Macedonia, Montenegro declare Kosovo recognition
Macedonia and Montenegro officially recognise Kosovo as independent state
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Friday, 10, Oct 2008 10:55
Serbia's hopes to examine the legality of a unilateral declaration of independence from Kosovo have been hit by further recognition for the world's youngest state.
Last night Belgrade's neighbours Montenegro and Macedonia both said they would officially recognise Kosovo.
The move, which means Kosovo's independence is recognised by almost 50 states, came after the United Nations general assembly supported Serbia's request for the international court of justice to rule on the region it lost control of in 1999.
A joint statement from Montenegro and Macedonia – the only two states to leave Yugoslavia peacefully – said their governments hoped Belgrade would understand the decision.
"The decision to recognise Kosovo .... is the result of thorough political assessment," the statement said.
Milan Rocen, Montenegro's foreign minister, commented: "We hope that our relations with Serbia will remain friendly."
But Belgrade has responded by expelling the Montenegrin ambassador, dubbing the action an 'appropriate move'.
Russia, meanwhile, Serbia's closest ally, has accused Macedonia and Montenegro of "being blackmailed" by western countries.