Current events of 19 March 2008 (2008-03-19) (Wednesday) edit history watch

An audio tape with a voice believed to be Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden's is released, criticizing the European Union for allowing publication of cartoons that he claims insulted the Prophet Mohammed and threatening a strong reaction. (AP via Google News) Early elections are called for May 2008 in Kuwait after a crisis between the cabinet and parliament leads the emir Sabah al-Sabah to dissolve parliament. (BBC News) Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary and Monaco jointly recognize Kosovo's independence. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bulgaria) (AFP via Google News) (Balkan Insight) Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov states that "the Albanians in Macedonia have already made demands that they be granted such autonomy...which could be seen as a move towards independence." The Foreign Ministry also linked the events in Tibet with the declaration of independence by Kosovo, showing a growing movement of groups seeking independence. (Makfax) (Ria Novosti) The Parliament of Pakistan elects Fahmida Mirza as its first female speaker. (BBC News)