Putin: Kosovo is terrible precedent

Vladimir Putin has described the recognition of Kosovo's unilaterally declared independence as "a terrible precedent." "The independence of Kosovo is a terrible precedent. In effect, it breaks up the entire system of international relations, a system that has taken not even decades but centuries to evolve," the Russian president said as he hosted an informal summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Moscow Friday. Putin: Kosovo is terrible precedent "And undoubtedly, it may entail a whole chain of unpredictable consequences," Putin added. Supporters of Kosovo independence "cannot foresee the results of what they are doing," he said. "Ultimately, it is a double-edged sword, and the other edge will bash them on the head some time," Putin said. Yesterday, Russia's ambassador to NATO, Dmitry Rogozin, said in Brussels Russia may "use force" in Kosovo if KFOR there oversteps its mandate in dealing with Kosovo Serbs.

Putin: Kosovo is terrible precedent

"And undoubtedly, it may entail a whole chain of unpredictable consequences," Putin added.

Supporters of Kosovo independence "cannot foresee the results of what they are doing," he said.

"Ultimately, it is a double-edged sword, and the other edge will bash them on the head some time," Putin said.

Yesterday, Russia's ambassador to NATO, Dmitry Rogozin, said in Brussels Russia may "use force" in Kosovo if KFOR there oversteps its mandate in dealing with Kosovo Serbs.