world

According to newspapers and TV in Kosovo, the United States says Kosovo is doing a bad job at international lobbying. Deputy Assistant Secretary Rosemary DiCarlo is said to have strongly criticized the lack of results during her latest visit to Kosovo. Only a fifth of the world's countries have recognized Kosovo's independence declaration.

Abkhazia is now virtually lost to Georgia says one of the world's largest newspapers. In its latest editorial on Abkhazia, The Wall Street Journal recommends a policy of freedom and openness instead of blockades and isolation. Georgia should lift sanctions and allow Abkhazia to freely trade with all of its neighbors.

The 'de facto' independence of the Republic of Abkhazia will be recognized sooner or later. That is the view of its president, Sergei Bagapsh. In a just-published interview he says "we want a lawful state, independent and democratic."

Two influential international think tanks are recommending independence and diplomatic recognition of Somaliland "sooner rather than later". In its latest report, the Senlis Council underlines the need for quick and official recognition of Somaliland. This is echoed by the International Crisis Group, which also supports international recognition of Somaliland's right to statehood.

South Ossetia has formally opened an embassy in Sukhumi, the capital of Abkhazia. The diplomatic event was attended by the presidents of the two unrecognized countries, South Ossetia's Eduard Kokoity and Abkhazia's Sergei Bagapsh. In Transdniestria, South Ossetia already has a consulate but no embassy yet.

Russia's President says Russia will provide all necessary support and assistance to the republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Vladimir Putin also warns Georgia against trying to conquer the two states with military attacks. Along with Transdniestria, they are now seeking international recognition of their independence.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has begun talks with its internationally recognized neighbor on re-unification. The possibility of a precedent setting status resolution model for the Moldova/PMR conflict is not ruled out. But as an already de-facto independent state, the TRNC prefers the Kosovo precedent and is at the same time seeking international recognition of its current status.

In support of independent statehood, Dick Cheney recommends the creation of a new and separate country as the best solution to territorial dispute. The US Vice President says that a free and independent Palestine is "long overdue". Comparisons are now made to the Moldova/Transdniestria status talks and the possibility of American support for a similar two-state outcome.

With veto power in the hands of a German citizen, Kovoso is not truly sovereign and should not be recognized as a sovereign state says an analyst. Its government also lacks control over a large part of its claimed territory, mostly in the north. In the latest incident in the area, Kosovo's leaders were unable to act and had to turn to the United Nations and NATO for help.

South Ossetia has formally asked the international community to be recognized as an independent state like Kosovo has been. But despite a much longer period as a 'de facto' independent country, the US Secretary of State immediately ruled out the same rights for Ossetians as for Kosovars. Condoleezza Rice was brief and to the point: "It’s not going to happen!"