YEREVAN. – Well-informed sources have revealed that the US is attempting to convince Armenia to recognize the independence of Kosovo, Haykakan Zhamanak daily reported.

“If such a thing happens, Armenia will become the first [ex-]Soviet non-Baltic state to recognize the independence of Kosovo.

“According to our information [, however], the Armenian diplomats have told the Americans that if Kosovo recognizes the independence of [Nagorno-]Karabakh, Armenia will recognize Kosovo.  

“[But] the latter’s recognition of the independence of Karabakh seems highly unlikely because Kosovo is a Muslim country.

“Nonetheless, observers note that the US, which is the de facto godfather of this country’s [i.e., Kosovo’s] independence, has a great influence over it,” Haykakan Zhamanak wrote.