1.   That point apparently stirred concerns that the Serbian territory might secede and merge with Serbia.

2.   Chechen leaders consider the territory independent and run their own affairs, but Russia says it will not allow the territory to secede.

3.   Chechen leaders consider the southern republic to be an independent state, while Russia says it will never allow the territory to secede.

4.   However, Azerbaijan says it will not allow the territory to secede.

5.   Russia says it will not allow the territory to secede.