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Russia 'warns Georgia' on Kosovo Russia links Kosovo with Georgia
(about 1 hour later)
Russia has warned it will change its policy towards breakaway regions in Georgia if the West recognises Kosovo's independence, reports say. Russia has indicated it may change its policy towards breakaway regions in Georgia if the West recognises the independence of Kosovo.
Moscow has repeatedly hinted it could respond to an independent Kosovo by recognising South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Moscow has repeatedly hinted it could recognise South Ossetia and Abkhazia if Kosovo separates from Serbia.
A foreign ministry statement said Moscow would "adjust its line" on the regions, but did not say how. The foreign ministry said Moscow would "take into account" developments in Kosovo, but did not say how.
Kosovo may declare independence this weekend, and the US and most EU states are expected to recognise it quickly.Kosovo may declare independence this weekend, and the US and most EU states are expected to recognise it quickly.
Most people in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which have enjoyed de facto independence since the early 1990s, already have Russian citizenship. Kosovo's Prime Minister Hashim Thaci is expected to say later on Friday that the declaration of independence will be made on 17 February, the AFP reports quoting a source in Mr Thaci's office.
Georgia accuses Russia of supporting both regions, in order to undermine its own attempts to build a strong and independent nation state. Serbia earlier urged the UN Security Council to oppose Kosovo's expected move.
"The declaration and recognition of Kosovo independence will force Russia to adjust its line towards Abkhazia and South Ossetia," Interfax quoted the foreign ministry as saying. Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic said Belgrade would not use force to stop the secession of the southern province but warned that allowing it would give a green light to other separatist movements.
De facto independent
"We will, without doubt, have to take into account adeclaration and recognition of Kosovo independence in connectionwith the situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia," Russia'sforeign ministry said in a statement.
The statement came after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met the leaders of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in Moscow.
Most people in Georgia's two breakaway republics, which have enjoyed de facto independence since the early 1990s, already have Russian citizenship.
Tbilisi accuses Moscow of supporting both regions, in order to undermine its own attempts to build a strong and independent nation state.
Russia denies the accusations.