UN fears Serbs will disrupt a free Kosovo

PRISTINA, Kosovo: As Kosovo moves closer to declaring its independence, fears are rising that Serbia and Serbs in Kosovo's north could take steps to try to disrupt the province's shaky economy and scare off countries ready to recognize it as a sovereign state.

A difficult question for Kosovars: Who are we?

PRISTINA, Kosovo: When Kosovo recently held a contest to design a flag, the organizers insisted that it reflect the multi-ethnic population, shunning the nationalist symbols of the past.

Rice Fails to Convince Lavrov on Iran

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has failed to persuade Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the urgency of new sanctions for Iran, and the two have clashed over the future of Kosovo.

Posted Dec 10, 2007 08:32 AM PST
Category: IRAN

That Secretary Rice thought for one millisecond that she could change Lavrov's mind on Iran demonstrates how clearly she is completely out of touch she continues to be with the realities of Russian geopolitical thinking. (MR)

Russia says Kosovo could trigger "chain reaction"

"I want to stress that UDI of Kosovo and recognition of such independence will not remain without consequences," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on the day mediation efforts between Serbia and Kosovo Albanian leaders officially expired.

"It will create a chain reaction throughout the Balkans and other areas of the world," he told reporters, speaking through an interpreter after talks with Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos.

"Those who devise such plans must weigh up the consequences very carefully."

Posted Dec 10, 2007 08:27 AM PST
Category: RUSSIA

Translation: Russia wants unimpeded access to Kosovo's mineral wealth: so does the US and the West.

The recognition of Kosovo as an independent entity may have some very nasty repercussions no matter how it comes down.

Additionally, Russia doesn't want this to be a template for other Russian-controlled areas whose citizens might be thinking about breaking away from their Russian geopolitical orbit and declaring themselves independent. (MR)

THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT RON PAUL

Kosovo independence to start chain reaction - Lavrov

Cyprus will not consent to Kosovo's secession

Serbs to take West to International Court on Kosovo

E Verteta4_U: Looks like more delay for Kosovars!

Separation cannot wait, says Kosovo despite dire warnings from Russia

Kouchner: Kosovo to wait for Serbian vote

French FM Bernard Kouchner says his country prefers a Kosovo decision after the Serbian presidential elections.

Kosovo negotions officially end today

Today marks the official end of the four-month Kosovo status negotiations between Belgrade and Priština.

Serbia: Sandzak Worries over Kosovo

Serbia Albanians Want Peacekeepers

Bujanovac _ A Serbia-based ethnic Albanian party on Monday demanded special autonomy for the country's volatile southern region and a deployment of international peacekeepers, a statement said.

Kosovo Wants Early Independence

Pristina _ The Kosovo Albanians’ senior spokesman, Skender Hyseni, has said Kosovo will declare its independence from Serbia well before May.

Serbia "Won't Trade Kosovo for EU"

Belgrade _ Serbia will not trade its determination to keep breakaway Kosovo within its borders for potential membership of the EU, Deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Djelic said on Monday.

Kosovo Serbs Greet Deadline Calmly

EU Ministers Discuss Kosovo Crisis

Brussels _ EU foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels amidst calls for unity over policy towards UN-administered Kosovo which is seeking independence from Serbia.

Kosovo Call to Set Independence Day

10 December 2007 Pristina _ Around 3,000 people, mainly students, demonstrated in Pristina on Monday, demanding that Kosovo’s assembly should declare independence within a month.