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 16 October 2008 02:33 BST

Kosovo wins international backing for independence

Monday, 18 Feb 2008 19:45
Kosovo refugees flee during the 1999 conflict
The US and European states including Britain, France and Germany recognised Kosovo as a sovereign state today after yesterday's declaration of independence.

Kosovo, which until yesterday viewed itself as a province of Serbia, is gathering international support for its independence in the face of fierce opposition from Belgrade.

A meeting of European Union foreign ministers failed to reach unanimity on the issue, however, with Spain leading five countries believed to be against the move.

Analysts say Madrid's stance is linked to its opposition to Basque separatists. Cyprus, Romania, Slovakia and Bulgaria are believed to be the other countries against a newly-independent Kosovo.

British foreign secretary David Miliband remained positive about overall support for Kosovar independence, however.

He predicted a majority of EU countries would eventually back the new country.

"There is a very strong head of steam building among a wide range of countries that do see this as the last piece of the Yugoslav jigsaw," Mr Miliband said.

Serbia is supported in its stance against Kosovar independence by Russia, which has argued the secession will encourage separatists throughout the world.

The US government appeared to counter such concerns in its statement recognising Kosovo.

Secretary of state Condoleezza Rice said: "The unusual combination of factors found in the Kosovo situation - including the context of Yugoslavia's breakup, the history of ethnic cleansing and crimes against civilians in Kosovo and the extended period of UN administration - are not found elsewhere and therefore make Kosovo a special case.

"Kosovo cannot be seen as a precedent for any other situation in the world today."End of story


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