Kosovo declares independence from Serbia

[Mysterious F.]

On February 17th, Kosovo, a strongly Albanian (a European people; unlike others Muslim) populated region in southern Serbia (a nation in southeast Europe), declared independence from Serbia. Considering what Serbia has done to the poor Kosovo region since the 80's, it's not suprising. However, there is more to worry about besides a slighly outdated map.

While several nations, particularily western Europe, the US, Japan, Turkey, Australia, and many members of the EU and NATO have or intend to recognize Kosovo independence, other nations are not so happy about this. Serbia is an obvious one, fo course, but the list also includes Romania, Spain, and Russia. Both Russia and Serbia oppose Kosovo's actions under the pretense that they are illegal, and Russia, Spain, Romania, and others oppose for fear that this will cause other separatist movements. China is hinting at not supporting Kosovo independence as well. What's different with Russia and China, however, is that both have veto power in the UN Security Council, and Russia has stated it would veto a UN Security Council decision supporting Kosovo independence.

There are also potential risks of this happening in other countries, now. Spain, Cyprus, Bosnia, former Soviet Union nations, and the British Isles countries could face threats of such happening in their countries. The Balkans, the region of Europe Kosovo is located, is also in danger. Kosovo may attempt to unite with Albania, which could lead Serbia to invade Albania and Kosovo (which would be likely, considering Serbia). Albania has stated it is preparing a military force to defend Albanians in Kosovo. Consequences could happen with other nations as well, such as Macedonia, with its one third Albanian population.

Large international organizations are already taking action. The UN held an emergency session later the same day, and the UN Secretary-General issued a statement avoiding taking sides. The EU sent a 2000 member peacekeeping mission to aid Kosovo independence, which Serbia calls an illegal move, and the EU has allowed its members to make individual decisions on the matter. NATO, which has more or less occupied Kosovo since 1999, states to continue to maintains its operations. The Organization of the Islamic Conference, due mainly to Albanians being a Muslim people, has stated support of Kosovo independence.

Any further information on the Kosovo situation will be posted here on further notice.

Now, I support Kosovo independence, and mabye even a union with Albania. Serbia has long persecuted the little region, and it has led to this, which Serbia will just have to deal with as punishment for its own actions. I do express worry over what is in store for the former Yugoslavian nations.

[MagmarFire]

If this erupts into bloodshed...frankly, I don't know what I'll do about it. We can only hope that no one will make a huge fuss over this. Doubtful, but one can dream.

[Mysterious F.]

Considering what Serbia (and the former Yugoslavia) has done since independence (from both the Ottomans and the Yugoslavian breakup), there is an approximate chance of between 45% - 60% chance of this errupting into some kinda of violence, whether it just be small scale terrorism by Kosovo independence organizations (like Puerto Rico once did to the US), or a war. Russia, which is still a major power even after the fall of the Soviet Union, might support Serbian actions. If to bring Kosovo back to Serbia, then 75% - 85%; military actions around 40% - 60%, though Russia isn't exactly a very easy nation to predict, so don't take it literally. Russia backing Serbia won't help stop Serbia either.

It's hard to say what the big nations and organizations involved will do, too, because of how early it is.

[Happytime Harley]

Makes you wonder if Serbia will react martially. I know they said they won't, but it makes you wonder...

[darkphantomime]

Never listen to what a Fascist country declares is 'illegal'. The Fascists have much more to answer towards legality than the separatists ever will.

[iastreb]

Well this is all happening in the Balkans(guess whos there  ::)) Bulgaria is a neightbour of Serbia, and we know serbian character. They are pretty knuckeheaded in a way of speaking.  ??? Viva Kosovo! Enjoy your freedom until another mindless war begins on the Balkans :-X Hope not. I'm for Kosovo anyway. But: Kosovo is for Serbia that, what is Macedonia for Bulgaria.  ::)  8) Too many mindless war these days....  :(

[Mysterious F.]

Mark is right on the spot; Serbia will attempt to keep Kosovo whatever the cost.

This just in, outraged Serbians attacked the US embassy in Belgrade, the Serbian capital, and lit it on fire, because of the US backing Kosovo independence. No embassy staff was injured, but (apparently) a protestor was burnt to death.

Also, Serbia has removed all its ambassadors from countries which recognize Kosovo independence.

[iastreb]

 :-* Hi war, welcome back on the Balkans...  :(

[Mysterious F.]

The sad part is that you're probably right, too...  :(

I just hope for the best to come in such a dangerous time.

[iastreb]

 ;) Common, maybe things will go just fine, Kosovo joins again Serbia nad then LET IT BE PEACE FOR CRIST SAKE  :(