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Kosovo may eventually join Albania - Serbian ambassador to Russia

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Kosovo, which unilaterally declared independence on Sunday, could eventually become a part of Albania, Serbia's ambassador to Russia said on Monday.
MOSCOW, February 18 (RIA Novosti) - Kosovo, which unilaterally declared independence on Sunday, could eventually become a part of Albania, Serbia's ambassador to Russia said on Monday.

"It is very difficult to imagine the existence of two [separate] Albanian states with a common border," Stanimir Vukicevic said, adding that this would eventually lead to the creation of "a Greater Albania."

He said Serbia was set to demand that the UN Security Council announce Kosovo's declaration of independence illegal. He also said that Serbia would demand that all UN member states observe UN Resolution 1244 and refuse to recognize Kosovo as a sovereign state.

The envoy said Serbia would take action against any country that recognizes Kosovo's independence.

He said recognition of the province's independence would set an international precedent and "provoke a similar [separatist] mood in Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and many other parts not only in Europe, but across the world."

He rejected Western assertions that Kosovo was a unique case.

"There is nothing unique about this," he said.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon called for calm in the aftermath of Kosovo's declaration of independence as Western powers prepared to recognize the sovereignty of the world's 'newest state'.

The U.S. and a large number of European countries are expected to recognize Kosovo on Monday. 

Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica said on Sunday that Kosovo's declaration of independence "violates international order." China has expressed its "deep concern" over the situation.

Three EU states, Cyprus, Romania and Slovakia, earlier informed other EU governments that they would not recognize Kosovo.

The Serbian government has called for a massive demonstration against what it calls the establishment of the "false state" of Kosovo.

NATO will hold a Council session later on Monday to consider the situation. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer has urged all parties involved "to exercise the maximum restraint and moderation."

Moscow is strongly opposed to the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo. It has said that it contravenes international law, and sets a dangerous precedent for other secessionist regions.

What is the best outcome for Kosovo? (poll)

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