Posted on 10/11/2008 3:38:33 PM PDT by kronos77
By LOLITA C. BALDOR – 4 days ago
OHRID, Macedonia (AP) — Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Tuesday said the U.S. is committed to keeping troops in Kosovo through late next year despite strong Russian opposition to creation of the world's newest country this year.
Following a morning visit to Kosovo, Gates flew here to this lakeside resort in Macedonia, a neighbor that has yet to recognize Kosovo's independence. But Kosovo's president told reporters during a news conference with Gates that he was optimistic that Macedonia and Montenegro would join the nearly 50 nations that have recognized his country.
Russia takes the part of its traditional ally Serbia in opposing creation of Kosovo from what was formerly Serb-claimed territory. Like several other countries with separatist troubles of their own, Russia also worries that the Kosovo example will encourage resistance movements in breakaway regions.
Russian anger over U.S. support for Kosovo was one of several irritants between Washington and Moscow even before the chill brought on by Russia's invasion of U.S.-backed Georgia in August.
(Excerpt) Read more at ap.google.com ...
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