Recognition of Kosovo independence was followed by Georgian-Russian war, with Russia unilaterally recognizing Abkhazia and South Ossetia’s independence. Political war of “recognition in exchange for recognition” led to the unilateral acknowledgement of 3 territories’ independence, Shahan Kandaharian, the Editor-in-Chief of Aztag Beirut-based daily stated.

According to Kandaharian, U.S. recognition of Kosovo couldn’t but be responded by Russia. “Formally, the recognition of these territories’ independence can be regarded as a legal act, while actually it’s a political one.”

According to Kandaharian, Hague court’s confirming that recognition of Kosovo independence does not run counter to international law makes it hard to understand why the fulfilment of NKR, Abkhazia, South Ossetia’s peoples right to self-determination is not viewed in the same light.

“U.S. can’t give a clear legal explanation on the reason behind recognizing Kosovo independence, while refraining to acknowledge the independence of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and NKR.”

Karabakh issue is beyond the scope of Kosovo-South Ossetia – Abkhazia issues. “Artsakh is on the sideline of the “recognition in exchange for recognition” policy. NKR people completed self-determination process in accordance with democratic principles and international norms. NKR people have to wait for opportune moment to start struggle for international recognition of independence. But before that moment comes, Karabakh has to participate in negotiations for conflict settlement and stick to its privileges,” Aztag Editor-in-Chief noted.