DUBAI (AlArabiya.net)
The major Western powers back independence for the province, which has been run by the United Nations since NATO drove out Serb forces in 1999. Serbia and Russia are opposed.
Here is a list of countries which have declared their intentions, as at Feb. 20, 2008.
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Recognized Afghanistan - Afghanistan said on Monday that it recognized and supported Kosovo as an independent country.
Albania - Prime Minister Sali Berisha said on Monday that Albania recognized Kosovo's independence. Albania has said it will help the new state's economy by giving access to its Adriatic ports.
Australia - Australia formally recognized Kosovo on Tuesday and would look to set up formal diplomatic relations.
Austria - Austria agreed at cabinet meeting on Wednesday to recognize Kosovo. A formal letter will be sent next week.
Britain - Foreign Minister David Miliband announced on Monday that Britain will recognize the independence of Kosovo.
France - France recognized Kosovo's independence on Monday after European Union foreign ministers adopted a joint statement on the breakaway Serbian province's future. The EU vowed in a statement to work for stability in the region while leaving each member free to decide on recognizing Kosovo's independence.
Germany - Germany agreed to the recognition of the Republic of Kosovo under international law and the start of diplomatic relations.
Italy - Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema said on Monday Italy would recognize Kosovo "as an independent state under international supervision."
Norway - Norway said it had decided to officially recognize Kosovo. A Royal Decree will be issued.
Turkey - Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said on Monday that Turkey had decided to recognize Kosovo as an independent state.
United States - The United States formally recognized Kosovo "as a sovereign and independent state", Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Monday. |
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Recognition Expected * Foreign ministers and diplomats in Brussels said they expected Belgium, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Sweden, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Bulgaria, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Hungary to recognize Kosovo soon. |
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Not Recognized Azerbaijan - Ex-Soviet Azerbaijan says it does not recognize Kosovo's independence.
China - China said on Monday it was "deeply concerned" about Kosovo's independence declaration and urged both sides to continue negotiations.
EU / Spain - Grappling with its own separatist movements, Spain said on Monday it would not recognize Kosovo as legal secession required the agreement of both parties or a U.N. Security Council resolution.
EU / Romania - Romania's parliament said on Monday the country would not recognize Kosovo's independence.
EU / Cyprus and Slovakia have also indicated they will not recognize Kosovo. Both are concerned about the legal precedent or minority rights.
Georgia - Foreign Minister David Bakradze said Georgia would not recognize Kosovo's independence.
Russia - Russia has said Kosovo's declaration of independence is illegal.
Serbia - Serbia vowed undying but peaceful resistance to the loss of Kosovo and its prime minister called Kosovo "a false state."
Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka said on Monday Kosovo's independence declaration was a violation of the U.N. Charter.
Vietnam - A non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, says it opposes the declaration of independence. |
