March 19, 2008 (Wednesday)
- 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)[permanent dead link] (Ria Novosti)
- The Parliament of Pakistan elects Fahmida Mirza as its first female speaker. (BBC News)