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Are Washington and other Western capitals making a mistake by recognizing Kosovo’s independence?

Thursday, February 21
“Well it’s hard to say, but yes, I think it was a mistake.”
Soso, student, 19

“I’m no politician but I can tell you that this will impact on our breakaway regions.”
Salome, dentist, 27

“I’m not really in a position to judge them, but I think they’re wrong. Especially Washington, that was very unexpected—they should support our side.”
Merabi, sportsman, 24

“To recognize Kosovo’s independence is in Washington’s and Western capitals’ interests, but I think Kosovo’s independence is a mistake. Abkhazia and South Ossetia are bound to try and use this as a precedent.”
Dito, sociologist, 34

“The people of Kosovo did so much for their independence that they deserve it. But I’m concerned that our breakaway regions will look to it as an example and try to do the same.”
Lado, engineer, 42

“Yes, they are. This example will be imitated by other regions with the same ambition.”
Zurab, mechanic, 53

“I absolutely do not understand their decision and am very worried about the situation here in Georgia, with our breakaway regions.”
Lali, teacher, 43

“No, they haven’t made a mistake, Kosovo deserves to be independent, and it’s not like Abkhazia and South Ossetia. They are our territories, but in the case of Kosovo, it has the same right to independence as Serbia does.”
Maiko, housewife, 42

“I’m afraid they’ll do the same with Abkhazia and South Ossetia.”
Giga, banker, 22