Communitarian authorities have attempted to assure people that recognition of Kosovo’s unilateral independence by a set of European states does not constitute a precedent for other territories. However, this is clearly not the case. Southern Ossetia has already communicated to the world that they also want independence. How is it possible that they are so slow that they can’t grasp the message? The Caucasian air must prevent them from understanding one of the newest features of the process of European integration. The communitarian authorities now have the right to decide what supposes a precedent and what does not. In other words, they have the ability to dictate the future.

 

Javier Solana points out that the situation of Kosovo is unique because it also includes the process of disintegration from Yugoslavia. Who can deny such judicious commentary? It is evident that Southern Ossetia and Nagorno-Karabaj never have been part of Yugoslavia, nor do their inhabitants speak Serbo-Croatian or Albanian. Their history is different. It is that of disintegration from the Soviet Union. The poor Ossetians can’t understand how evident this distinction is and fail to grasp that all disintegration does not lead to the same result, and that what is a reasonable fight in one situation will not be in another.

 

Solana goes on to remind them of the Resolution of 1244 of the Security Council and references the establishment of a provisional administration which corresponded with the search for a definitive solution. It is again possible that the Southern Ossetians have not yet grasped that these are different situations and that independence was deserved at that time. It is most likely that are taking a literal interpretation of the text which states that the presence of foreign troops has the objective to preserve the territorial integrity of Serbia. They unfortunately will most likely think that if what has happened is in the name of preservation, that they can continue to do as they please.

 

It is unfortunate that the international dimension of united Europe is so limited that even its own members cannot come to an agreement regarding Kosovo. The precedent has been created, and the fate of the four territories mentioned, which formed a part of the Soviet Union, will be determined by what Russia views as most opportune.  Once again the threat of non-recognition is unreal. Kosovo will not be recognized so long as Russia refuses to acknowledge it. However, just as Taiwan demonstrates everyday, it is possible to survive, and even enjoy a privileged economy without official recognition.