Montenegro, Macedonia Recognize Kosovo's Independence, Serbia Expels Montenegrin Ambassador

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 06:05:48 +0000
AHN Staff

Podgorica, Montenegro (AHN) - Montenegro and Macedonia recognized Thursday the independence of Kosovo. Serbia, angered by the recognition of its separatist province, expelled Montenegro's ambassador.

Montenegro's Foreign Minister Milan Rocen said government ministers unanimously decided to recognize Kosovo in the interest of the country's future.

Macedonia's parliament overwhelmingly passed a resolution recognizing Kosovo, which formally seceded from Serbia in February, and the government approved the decision, according to Macedonian Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki.

Montenegro and Macedonia were formerly parts of the broken up Yugoslavia, which also consisted of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia. Croatia, Macedonia and Slovenia declared independence from the federation in 1991. Bosnia-Herzegovina became independent the following year and Montenegro and Serbia declared their independence in 2006.

Serbia is currently disputing the legality of Kosovo's independence before the International Court of Justice. Kosovo is already recognized by 50 countries, including the U.S.

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