Serbian control was re-established at the end of both wars.

When the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) was established after the war, with Serbia as one of its six constituent republics, Kosovo was made an autonomous region of Serbia. The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia ( Serbo-Croatian, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, Slovene, Macedonian: The extent of its autonomy varied considerably under the communist Yugoslav system, it expanded its territory in the 1950s, gradually advanced to an autonomous province in the 1960s and since 1971 gained a distinct status of a de facto federal unit, able to veto not only internal Serbian but federal decisions as well. The gradual development of autonomy was instilled by the growth of Albanian nationalism in the province and growing demands for more autonomy and independence, escalating in during the 1960s riots and in 1981. Since 1982 Albanian immigration had organized preparations to forcefully secede Kosovo from Serbia, followed by outbreaks of Serbian nationalism since 1987, used by the Socialist President Slobodan Milošević in Kosovo to attain power. During the 1980s Kosovo Albanians continued their quest for a "Greater Albania" centered on Pristina, with numerous attacks by ethnic Albanians on Slavic Kosovars. The term Greater Albania or Great Albania refers to land which is outside the borders of the Republic of Albania that Albanian nationalists claim as their own because Apart from ethnic Albanian attacks on Slavic civilians and the destruction of Serbian Orthodox churches, Kosovo Albanian terrorist cells infiltrated and formed within the Yugoslav People's Army, planning to kill officers and soldiers, poison food and water, sabotage and steal weapons and ammunition. The Serbian Orthodox Church ( Serbian: Српска Православна Црква / Srpska Pravoslavna Crkva; СПЦ / SPC) or the The Yugoslav People's Army (JNA YPA ( Serbo-Croatian, Croatian, Serbian, Macedonian: Jugoslavenska Narodna Armija or Jugoslovenska ^[3] A notable example of anti-Slavic attacks is the Paraćin massacre, where an ethnic Albanian conscript killed four Slavs (two Bosniaks, one Croat and one Serb) who were asleep in their barracks. The Paraćin massacre happened on September 3, 1987. Aziz Kelmendi, a 19-year-old Yugoslav People's Army soldier of Albanian origin

The autonomy of Kosovo was drastically returned to the status predating 1963 in 1989 by the government of President Milošević. Self-government by the province's Albanian majority—now estimated to constitute 90% of Kosovo's population—was ended. In response, the Albanian members of the Kosovo Assembly voted on 2 July 1990 to declare Kosovo an independent state, though this was only recognized by Albania. Events 310 - Pope Miltiades is elected 626 - In fear of assassination Li Shimin ambushes and kills his rival Year 1990 ( MCMXC) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar) A state of emergency and harsh new security rules were subsequently imposed by Serbia following mass protests by Kosovo's Albanians. A state of emergency is a governmental declaration that may suspend certain normal functions of government alert citizens to alter their normal behaviors or order government agencies The Albanians established an unofficial "parallel state" to provide education and social services while boycotting or being excluded from Serbian-run government institutions.

Kosovo remained largely peaceful through the Yugoslav wars of the early 1990s, although the severity of the Serbian regime in Kosovo was widely criticised by the international community and human rights groups. The Yugoslav Wars were a series of violent conflicts in the territory of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY that took place between 1991 and In 1996, the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) began attacking Serbian security forces and civilians whom it regarded as "collaborators". The Kosovo Liberation Army or KLA ( Albanian: Ushtria Çlirimtare e Kosovës or UÇK) was a Kosovar Albanian guerilla group which sought The conflict between Serbian and Yugoslav security forces and the KLA insurgents escalated until Kosovo was on the verge of all-out war by the end of 1998. In January 1999, NATO warned that it would intervene militarily if Yugoslavia did not agree to the introduction of an international peacekeeping force and the establishment of a democratic government in Kosovo. The North Atlantic Treaty Subsequent peace talks failed and from 24 March to 11 June 1999, NATO carried out an extensive bombing campaign against Serbia and Montenegro, including targets in Kosovo itself. Events 1401 - Mongol emperor Timur sacks Damascus. 1603 - James VI of Scotland Events 1184 BC - Trojan War: Troy is sacked and burned according to the calculations of Eratosthenes. Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) The term Kosovo War or Kosovo Conflict is often used to describe two sequential and at times parallel armed conflicts in Kosovo: 1996–1999 The war ended with Milošević agreeing to allow peacekeepers into Kosovo and hand over its governance to the United Nations. The United Nations ( UN) is an International organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in International law, International security

Contents 1 Political background 2 Adoption and terms of the declaration of independence 3 International disputes 3.1 Legality of the declaration 3.2 Precedent or special case? 3.3 United Nations 4 Reactions 4.1 Reactions in Kosovo 4.1.1 Kosovo Albanians 4.1.2 Kosovo Serbs 4.2 Serbian reaction 4.3 International reaction 4.3.1 Reaction within the European Union 4.3.2 Outside of the EU 4.3.3 United Nations 5 See also 6 References and Sources 7 External links

Political background

Main article: Kosovo status process

After the end of the Kosovo War in 1999, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1244 to provide a framework for Kosovo's interim status. During and after the breakup of Yugoslavia there were increasing ethnic and regional conflicts culminating in the Kosovo War of 1999 The term Kosovo War or Kosovo Conflict is often used to describe two sequential and at times parallel armed conflicts in Kosovo: 1996–1999 United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 authorised an international civil and military presence in Kosovo, then part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia It placed Kosovo under transitional UN administration, demanded a withdrawal of Serbian security forces from Kosovo and envisioned an eventual UN-facilitated political process Kosovo, "reaffirming the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the other States of the region, as set out in the Helsinki Final Act and annex 2 [referring to status principles agreed at the end of the war]. The Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, known as the Helsinki Final Act, Helsinki Accords or Helsinki Declaration, was " It also established a requirement that the post-conflict constitutional process must take full account of "the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia".

In February 2007, Martti Ahtisaari delivered a draft status settlement proposal to leaders in Belgrade and Pristina, the basis for a draft UN Security Council Resolution which proposed 'supervised independence' for the province. Martti Oiva Kalevi Ahtisaari ( pronounced) (born on June 23 1937 is a former President of Finland (1994–2000 2008 Nobel Peace Prize winner and Belgrade (Београд Beograd is the Capital and largest city of Serbia. By early July 2007 a draft resolution, backed by the United States and the European Union members of the Security Council, had been rewritten four times to try to accommodate Russian concerns that such a resolution would undermine the principle of state sovereignty. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The European Union ( EU) is a political and economic union of twenty-seven member states, located primarily in However, it had still not found agreement. ^[4] Russia, which holds a veto in the Security Council as one of five permanent members, stated that it would not support any resolution which was not acceptable to both Serbia and the Kosovo Albanians. ^[5] While most observers had, at the beginning of the talks, anticipated independence as the most likely outcome, others suggested that a rapid resolution might not be preferable. ^[6]

The talks finally broke down,late 2007 with the two sides remaining far apart, with the minimum demands of each side being more than the other was willing to accept.

At the turn of 2008, the media started reporting that the Kosovo Albanians were determined to proclaim independence. This came at the time when the ten-year anniversary of the Kosovo War was looming (with the five-year anniversary being marked by violent unrest); the U. Violent unrest in Kosovo broke out on March 17, 2004. Albanians retaliated to the alleged " Ethnic cleansing " during mass unrest leading S. President George W. Bush was in his last year in power and not able to seek re-election; and two nations which had previously seceded from Yugoslavia were in important political positions (Slovenia presiding over the EU and Croatia an elected member of the UN Security Council). George Walker Bush ( born July 6 1946 is the forty-third and current President of the United States. Presidency of the Council of the European Union is the responsibility for the functioning of the Council of the European Union which is rotated between European Union The proclamation was widely reported to have been postponed until after the Serbian presidential election, 2008, held on 20 January and 3 February, given that Kosovo was an important topic of the election campaign. A pre-term presidential election was held in Serbia on January 20 and February 3 2008 Events 250 - Emperor Decius begins a widespread persecution of Christians in Rome. Events 1112 - Ramon Berenguer III of Barcelona and Douce I of Provence marry uniting the fortunes of those two states

Adoption and terms of the declaration of independence

"We, the democratically elected leaders of our people, hereby declare Kosovo to be an independent and sovereign state. This declaration reflects the will of our people and it is in full accordance with the recommendations of UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari and his Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement.

We declare Kosovo to be a democratic, secular and multi-ethnic republic, guided by the principles of non-discrimination and equal protection under the law. " Full text of the declaration

The declaration of independence was made by members of the Kosovo Assembly meeting in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, on 17 February 2008. The Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo (Kuvendi i Kosovës Скупштина Косова Skupština Kosova) is an institution within the Provisional Institutions Events 1500 - Battle of Hemmingstedt. 1600 - Philosopher Giordano Bruno is burned alive at Campo de' Fiori 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common It was approved by a show of hands, with no votes of opposition from the 109 members present. Eleven deputies from ethnic minorities, including Serbs, were absent. ^[7] The terms of the declaration state that Kosovo's independence is limited to the principles outlined by the Ahtisaari plan. It prohibits Kosovo from joining any other country, provides for only a limited military capability, states that Kosovo will be under international supervision and provides for the protection of minority ethnic communities. ^[1]

International disputes

Main article: Controversy over Kosovo independence

Legality of the declaration

On 18 February 2008 the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia declared Kosovo's declaration of independence as null and void per the suggestion of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, after the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Serbia deemed the act illegal arguing it was not in coordination with the UN Charter, the Constitution of Serbia, the Helsinki Final Act, UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (including the previous resolutions) and the Badinter Commission. The unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo from Serbia has generated controversy in international politics Events 3102 BC - Epoch (origin of the Kali Yuga. 1229 - The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II Holy 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The unicameral Parliament of Serbia is known as the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia ( Serbian: Народна The Government of Serbia (Влада Републике Србије / Vlada Republike Srbije is the main element of the Executive branch of government in Serbia. United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 authorised an international civil and military presence in Kosovo, then part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia ^[8] The Constitution of Serbia in its preamble declares Kosovo is an "integral" part of Serbia with "substantial autonomy". The current Constitution of Serbia was approved by a referendum held in 2006 during October 28 and October 29. A preamble is an introductory statement in a document that explains the document's purpose and underlying philosophy

UN Security Council Resolution 1244 confirms the territorial integrity and sovereignty of then's Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, in its preamble, without any specifications:^[9]

“	Reaffirming the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the other States of the region, as set out in the Helsinki Final Act and annex 2	”
—United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, 10 June 1999

In point 11 of the resolution's Decisions, a political process to determine the final status of Kosovo was designated, which would be based on Annex 1,^[10] containing the Statement by the Chairman on the conclusion of the meeting of the G-8 Foreign Ministers held at the Petersberg Centre on 6 May 1999, as well as the Rambouillet Accords, according to which the solution has to be a compromise of all the relevant and constituent elements, including territorial integrity of sovereignty of FRY, the Helsinki Final Act, the will of the people of Kosovo and the opinion of other relevant factors. Events 1190 - Third Crusade: Frederick I Barbarossa drowns in the Sally River while leading an army to Jerusalem Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance. Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) ^[11]

The Contact Group had issued in 2005 the Guiding Principles upon which the final status of Kosovo shall be decided. The Contact Group is the name for an informal grouping of influential countries that have a significant interest in policy developments in The Balkans. ^[12]

Precedent or special case?

Kosovo's declaration of independence is controversial. With the disintegration of communism in Europe, the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia broke down into their constituent, formerly sovereign republics, the last of which (declaring independence) was Montenegro (3 June 2006). The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR was a constitutionally Socialist state that existed in Eurasia from 1922 to 1991 See also Kingdom of Yugoslavia, Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Yugoslavia ( Serbo-Croatian Montenegro ( British English) Montenegrin / Serbian: PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THE LANGUAGES WITHOUT CONSENSUS ON THE TALK PAGE! Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, proclaims himself Roman Emperor, entering Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The separation of Kosovo is politically of a different nature, as Kosovo did not possess the republic status. For this reason, a number of countries fear that it is a precedent, affecting other contested territories in Europe and non-European parts of the former Soviet Union, such as Chechnya (which although not one of the original Soviet republics, now does have republic status). The Chechen Republic (ˈʧɛʧɨn rɪˈpʌblɨk Чече́нская Респу́блика Chechenskaya Respublika; Нохчийн Республика Noxçiyn Respublika

The text of Kosovo's declaration of independence addressed this issue by stating "… Observing that Kosovo is a special case arising from Yugoslavia's non-consensual breakup and is not a precedent for any other situation, Recalling the years of strife and violence in Kosovo, that disturbed the conscience of all civilized people…" In other words, Kosovo's declaration of independence claims that Kosovo is a special case after the crisis in the 1990s and that it is not a precedent for this reason. Nevertheless, a number of countries like Spain and Cyprus do not plan to recognise Kosovo as an independent state because they fear that it will be regarded a precedent.

United Nations

The newly proclaimed republic has not been seated at the United Nations, as it is generally believed that any application for UN membership would be vetoed by Russia. The United Nations ( UN) is an International organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in International law, International security ^[13] Russia has vowed to oppose Kosovo's independence with a "plan of retaliation" that some have suggested could see Russia recognising the hitherto internationally unrecognised breakaway states of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in Georgia^[13] and the TRNC in Cyprus. Abkhazia (Аҧсны Apsny აფხაზეთი Apkhazeti or Abkhazeti Абха́зия Abhazia) is a De facto South Ossetia ( or; Хуссар Ирыстон Xussar Iryston; Южная Осетия Yuzhnaya Osetiya; სამხრეთი ოსეთი Samxreti Georgia ( საქართველო, Sakartvelo) is a Transcontinental country in the Caucasus region situated at the dividing line between The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus ( TRNC) (Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti KKTC) commonly called Northern Cyprus (Kuzey Kıbrıs though its Cyprus (Κύπρος transliterated: Kýpros,; Kıbrıs officially the Republic of Cyprus (Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία Kypriakī́ Dīmokratía ^[14] Serbia has likewise proactively declared the annulment of Kosovo's independence and vowed to oppose Kosovo's independence with a package of measures intended to discourage the international recognition of the republic. ^[15]

Reactions

Reactions in Kosovo

Kosovo Albanians

Ethnic Albanians in Kosovo greeted the news with celebration. Events 1500 - Battle of Hemmingstedt. 1600 - Philosopher Giordano Bruno is burned alive at Campo de' Fiori 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common ^[16][17][18]

Kosovo Serbs

Main article: 2008 unrest in Kosovo

The bishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo, Artemije, reacted in anger, stating that Kosovo's independence was a "temporary state of occupation", and that "Serbia should buy state of the art weapons from Russia and other countries and call on Russia to send volunteers and establish a military presence in Serbia. The 2008 unrest in Kosovo follows Kosovo 's declaration of independence on February 17, 2008. The Serbian Orthodox Church ( Serbian: Српска Православна Црква / Srpska Pravoslavna Crkva; СПЦ / SPC) or the "^[19]

In Northern Kosovo, a UN building housing a courthouse and jail was attacked by a hand grenade, causing slight damage but no casualties. North Kosovo or Northern Kosovo (Северно Косово Severno Kosovo; Kosova Veriore is an unofficial name for a region in the northern part of Kosovo An unexploded grenade was found across the street, near a hotel that houses EU officials. ^[20]

An explosive device was detonated in Mitrovica, damaging two vehicles. No casualties or injuries were reported. ^[21]

Serb protestors in Kosovo set fire to two border crossings on Kosovo's northern border. Both crossings are staffed by Kosovar and UN police. The United Nations ( UN) is an International organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in International law, International security No injuries were reported in the attacks, but the police withdrew until KFOR soldiers arrived. The Kosovo Force ( KFOR) is a NATO -led international force responsible for establishing a safe and secure environment in Kosovo, the self-proclaimed independent ^[22]

A Japanese journalist wearing a UN uniform was beaten by Serbs in northern Mitrovica. ^[23]

Hundreds of Serbs protested in the Kosovo town of Mitrovica on February 22, which was somewhat peaceful aside from some stone-throwing and a little fighting. Events 1495 - King Charles VIII of France enters Naples to claim the city's throne ^[24]

On March 14, 2008 Serb protesters forcibly occupied the UN courthouse in the northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica. Events 1489 - The Queen of Cyprus, Catherine Cornaro, sells her kingdom to Venice. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common On March 17, UN and NATO peacekeepers entered the courthouse to end the occupation. Events 45 BC - In his last victory Julius Caesar defeats the Pompeian forces of Titus Labienus and Pompey the Younger In the following clashes with several hundred protesters one Ukranian UN police officer was killed, over 50 persons on each side were wounded and one UN and one NATO vehicle were torched. The UN police withdrew from northern Mitrovica leaving NATO troops to maintain order. ^[25][26]

Serbian reaction

Main articles: Serbia's reaction to the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence and 2008 unrest in Serbia

Official reaction by the Government of Serbia included instituting pre-emptively on 12 February 2008 an Action Plan, which stipulated, among other things, recalling the Serbian ambassadors for consultations in protest from any state recognising Kosovo,^[27] issuing arrest warrants for Kosovo leaders for high treason,^[28] and even dissolving the government on grounds of lack of consensus to deal with Kosovo, with new elections scheduled for 11 May 2008,^[29][30] as well as a rogue minister proposing partitioning Kosovo along ethnic lines, ^[31] which initiative was shortly thereafter disavowed by the full Government, as well as the President. Serbia's reaction to the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence - On 12 February 2008, the Government of Serbia instituted an Action Plan to combat Kosovo's Protests in Serbia followed the proclamation of independence by Kosovo on February 17, 2008. The Government of Serbia (Влада Републике Србије / Vlada Republike Srbije is the main element of the Executive branch of government in Serbia. Events 1429 - English Forces under Sir John Fastolf defend a supply convoy carrying rations to the army besieging Orleans from attack by the 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 330 - Byzantium is renamed ''Nova Roma'' during a dedication ceremony but is more popularly referred to as Constantinople 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common ^[32] Late in March the government disclosed its intent to litigate the issue at the International Court of Justice and seek support at the United Nations General Assembly in September of 2008. See also International Commission of Jurists The International Court of Justice (known colloquially as the World Court or ICJ; Cour Membership For two articles dealing with membership in the General Assembly see General Assembly members ^[33]

The Prime Minister of Serbia, Vojislav Koštunica, has blamed the United States for being "ready to violate the international order for its own military interests" and stated that "Today, this policy of force thinks that it has triumphed by establishing a false state. President of the Government of the Republic of Serbia ( Predsednik Vlade Republike Srbije) is the head of the Government of Serbia. Dr Vojislav Koštunica ( Serbian Cyrillic: Војислав Коштуница) (ˈvɔjislaːv kɔˈʃtunitsa born March 24, 1944, Belgrade […] As long as the Serb people exist, Kosovo will be Serbia. "^[34] Slobodan Samardžić, the Serb minister for Kosovo, stated that, "A new country is being established by breach of international law […] It's better to call it a fake country. Slobodan Samardžić ( Serbian Cyrillic: Слободан Самарџић is a Serbian academic and politician and the former Minister for Kosovo-Metohija "^[35] However, the Serbian government says they will not respond with violence. ^[36]

On 17 February, about 2,000 Serbs protested at the United States Embassy in Belgrade, with some throwing stones and firecrackers at the building before being driven back by riot police. The Serbian Orthodox Church ( Serbian: Српска Православна Црква / Srpska Pravoslavna Crkva; СПЦ / SPC) or the Events 1500 - Battle of Hemmingstedt. 1600 - Philosopher Giordano Bruno is burned alive at Campo de' Fiori ^[17] Protestors also broke windows of the embassy of Slovenia, the state that controls the EU presidency. Slovenia, officially the Republic of Slovenia (Republika Slovenija) is a Country in southern Central Europe bordering Italy to the west ^[37] In Belgrade and Novi Sad, McDonald's shops were damaged by protestors. Belgrade (Београд Beograd is the Capital and largest city of Serbia. Novi Sad ( Cyrillic: Нови Сад 'nɔviː 'saːd; Hungarian: Újvidék Slovak ^[38] According to Serbian sources, the violent protestors were ad hoc football fans. 54 policemen and 34 citizens were injured. Serbian politicians condemned the violence. ^[39] The Serbian division of U.S. Steel, based in Smederevo, had a false bomb threat called in. The United States Steel Corporation ( is an integrated Steel producer with major production operations in the United States, Canada, and Central Europe Smederevo (Смедерево is a city and municipality in Serbia on the Danube at 44 ^[40]

The Crown Council of House of Karadjordjevic, a former royal family of Serbia and Yugoslavia, rejected Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence, saying that: "Europe had diminished its own morale, embarrassed its own history and shown that it carries within its organism the virus of its own downfall," and that "it is a defeat of the idea of democracy… a defeat of the universally accepted rules of international law," and that a "part of the project of Mussolini and Hitler has finally been accomplished, in the territory of Serbia". The House of Karađorđević (Карађорђевићи Serbian Latin Karađorđevići House of Karageorgevich was a Serbian ruling Dynasty descended from ^[41]

In Montenegro, protests were held in Podgorica on 19 February. Podgorica ( Montenegrin / Serbian: Подгорица Podgorica ˈpɔdgɔˌriʦa is the Capital and largest city of Montenegro Events 197 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus defeats usurper Clodius Albinus in the Battle of Lugdunum Protesters waved flags of the Serb People's Party and the Serbian Radical Party Serb parties led by the Serb List are calling for a protest on February 22 to protest the independence bid. The Serb People's Party ( Serbian: Српска народна странка/ Srpska narodna stranka or SNS, СНС is the leader of the opposition in the The Serbian Radical Party (Српска радикална странка or Srpska radikalna stranka, SRS is a Nationalist right-wing Political party Serb List ( Serbian: Српска листа or Srpska lista) is a political alliance in Montenegro. Events 1495 - King Charles VIII of France enters Naples to claim the city's throne ^[42]

On 21 February, there were large demonstrations by Serbs in Belgrade. Events 362 - Athanasius returns to Alexandria. 1245 - Thomas, the first known Bishop of Finland Protests in Serbia followed the proclamation of independence by Kosovo on February 17, 2008. There were more than 500. 000 protesters. Most protesters were non-violent, but small groups attacked the United States and Croatian embassies. A group broke into the The United States embassy, set it on fire, and attempted to throw furniture through the windows. The embassy was empty, except for security personnel. No embassy staff were injured, but a corpse was found; embassy spokeswoman Rian Harris stated that the embassy believes it to be an attacker. ^[43] Police took 45 minutes to arrive at the scene, and the fire was only then put out. US ambassador to the UN Zalmay Khalilzad was "outraged", and requested the UN Security Council immediately issue a statement "expressing the council's outrage, condemning the attack, and also reminding the Serb government of its responsibility to protect diplomatic facilities. Zalmay Mamozy Khalilzad ( Pashto: زلمی خلیلزاد - Zalmay Khalīlzād) (born 22 March 1951 is the permanent United States Ambassador to the United " The damage to the Croatian embassy was less serious. ^[43]

The Turkish and British embassies were also attacked, but police were able to prevent damage. The interior of a McDonald's was damaged. A local clinic admitted 30 injured, half of whom were police; most wounds were minor. ^[43]

The Security Council responded to these incidents by issuing a unanimous statement that, "The members of the Security Council condemn in the strongest terms the mob attacks against embassies in Belgrade, which have resulted in damage to embassy premises and have endangered diplomatic personnel," noting that the 1961 Vienna Convention requires host states to protect embassies. The Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations is an international Treaty on diplomatic intercourse and the privileges and immunities of a Diplomatic ^[44]

On February 22, the United States embassy in Serbia ordered the temporary evacuation of all non-essential personnel, after the protests and attacks on the embassy. Events 1495 - King Charles VIII of France enters Naples to claim the city's throne The United States of America —commonly referred to as the A diplomatic mission is a group of people from one State or an international Inter-governmental organization (such as the United Nations) present in Emergency evacuation is the movement of people from a dangerous place due to the threat or occurrence of a disastrous event Rian Harris, a U. S. embassy spokeswoman, explained the evacuation to AFP saying that "Dependents are being temporarily ordered to depart Belgrade. Agence France-Presse ( AFP) is the oldest News agency in the world and one of the three largest with Associated Press and Reuters. We do not have confidence that Serbian authorities can provide security for our staff members. "^[24]

International reaction

Main article: International reaction to the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence

Unlike the 1990 Kosovo declaration of independence, which only Albania recognised,^[45] Kosovo's second declaration of independence has already been recognized as of 21 May 2008 by 42 foreign states, including also Afghanistan, Australia,^[46] Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada,^[47] Republic of China (Taiwan), Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark,,^[48] Estonia, Finland, France,^[49] Germany,^[50] Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan,,^[51] Latvia, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,^[52] Luxemburg, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Nauru, Peru,^[53] Poland, San Marino, Senegal, Slovenia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey,^[54] the United Kingdom,^[55] and the United States,^[36] with an act of recognition pending from Saudi Arabia. This article is about the country in southern Europe For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Albania topics. Events 878 - Syracuse Italy is captured by the Muslim sultan of Sicily. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Afghanistan /æfˈgænɪstæn/ officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan ( Pashto: د افغانستان اسلامي جمهوریت, For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. Austria (Österreich ( officially the Republic of Austria (Republik Österreich The Kingdom of Belgium is a Country in northwest Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters as well as those The state of Bulgaria (България transliterated bg-Latn ''Balgaria'' The country preserves the traditions (in ethnic name language and alphabet of the First Bulgarian Burkina Faso (bɚˌkiːnəˈfɑːsoʊ burr-KEE-na FAH-soh) also known by its short-form name Burkina, is a Landlocked nation in West Africa Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page REPUBLIC OF CHINA ARTICLE GUIDELINES Costa Rica, officially the Republic of Costa Rica ( Spanish: Costa Rica or República de Costa Rica,) is a Country in Croatia (Hrvatska ˈxȓvatska officially the Republic of Croatia ( Republika Hrvatska) is a southern Central European country at the crossroads between The Czech Republic ( ˈt͡ʃɛskaː ˈrɛpuˌblɪka short form in Česko ˈt͡ʃɛskɔ also called Czechia, The Kingdom of Denmark ( ˈd̥ænmɑɡ̊ (archaic ˈd̥anmɑːɡ̊ commonly known as Denmark, is a country in the Scandinavian region of northern Europe Estonia, officially the Republic of Estonia ( Eesti or Eesti Vabariik) is a Country in Northern Europe in the Baltic region Finland, officially the Republic of Finland ( is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of northern Europe. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Hungary (Magyarország 'mɔɟɔrorsaːg) officially in English the Republic of Hungary ( Magyar Köztársaság, literally Magyar (Hungarian Republic Iceland, officially the Republic of Iceland ( ( Ísland or Lýðveldið Ísland ( Ireland (pronounced /ˈaɾlənd/ Éire) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. Latvia ( Latvija officially the Republic of Latvia (Latvijas Republika is a Country in Northern Europe in the Baltic region. Liberia, officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country on the west coast of Africa, bordered by Sierra Leone, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire The Principality of Liechtenstein (Fürstentum Liechtenstein) is a tiny doubly landlocked Alpine country in Western Europe, bordered by Switzerland Lithuania, officially the Republic of Lithuania (Lietuvos Respublika is a Country in Eastern often referred to as Northern Europe or in the Luxembourg (Groussherzogtum Lëtzebuerg Grand-Duché de Luxembourg Großherzogtum Luxemburg is a small Landlocked country in Western Europe, bordered by The Marshall Islands, officially the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI is a Micronesian nation of islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean For other uses see Monaco (disambiguation Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco ( French: Principauté de Monaco; Monégasque The Netherlands and The Kingdom of the Netherlands are two distinct geographical and administrative entities Norway ( Norwegian: Norge ( Bokmål) or Noreg ( Nynorsk) officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Constitutional Nauru, officially the Republic of Nauru, is an Island nation in the Micronesian South Pacific. Peru (Perú Piruw Piruw officially the Republic of Peru ( reˈpuβlika del peˈɾu is a country in western South America. Poland (Polska officially the Republic of Poland The Most Serene Republic of San Marino (Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino is a country in the Apennine Mountains. Senegal (le Sénégal officially the Republic of Senegal, is a country south of the Sénégal River in western Africa. Slovenia, officially the Republic of Slovenia (Republika Slovenija) is a Country in southern Central Europe bordering Italy to the west South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea and often referred to as Korea ( Korean: 대한민국 tɛː "Sverige" redirects here For other uses see Sweden (disambiguation and Sverige (disambiguation. Switzerland (English pronunciation; Schweiz Swiss German: Schwyz or Schwiiz Suisse Svizzera Svizra officially the Swiss Confederation Turkey (Türkiye known officially as the Republic of Turkey ( is a Eurasian Country that stretches The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KSA ( المملكة العربية السعودية, al-Mamlaka al-ʻArabiyya as-Suʻūdiyya) or Suudi There have been opinions that the speed and rate of international recognition is slower than expected. ^[56][57]

However 27 other countries, including Algeria, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cuba, Cyprus, Georgia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Libya, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Serbia,^[58] Slovakia, Spain,^[59] Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uruguay, Venezuela and Vietnam have either officially and explicitly denied recognition or are unlikely to grant recogniton any time soon, while 20 or so others, including Chile, China, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Mali, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, Philippines , Singapore, South Africa, Sudan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vatican City (Holy See) have either expressed their concern while urging continued negotiations under the UN Resolution 1244 (Serbia vs. Algeria ( ar [[Arabic]] الجزائر, Al Jaza'ir ælʤæˈzæːʔir Amazigh: ⴷⵥⴰⵢⴻⵔ Dzayer) officially the People's For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Argentina topics. Azerbaijan ( English; Azərbaycan officially the Republic of Azerbaijan (Azərbaycan Respublikası is the largest and most populous country in the South Belarus ( Belarusian Беларусь / Biełaruś is a Landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia to the north and east The Republic of Bolivia (República de Bolivia) named after Simón Bolívar, is a Landlocked country in central South America. Bosnia and Herzegovina ( Latin script: Bosna i Hercegovina, Cyrillic script: Босна и Херцеговина is a country on the Balkan |utc_offset = -2 to -4 |time_zone_DST = BRST |utc_offset_DST = -2 to -5 |cctld The Republic of Cuba (ˈkjuːbə or) consists of the island of Cuba (the largest and second-most populous island of the Greater Antilles) Isla de la Cyprus (Κύπρος transliterated: Kýpros,; Kıbrıs officially the Republic of Cyprus (Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία Kypriakī́ Dīmokratía Georgia ( საქართველო, Sakartvelo) is a Transcontinental country in the Caucasus region situated at the dividing line between India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Iran topics. Kazakhstan, also Kazakstan ( Қазақстан, Qazaqstan, qɑzɑqˈstɑn Казахстан, Kazakhstán,) officially the Kyrgyzstan (ˈkɻ̩gɪztɑn (AmE or /'kɝgəztan/ (BrE Kyrgyz: Кыргызстан; Russian: Киргизия or Киргизстан or Кыргызстан Laos (ˈlɑːoʊs or /ˈlaʊs/ officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a Landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma Libya ( ليبيا ar-Latn Lībiyā; Libyan vernacular: Lībya; Amazigh:) officially the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Moldova, officially the Republic of Moldova ( Republica Moldova) is a Landlocked country in Eastern Europe, located between Romania Romania ( dated: Rumania, Roumania Russia (Россия Rossiya) or the Russian Federation ( Rossiyskaya Federatsiya) is a transcontinental Country extending Serbia (Србија Srbija) officially the Republic of Serbia (Република Србија Republika Srbija) is a Landlocked Country Slovakia (long form Slovak Republic; Slovak:, long form, is a Landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of over five million Spain () or the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España is a country located mostly in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka ( Sinhalese:, இலங்கை known as Ceylon before 1972 is an Island Tajikistan (təˈdʒɪkɨstæn or /təˈdʒiːkɨstæn/ Тоҷикистон tɔʤikɪsˈtɔn or, Persian تاجیکستان‎ taajikestaan officially the Republic of Uruguay.(official full name in República Oriental del Uruguay;, Oriental Republic of Uruguay) is a country located in the southeastern part of South America Venezuela (ˌvɛnəˈzweɪlə) officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (Spanish República Bolivariana de Venezuela) is a country on the Vietnam (ˌviːɛtˈnɑːm Việt Nam) officially Chile, officially the Republic of Chile ( Spanish:) is a country in South America occupying a long and narrow Coastal strip wedged between the Talk People's Republic of China) PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ARTICLE GUIDELINES This article is about the country of Egypt For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Egypt topics. Greece (Ελλάδα transliterated: Elláda, historically, Ellás,) officially the Hellenic Republic (Ελληνική Δημοκρατία The Republic of Indonesia ( (Republik Indonesia is a Country in Southeast Asia. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Iraq topics. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (الأردنّ al-Urdunn) is an Arab country in Southwest Asia spanning the southern The State of Kuwait ( دولة الكويت IPA [dawlatt̪ alkuwajt̪]) is a sovereign Arab Emirate on the coast of the Persian Gulf, enclosed Mali, officially the Republic of Mali (République du Mali is a Landlocked nation in Western Africa. The United Mexican States ( or commonly Mexico (ˈmɛksɪkoʊ () is a federal constitutional Republic in North America. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island Panama, officially the Republic of Panama (República de Panamá) is the southernmost country of Central America. The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP Singapore The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa Sudan (officially the Republic of Sudan) ( السودان al-Sūdān is a country in northeastern Africa. Ukraine (Україна Ukrayina, /ukrɑˈjinɑ/ is a country in Eastern Europe. Uzbekistan, officially the Republic of Uzbekistan ( Uzbek: O‘zbekiston Respublikasi or Ўзбекистон Республикаси is a doubly Vatican City, officially the State of the Vatican City (Stato della Città del Vaticano is a Landlocked sovereign City-state whose territory The Holy See is the episcopal jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome, commonly known as the Pope, and is the preeminent Episcopal see of the Roman Catholic province of Serbia) or did so while suggesting that new negotiations be brokered to settle the issue once and for all without unilateral moves or ensuing violence.

The situation is far from settled, with more states expected to assume definite positions one way or another as the events unfold in Kosovo and Serbia, including the elections scheduled in Serbia for 11 May 2008, and as political allegiances and influences are brought to bear by diplomats persuading on behalf of each side and influential countries such as China or Saudi Arabia making their position official. Events 330 - Byzantium is renamed ''Nova Roma'' during a dedication ceremony but is more popularly referred to as Constantinople 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common

Serbia had announced even before the declaration that it will withdraw its ambassador from any state which recognizes independent Kosovo,^[46] and indeed ,has consequently done so without exception. ^[46]

Reaction within the European Union

The European Union has sent in a non-military 2,000-member peacekeeping mission (consisting of police and customs officers, judges and prosecutors) to aid Kosovo's independence. The European Union ( EU) is a political and economic union of twenty-seven member states, located primarily in Serbia has claimed that this is an occupation and that the EU's move is illegal. ^[60]

On 18 February 2008 the EU presidency announced after a day of intense talks between foreign ministers that member countries were free to decide individually whether to recognize Kosovo's independence. Events 3102 BC - Epoch (origin of the Kali Yuga. 1229 - The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II Holy 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The majority of states in the EU have recognised Kosovo, but some member states, such as Spain, were unhappy about the signal a recognition would send. ^[61]

Outside of the EU

United States president George W. Bush welcomed the declaration of independence as well as its proclamation of friendship with Serbia, stating: "We have strongly supported the Ahtisaari plan [implying Kosovo's independence …]. Lausanne ( pronounced, Losanna is a city in Romandy, the French -speaking part of Switzerland, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva Switzerland (English pronunciation; Schweiz Swiss German: Schwyz or Schwiiz Suisse Svizzera Svizra officially the Swiss Confederation The Flag of Switzerland consists of a red square with a bold equilateral white cross in the center The national flag of Albania is a red flag with a black Two-headed eagle in the center Flags of the United States The Flag of the United States of America consists of 13 equal horizontal stripes of Red (top and bottom alternating The United States of America —commonly referred to as the George Walker Bush ( born July 6 1946 is the forty-third and current President of the United States. During and after the breakup of Yugoslavia there were increasing ethnic and regional conflicts culminating in the Kosovo War of 1999 We are heartened by the fact that the Kosovo government has clearly proclaimed its willingness and its desire to support Serbian rights in Kosovo. We also believe it's in Serbia's interests to be aligned with Europe and the Serbian people can know that they have a friend in America. ”^[62]

Russia reacted with condemnation, stating they "expect the UN mission and NATO-led forces in Kosovo to take immediate action to carry out their mandate […] including the annulling of the decisions of Pristina's self-governing organs and the taking of tough administrative measures against them. Russia (Россия Rossiya) or the Russian Federation ( Rossiyskaya Federatsiya) is a transcontinental Country extending ”^[62]

In Tirana, the capital of Albania, 'Kosovo Day' was held as a celebration. Tirana (Tiranë or Tirana is the Capital and largest city of the Republic of Albania. This article is about the country in southern Europe For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Albania topics. ^[63]

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdoğan phoned Prime Minister of Kosovo Hashim Thaçi saying the declaration of independence "will bring to Balkans peace and stability”. Turkey (Türkiye known officially as the Republic of Turkey ( is a Eurasian Country that stretches This is a chronological list of Prime Ministers of Turkey, since the establishment of that position in 1920, during the Turkish War of Independence. "Erdoğan" redirects here For the Turkish Helicopter Erdoğan see Kamov Ka-50. The Prime Minister of Kosovo (Kryeministri i Kosovës Serbian: sr-Cyrl Премијер Косова ''Premijer Kosova'' is the Head of Government for Kosovo. Hashim Thaçi ( Albanian: Hashim Thaçi Serbo-Croat: Hašim Tači, Хашим Тачи born 24 April, 1968 in Drenica ^[64]

The Republic of China's (commonly known as Taiwan; non-UN member) Foreign Ministry stated "We congratulate the Kosovo people on their winning independence and hope they enjoy the fruits of democracy and freedom. REPUBLIC OF CHINA ARTICLE GUIDELINES […] Democracy and self-determination are the rights endorsed by the United Nations. The Republic of China always supports sovereign countries' seeking democracy, sovereignty and independence through peaceful means. "^[65] Taiwan's political rival, the People's Republic of China, responded quickly, saying that "Taiwan, as a part of China, has no right and qualification at all to make the so-called recognition". Talk People's Republic of China) PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ARTICLE GUIDELINES ^[66]

Amongst Southeast Asian countries where Muslim separatist movements were active in at least three states, Indonesia, with the world's largest Muslim population, deferred recognition of an independent Kosovo ,^[67] while the Philippines declared it will not oppose, but nor will it support Kosovo's independence. The Republic of Indonesia ( (Republik Indonesia is a Country in Southeast Asia. The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP ^[68]. ^[69] Both countries face pressures from Muslim separatist movements within their territories, notably Aceh and southern Mindanao respectively. See also Sultanate of Aceh Aceh (ʔaˈtɕɛh generally anglicized as ˈɑːtʃeɪ is a special territory ( daerah istimewa) of Indonesia Mindanao is the second largest and easternmost Island in the Philippines. Vietnam expressed opposition,^[70] while Singapore reported that it was still studying the situation. Vietnam (ˌviːɛtˈnɑːm Việt Nam) officially Singapore ^[71] Malaysia, which headed the Organisation of the Islamic Conference at the time, formally recognized Kosovo's sovereignty three days after its independence. For the biogeographical region see Malesia Malaysia (məˈleɪʒə or /məˈleɪziə/ is a country that consists of thirteen states and The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC is an International organization with a permanent delegation to the United Nations. ^[72]

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd backed Kosovan independence on the morning of 18 February, saying "This would appear to be the right course of action. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. The Prime Minister of Australia is the Head of government of the Commonwealth of Australia, holding office on commission from the Governor-General. Kevin Michael Rudd (born 21 September 1957 is the 26th and current Prime Minister of Australia and federal leader of the Centre-left Australian Labor Events 3102 BC - Epoch (origin of the Kali Yuga. 1229 - The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II Holy That's why, diplomatically, we would extend recognition at the earliest opportunity. "^[73] New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said that New Zealand would neither recognise nor not recognise an independent Kosovo. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island The Prime Minister of New Zealand is New Zealand's Head of government consequent on being the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in Helen Elizabeth Clark (born 26 February 1950 is the 37th and current Prime Minister of New Zealand. ^[74] Pro-Independence rallies were held by ethnic Albanians in Canada in the days leading up to the declaration. ^[75]

President of Northern Cyprus (a state not recognised by the UN) Mehmet Ali Talat saluted the independence of Kosovo and hopes that the state is respected and assisted, in staunch opposition to the position of the Republic of Cyprus. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus ( TRNC) (Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti KKTC) commonly called Northern Cyprus (Kuzey Kıbrıs though its Mehmet Ali Talat (born July 6, 1952) is the current President of the De facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (or KKTC Cyprus (Κύπρος transliterated: Kýpros,; Kıbrıs officially the Republic of Cyprus (Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία Kypriakī́ Dīmokratía ^[76]

In Croatia, two blasts destroyed two Fiat Doblo vans owned by ethnic-Albanian bakers in the coastal city of Pula on 21 February 2008. Pula (Pietas Iulia Pulj Istriot Pula; Pola is the largest city in Istria County, Croatia, situated at the southern tip of the Istria Croatia (Hrvatska ˈxȓvatska officially the Republic of Croatia ( Republika Hrvatska) is a southern Central European country at the crossroads between Croatia (Hrvatska ˈxȓvatska officially the Republic of Croatia ( Republika Hrvatska) is a southern Central European country at the crossroads between The Fiat Doblò is a Panel van and Leisure activity vehicle produced by Italian automaker Fiat since 2001 Pula (Pietas Iulia Pulj Istriot Pula; Pola is the largest city in Istria County, Croatia, situated at the southern tip of the Istria The perpetrators are unknown. Albanian community leaders called the incidents as 'terrorist attacks', reported that some shop owners received threats via SMS messages and said the attacks were connected to the Kosovo situation in a statement. ^[77] The local police later reported that the SMS messages with threats were sent by another Albanian. ^[78][79]

On February 23, 44 protesters were arrested after burning the Serbian flag, in the main square of Zagreb, following Serb protesters attacking the Croatian embassy in Belgrade, Serbia. Flag desecration is a term applied to various acts that intentionally deface a Flag, most often a National flag (though other flags can be defaced as well Zagreb (ˈzɑːgrɛb is the Capital and the largest city of Croatia. Belgrade (Београд Beograd is the Capital and largest city of Serbia. Serbia (Србија Srbija) officially the Republic of Serbia (Република Србија Republika Srbija) is a Landlocked Country ^[80]

Hundreds of Serbs of Bosnia and Herzegovina demonstrators broke away from a peaceful rally in Banja Luka on February 26, 2008 and headed for the United States Embassy's office there, clashing with police along the way. Serbs are one of the three constitutive nations of Bosnia-Herzegovina, predominantly concentrated in the Republic of Srpska Banja Luka or Banjaluka ( Cyrillic: Бања Лука ˌbaɲaˈluːka is the capital and the largest Events 747 BC - Epoch (origin of Ptolemy 's Nabonassar Era 364 - Valentinian I is proclaimed 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The United States of America —commonly referred to as the ^[80]

United Nations

Following a request from Russia, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency session in the afternoon of 17 February. Russia (Россия Rossiya) or the Russian Federation ( Rossiyskaya Federatsiya) is a transcontinental Country extending Events 1500 - Battle of Hemmingstedt. 1600 - Philosopher Giordano Bruno is burned alive at Campo de' Fiori ^[60] The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, issued a statement that avoided taking sides and urged all parties "to refrain from any actions of statements that could endanger peace, incite violence or jeopardize security in Kosovo or the region. The Secretary-General of the United Nations is the head of the Secretariat, one of the principal organs of the United Nations. Ban Ki-moon (born 13 June 1944 Korean: 반기문 Hanja: 潘基文 is the current Secretary-General of the United Nations. " ^[81] Speaking on behalf of six western countries - Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy and the United States - the Belgian ambassador expressed regret "that the Security Council cannot agree on the way forward, but this impasse has been clear for many months. The Kingdom of Belgium is a Country in northwest Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters as well as those Croatia (Hrvatska ˈxȓvatska officially the Republic of Croatia ( Republika Hrvatska) is a southern Central European country at the crossroads between This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Today's events… represent the conclusion of a status process that has exhausted all avenues in pursuit of a negotiated outcome. " ^[82]

See also

• Constitutional status of Kosovo
• Foreign relations of Kosovo

References and Sources

www. bbc. co. uk/countryprofiles/kosovo

External links

• New Kosova Report - A news and views website reporting on the latest status recognition developments in Kosovo
• Assembly of Kosovo: Kosovo Declaration of Independence, Priština, February 17, 2008. Events 1500 - Battle of Hemmingstedt. 1600 - Philosopher Giordano Bruno is burned alive at Campo de' Fiori 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common
• Photo Gallery of Kosovo Serbs demonstrating against the proclamation of Kosovo independence, Feb 18, 2008 RIA Novosti. RIA (Russian Information Agency Novosti is a Russian Press agency based in Moscow.
• Kosovo - a timeline of independence, Feb 17, 2008, The Sofia Echo
• Kosovo, a testing ground for giants, March 17, 2008, Turkish Daily News

The Sofia Echo is a Bulgaria 's National English-language newspaper published out of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Events 45 BC - In his last victory Julius Caesar defeats the Pompeian forces of Titus Labienus and Pompey the Younger 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The Turkish Daily News is a Turkish daily. It was established in March 1961 and is considered Turkey's first and largest English-language daily

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