Canada to recognize independent Kosovo
Serbia recalls ambassador in protest of decision
Last Updated: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 | 2:24 PM ET
The Canadian Press
Serbia is recalling its ambassador after being informed that Canada will announce today that it is recognizing Kosovo as an independent state.
Serbian Ambassador Dusan Vatakovic told the Canadian Press that Ottawa informed him this morning of the decision to recognize Kosovo.
The ambassador said he is being temporarily recalled to Belgrade for consultation — a diplomatic move seen as a sign of displeasure.
Recognition of Kosovo's self-declared independence has been a troubling issue for the Canadian government.
About 30 countries, including the United States, have recognized Kosovo since the province declared itself independent of Serbia on Feb. 17.
Another two dozen or so, including Russia, are strongly opposed.
Canada has remained mum on the issue partly because recognizing a unilateral declaration of independence could allow Quebec separatists to claim they could leave Canada the same way — with a one-sided declaration.
There have also been fears it would provoke anger among Canada's small, but vocal, Serbian ethnic community. There have been numerous protests across the country since the declaration.
Canada was part of a NATO force that intervened militarily in the province in 1999 to stop Serbian attacks on the civilian population.
Kosovo, which is 90 per cent ethnic Albanian, has not been under Serbian control since NATO launched air strikes in 1999.
A United Nations mission has governed Kosovo since, but Serbia and Kosovo's Serbs — who make up less than 10 per cent of the population — refuse to give up a territory they consider to be the ancient cradle of the Serbian state and religion.
The Foreign Affairs Department issued a warning to Canadian travellers in the region after several demonstrations and political gatherings were held in Serbia and Kosovo.
Rioting broke out Feb. 21 in Belgrade, where demonstrators stormed the U.S. Embassy and set part of it ablaze.
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2008/03/18/canada-kosovo.html
Serbia recalls ambassador in protest of decision
Last Updated: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 | 2:24 PM ET
The Canadian Press
Serbia is recalling its ambassador after being informed that Canada will announce today that it is recognizing Kosovo as an independent state.
Serbian Ambassador Dusan Vatakovic told the Canadian Press that Ottawa informed him this morning of the decision to recognize Kosovo.
The ambassador said he is being temporarily recalled to Belgrade for consultation — a diplomatic move seen as a sign of displeasure.
Recognition of Kosovo's self-declared independence has been a troubling issue for the Canadian government.
About 30 countries, including the United States, have recognized Kosovo since the province declared itself independent of Serbia on Feb. 17.
Another two dozen or so, including Russia, are strongly opposed.
Canada has remained mum on the issue partly because recognizing a unilateral declaration of independence could allow Quebec separatists to claim they could leave Canada the same way — with a one-sided declaration.
There have also been fears it would provoke anger among Canada's small, but vocal, Serbian ethnic community. There have been numerous protests across the country since the declaration.
Canada was part of a NATO force that intervened militarily in the province in 1999 to stop Serbian attacks on the civilian population.
Kosovo, which is 90 per cent ethnic Albanian, has not been under Serbian control since NATO launched air strikes in 1999.
A United Nations mission has governed Kosovo since, but Serbia and Kosovo's Serbs — who make up less than 10 per cent of the population — refuse to give up a territory they consider to be the ancient cradle of the Serbian state and religion.
The Foreign Affairs Department issued a warning to Canadian travellers in the region after several demonstrations and political gatherings were held in Serbia and Kosovo.
Rioting broke out Feb. 21 in Belgrade, where demonstrators stormed the U.S. Embassy and set part of it ablaze.
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2008/03/18/canada-kosovo.html