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Kosovo World’s Newest Nation?

By Steven Norris

President Bush has recognized Kosovo as an "independent and sovereign state." This move prompted Serbia to remove its Ambassador from Washington, D.C.
Several European nations are recognizing Kosovo, but other nations say the decaration is illegal. Kosovo World’s Newest Nation?

Published: Mon, February 18, 2008 - 2:28 pm Last Updated: Mon, February 18, 2008 - 3:35 pm

President Bush has recognized Kosovo as an "independent and sovereign state," and along with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, he is working to establish diplomatic ties with the former Serbian province. Kosovo declared it's independence over the weekend. Bush sent a leader to Hashim Thaci, the new Prime Minister of Kosovo congratulating them for an important step in their democratic and national development. The break-away republic was left in shambles by war as the former Yugoslavia dissolved. Bush's recognition prompted Serbia, another former Yugoslav republic, to pull it's ambassador from Washington D.C. today. Other major European Union governments are recognizing Kosovo as well, including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Spain, which has dealt with it's own Basque separtist movement, has called the move illegal. Russia, an ally of Serbia, also said the declaration was invalid. Word of their acceptance spurred celebrations in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Thousands braved freezing temperatures to celebrate with fireworks. 90 percent of Kosovars are ethnic Albanians. Northern Kosovo is controlled by ethnic Serbs, thousands of whom are demonstrating against the declaration of independence.
President Bush says America "will continue to work with our allies to the very best we can to make sure there's no violence."