EU starts worrying about Kosovo precedent

The Slovenian EU presidency has expressed worry that Russia and the Confederation of Independent States were neglecting the EU’s self-proclaimed “uniqueness” of the Kosovo case and that they were drawing parallels between Kosovo and Abkhazia.

(KosovoCompromise Staff) Tuesday, March 11, 2008

"We are concerned that Russia and the Confederation of Independent States have decided to draw certain parallels with Kosovo," Rupel said, adding the EU was particularly worried about Abkhazia.

Abhkazia and South Ossetia last week cited the Kosovo precedent when asking for international recognition following their unilateral declaration of independence from Georgia.

"There is a growing preoccupation and anxiety that Russia may be paving the way for recognition of Abkhazia," EU external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said.

Ferrero-Waldner stressed the EU's support for Georgia and rejected Russia's linkage to Kosovo.

"Georgia's territorial integrity has always been clearly supported by the EU ... this is absolutely clear," she said.

The EU on February 18 in its conclusions decided to support the territorial integrity of all states, except Serbia in the case of Kosovo, arguing Kosovo was a "unique" case, a claim which has been rejected by the wider international community.