U.S., European Union states recognize Kosovo

Last update: February 18, 2008 - 11:15 PM

The United States formally joined France, Britain and Germany in recognizing the independence of Kosovo on Monday, a day after the breakaway province declared itself independent of Serbia.

In a statement, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said, "We congratulate the people of Kosovo on this historic occasion."

President Bush, touring Africa, said despite Russia's opposition, history will show the independence of Kosovo will bring peace to that region. "There's a disagreement, but we believe as many other nations do that history will prove this to be the correct move," Bush said in brief remarks in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, before his scheduled departure for Rwanda as he continues his Africa tour.

Serbia withdrew its ambassador from Washington over the U.S. decision to recognize Kosovo.

European powers France, Britain and Germany led the 27-nation European Union on Monday in recognizing Kosovo's independence. Spain and Slovakia, however, called Kosovo's move illegal. Slovakia, with its sizable Hungarian minority, fears Kosovo's move will feed its own ethnic tensions.

Spain's opposition to Kosovo's independence is rooted in the fear that independence-minded regions in Spain -- notably the Basque area -- may similarly secede. Greece, Romania and Cyprus also are against Kosovo's new status.

Kosovo's leaders sent letters to 192 nations seeking formal recognition. Members of Kosovo's Serb minority insist that they will never recognize the declaration of independence. About 5,000 Serbs marched in the divided city of Kosovska Mitrovica on Monday, chanting, "This is Serbia" and "Down with America."

NEWS SERVICES