Posted on 10/09/2008 1:42:57 PM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) — Montenegro recognized the independence of Kosovo on Thursday in defiance of staunch opposition from its traditional ally Serbia, which expelled Montenegro's ambassador.
Serbia said Montenegro's recognition of Kosovo jeopardized regional stability, amplifying fears that the move could reignite tensions in the Balkans.
Montenegrin recognition of Kosovo represents a major blow to Serbia's diplomatic efforts to maintain a claim over Kosovo, which declared independence in February. Kosovo is considered by Serbs to be the cradle of their Orthodox Christian religion and statehood.
Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic told the state-run Tanjug news agency that the government is informing Montenegro that its ambassador in Belgrade "is no longer welcome." He said Serbia's response was "proportionate" because "regional countries have special responsibility in preserving peace and stability in the Balkans."
Montenegro and Serbia comprised a single state until 2006, and Montenegrin officials sided with Serbia throughout the ethnic wars in the Balkans in the 1990s.
Montenegro's Foreign Minister Milan Rocen said that the decision, reached after intense pressure from the United States and some European Union countries, was reached unanimously among government ministers.
He said that Montenegro's decision was reached in coordination with nearby Macedonia, where lawmakers are also discussing whether to recognize Kosovo's split from Serbia. Both countries are trying to one day become members of the European Union and NATO.
"This is not a decision against Serbia, but for our future," Rocen said.
Pro-Serb officials are not a part of the government of Montenegro, a tiny Adriatic Sea state that is almost equally split between Montenegrin and pro-Serb nationalists.
Serbia has threatened unspecified retaliatory measures against Montenegro for recognizing Kosovo. Serbia's Foreign Minster Vuk Jeremic said the move would represent "a stab in the back."
(Excerpt) Read more at ap.google.com ...
Thankfully, we have a leader in George W. Bush that will refuse to grant recognition to Kosovo.
However, I imagine a President Obama will not refuse recognition to Kosovo,
Thankfully, we have a leader in George W. Bush that will refuse to grant recognition to Kosovo.
However, I imagine a President Obama will not refuse recognition to Kosovo,
Some people will bend over and spread ‘em for the NWO and the rest won’t recognize the Jihadist state of Kosovo.
That’s the way it is.
Didn’t Bush recognize Kosovo?
Yes, I was being Sarcastic.
Pretty foolish on his part. He should have just stayed neutral at the least. Why the h*ll did he do that? Maybe because he figured that Kosovo was already independent even before he first took office and it can’t be reversed, and if he tried, the Shiptars would be P.O.ed and turn their guns on us?
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