How Far East Does the West Go?

MOSCOW (AP) - A senior Russian diplomat said Monday that Moscow has prepared an action plan that envisages close coordination with Serbia should the West recognize any Kosovo declaration of independence.
Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko, the Russian Foreign Ministry's special envoy to the Balkans, said Moscow is encouraging more talks between the Serbs and the province's
ethnic Albanian majority. He said, however, that chances for such talks are rapidly decreasing, with Kosovo's leaders expected to declare independence soon.
Botsan-Kharchenko said at a meeting with Russian lawmakers that the ministry had worked out a plan of action if Kosovo declares independence, and the United States and the European Union members recognize it. He wouldn't give details but said the plan «envisages a close coordination of action with Belgrade.
Kosovo's ethnic Albanian leaders had been expected to declare independence in February or March. Kosovo's independence is supported by the United States and most European Union members, including Britain and France. Serbia and its ally Russia strongly oppose independence for the province.
Kosovo, though legally part of Serbia, has been under U.N. and NATO control since a NATO bombing campaign in 1999 ended a Serb crackdown on separatist ethnic Albanians.

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