Harper Says Recognition of Kosovo Has No Bearing on Quebec Independence

By THE CANADIAN PRESS

LONDON, Ont. – Canada’s recognition of Kosovo as an independent state should have no bearing on Quebec, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Wednesday.

While some Quebec nationalists are pointing to Kosovo’s new independence as a sign they should push for their own state, Harper said the Kosovo situation is not in any way comparable to Quebec.

“I think the situation there is very unique, and I would remind you when you talk about Quebec – I think Quebecers have been very clear – they’re not interested in more referendums and more debate about separation,” Harper said.

“They want to get on with building a strong Quebec within a strong Canada, and that’s what our government is dedicated to doing, as is the government of Quebec.”

Harper noted that Kosovo was born out of bloodshed and suffering that prompted the involvement of the international community, which essentially created a separate state.

Canada, along with the other G7 countries, has taken the step of recognizing an independent Kosovo, to the consternation of Serbia, which has responded by recalling its ambassador and issuing a diplomatic protest.

Serbia considers Kosovo’s independence declaration illegal under UN Security Council Resolution 1244, which asserted Serbia’s control over the province.

About 30 countries have recognized Kosovo since the province declared itself independent of Serbia on Feb. 17. Another two dozen countries, including Russia, are strongly opposed.

Canada was part of a NATO military force that intervened in Kosovo in 1999 to stop Serbian attacks on the civilian population.

Kosovo, which is 90 per cent ethnic Albanian, has not been under Serbian control since the NATO force moved in on the heels of massive air strikes.

A UN mission has governed Kosovo since, but Serbia and Kosovo’s Serbs – who make up less than 10 per cent of the population – refuse to give up a territory they consider to be the ancient cradle of the Serbian state and religion.

The Foreign Affairs Department issued a warning to Canadian travellers in the region after violent demonstrations and political gatherings were held in Serbia and Kosovo. Rioting broke out Feb. 21 in Belgrade, where demonstrators stormed the U.S. Embassy and set part of it ablaze.