Bush to Make a Dash to Russia

WASHINGTON: The US President, George Bush, will make an unexpected trip to Russia after a NATO summit next week to meet President Vladimir Putin in the hope of repairing relations that have grown strained over missile defence, Kosovo independence and NATO expansion.

The decision surprised even some US officials and set both governments scrambling to accommodate the last-minute visit and organise an agreement to justify it. For Mr Bush, the meeting represents a gamble that he can still resolve thorny disputes with Russia before Mr Putin steps down on May 7.

"I'm optimistic we can reach accord on very important matters," Mr Bush told a group of foreign journalists at the White House. "I think a lot of people in Europe would have a deep sigh of relief if we're able to reach an accord on missile defence. And hopefully we can."

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George W. Bush will be traveling to Russia to help ease tension about some of Russia's current international issues. He is doing so in hopes of coming up with some resolutions before Putin steps down from the presidential seat. The World waits in awe to see if George W. Bush can ease tension about anything. This article also provides a look into Russia's diplomatic realationship with the US.

Russia Pledges Support to Serbia

"The man tipped to become the next Russian president has vowed his country will "stick to" its support for Serbia in opposing Kosovo's independence.

Deputy PM Dmitry Medvedev was in Belgrade for talks with Serb President Boris Tadic and PM Vojislav Kostunica.

Although its focus is mainly economic, the visit is seen as a sign of support for Serbia's view on Kosovo, the BBC's Bethany Bell in Belgrade says.

Kosovo's declaration of independence sparked protests in Serbia last week.

"We proceed from the assumption that Serbia is a united country, whose jurisdiction covers the whole of its territory, and we shall stick to this principled stand," Mr Medvedev said during his meeting with Mr Kostunica, Russian news agency Itar-Tass reported."

Mr Medvedev's comments, and the timing of his visit, will be seen as evidence that Russia's foreign policy is unlikely to change once serving President Vladimir Putin steps down.

Mr Putin's term in office has seen a marked deterioration in relations with the West, most recently over the issues of Kosovo and Nato's ambitions in former eastern bloc states like Poland and the Czech Republic.

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This is important because it can cripple Russian international relationships. By supporting Serbia, Russia has alienated itself from the countries that support Kosovo’s independence. Tensions between Russia and the United States are now more strained than ever since the U.S supports Kosovo’s independence. The main reason Russia is backing Serbia is because of their trade deal between Gazprom and the Serbian state enterprise, Serbiagas.

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Russia Could Use Force in Kosovo

Russia's ambassador to Nato, Dmitry Rogozin, has stated that if the dispute over Kosovo independence continues, Russia could potentially use military force. "If the EU develops a unified position or if Nato exceeds its mandate set by the UN, then these organisations will be in conflict with the UN," he said. While many members of the EU support Kosovo's independence, there remain several who are strongly opposed. "Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, backs Serbia, which has condemned the independence declaration issued by the Kosovo parliament on 17 February."

"On Tuesday members of the Serb minority in Kosovo attacked two border posts staffed by UN personnel and Kosovo police. The violence led the Nato troops in Kosovo - known as K-For - to reinforce the border with Serbia." This increase in violence could be the spark Russia needs to claim the use of brute force.

Even the Russian media is speaking out. "A commentary in the Vesti Plus analytical programme, on state-run television, called the assassinated former Serbian Prime Minister, Zoran Djindjic, a Western puppet who had "received a well-deserved bullet". It said Djindjic had sold national heroes to the International War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague. The programme concluded that Serbia - and not only Serbia - must now decide whether to acquiesce in what has happened, or resist."

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With Russia already politically chaffing with the UK, this could bring conflict with Russia and the rest of the world. If they do employ military force, there is a likely chance that other nations will react in hopes of preserving an independent Kosovo.

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Russia: "no legal basis" to recognize Kosovo independence

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Russia's UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said Sunday that there is no legal basis for any country to recognize the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo.

There is "no legal basis for even considering the recognition of this unilateral declaration of independence," Churkin told reporters after attending an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Kosovo.

He said the council agreed that UN Security Council resolution 1244 adopted in 1999 remains in force and that the UN presence in Kosovo remains in force.

"Therefore, there can be no unilateral proclamation of independence," Churkin said, adding that this declaration should be "disregarded by the international community."

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This article shows Russia's unwillingness to give up. They are still trying to hold on to Kosovo. This loop hole may be a big break through in the fight.

Russia Blocks Kosovo's Independence

Russsia is blocking the nation of Kosovo from becoming a nation.This articles show the stubborness of Nation. It also shows how the Russian government can abuse its power.

Russia, which has used its UN Security Council veto powers to stall Kosovo
independence, promised to go one step further. If the rebel province declares
independence from Serbia, Russia will see to it that the country is
shut out of international groups.

Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin said on
Wednesday, Jan. 16, Kosovo "would not become members of the United Nations, they
would not become members of international political institutions if they go down
the road of unilateral declarations."


Serbian President
Boris Tadic confirmed those sentiments the same day in a speech to the UN
Security Council vowing that his country would never recognize the country's
sovereignty.

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