Prime Minister Harper's accepting Kosovo's claim of independence a blueprint for Quebec separatists

by Joe Hueglin, Canadian Political editorialist

Precedents like unto beauty are in the eyes of he beholder. Kosovo's declaration of independence explicitly states, "Kosovo is a special case arising from Yugoslavia's non-consensual break-up and is not a precedent for any other situation."

Fine words but meaningless should sentiment flow toward separatism in Quebec at some point in the future.

The non-precedent example was done outside the framework of the United Nations. In fact it broke a United Nations Security Council Resolution.

Canada's recognition of Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence is of no direct value to Canada. It is a potential threat for it has been and will be cited as an example by separatists..

Should the Serb minority within the new Albanian state of Kosovo seek to join their lands with Serbia it is in Canada's interest to support them in this. Just as the current acceptance of Kosovo's unilateral declaration provides an example-precedent for unilateral declaration of the Province of Quebec from Canada, so, should such ever occur, recognition of Serb inhabited territory joining Serbia would provide example for English-speaking parts of Quebec to remain part of Canada. It is in Canada's long term interest to have this "example" to cite against those who seek to have all of the Province of Quebec become an independent nation state should they rise to positions of power in the future.

About the writer:

Joe Hueglin is a former Member of Parliament and co-founder of the tory Progressive Canadian (PC) Party.

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