Others are deserting now that the republic has declared its independence.

All the 15 republics except Russia have declared some form of independence, most in the two weeks since the failed coup.

When that federation dissolved last year in ethnic fighting, the republic declared itself independent.

Instead, they say, it was insecurity and fear among Serbs after those republics declared independence.

With the complete breakdown in negotiations, both republics declared war and attacked on 12 October.

About 300 people have died in fighting since June 25, when the republic declared itself independent from Yugoslavia.

In 1992 these republics declared their independence from Yugoslavia.

In the middle of the century the king of England was overthrown and a republic declared.

The Republic of Ecuador has declared her a national heroine.

The three republics declared their independence in 1991, as the Soviet Union crumbled.