Russia opposes Kosovo precedentFebruary 11, 2008 - 14:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Kosovo is expected to declare independence from Serbia next Sunday, but a top Russian official warned that Europe could open a "Pandora's box" if it recognized the move over Belgrade's objections."It will all be done by Sunday," a senior political source said, adding that Pristina would invite the European Union to send in a planned supervisory mission and NATO to stay on at the head of a peacekeeping force. The source denied speculation that it would be a two-stage process, with a statement of intent next weekend and an actual declaration in March. Kosovo hopes for quick recognition from the United States and from the EU, whose foreign ministers meet on Monday February 18, but Russia is dead set against. "If it comes to a unilateral recognition of Kosovo, that would be a precedent," First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov told a conference in Munich. "If the European Union countries recognize Kosovo, they will also have to recognize the independence of other territories." "That would definitely be beyond international law, and it would be something close to opening a Pandora's box," he said, meaning it could lead to unpredictable outcomes. He said Russia would not, however, respond tit-for-tat by immediately recognizing independence bids by two Georgian breakaway provinces it supports, Reuters reports. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Through Ucom’s support the 12th Sunchild Festival concludes On May 24-28, with the support of Ucom, the 12th international environmental festival Sunchild took place in Yerevan. Armenia coach expects good football in Slovenia friendly The Armenian national team has left for Ljubljana a friendly match against Slovenia on June 4. SBP instant transfers now available from 190 Russian banks to Armenia To receive money from Russian banks, easywallet users need to go to their easywallet accounts. Armenia's Davit Chaloyan qualifies for Paris Olympics The Armenian boxer qualified for Paris Olympics after a series of successful bouts at the 2nd World Qualification Tournament. |