Is the U.S. any closer to granting diplomatic recognition to the Transitional Council?

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No country, Russia apart, has given the two statelets formal diplomatic recognition.

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Serbia effectively acknowledges, for the first time, the existence and internationally-recognized borders of sub- control territories, a move just short of full diplomatic recognition.

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On the other hand, to give Mr Ocalan asylum in Italy might be construed as coming close to diplomatic recognition of him and his movement.

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Yet diplomatic recognition need not be the enemy of morality.

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They've suggested that they are willing to give their nuclear weapons program if they get political and diplomatic recognition from the United States, a normalize relationship, and some kind of economic help.

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Over the past two decades thousands of Chinese government and state enterprise officials have fanned out throughout Africa for diplomatic recognition, educational and arts programs, FDI and business loans, giant construction projects, and business and trade deals.

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Diplomatic recognition is a slippery concept.

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The recognition in the Birthday Honours Diplomatic List means he now holds the same title as book spook James Bond.

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For its part Syria is striving to obtain international recognition for Hamas in the hope that it would grant Damascus a position of influence in any future diplomatic process thanks to its close relationship with the Palestinian group.

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