In an unprecedented move, the Belgian government has decided to cede sovereignty to its former colony of the Belgian Congo, now the Democratic Republic of Congo. Belgian diplomatic sources claimed the deal could be wrapped up as soon as next month.
If the deal goes through, it would be the first time in history that a former colony takes possession of its former master.
The political situation in Belgium had already caused some concerns in the past; there had been mounting speculation of the country disintegrating after the prolonged stalemate in forming a new government for almost 6 months.
In a rare public statement today, King Albert said that he would immediately abdicate and go an live in Monaco, mainly for tax reasons. He also intimated that Mr Kabila, the current Congolose head of State, was still pondering whether to become King or just remain president for life.
Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials have confirmed that the prickly question of the uses of various languages both in Belgium and in Congo, shall be decided upon at a special United Nations session later on this month, in New York. Unnamed sources claim that German would be a likely contender.
Not everyone seems pleased with this scenario: important army troop movements on the Belgian - French and - Dutch borders have been witnessed by US spy satelites. Senator Barack Obama has cautiously welcomed the Congolese initiative - he has requested a working group to be set up in order to investigate the possibility of incorporating the United States into the Congolese republic as well.
