  Kosovo independence opens Pandora's box in CaucasusFebruary 19, 2008 - 16:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "Kosovo's independence opens Pandora's box and re-opens wounds in the countries that emerged after the USSR decline. Kosovo is an urgent topic in at least six states: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldavia, Ukraine and Russia. Some of them hope for the United States or the European Union, Now, they can incline to Moscow, which can either encourage separatism on the territory of its neighbors or help them to maintain territorial integrity for a certain price," El Pais newspaper reports. The Moldavian government expressed "deep concerns" yesterday. "Unilateral proclamation of Kosovo's independence is a serious destabilizing factor in Europe and a dangerous stimulus for separatist movements in all conflict zones," it said in a statement. Georgia's President Mikheil Saakashvili said he will rebuff any attempt to recognize independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.   Top stories 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Related sections Topic Latest news Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive”  At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments.OSCE vows support for Armenia “in all three directions of security” Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg.151 detained as civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan Citizens have been blocking streets in the Armenian capital, demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation.France welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in Almaty France has welcomed the new round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. |
