After Kosovo declared unilateral independence from Serbia at the weekend, the USA, France, Britain, Austria, Germany, Italy, Australia, Albania, Afghanistan and Turkey have announced their recognition of an independent Kosovo.

Mixed reactions 

On the other hand, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Romania, Slovakia and Cyprus have reacted in protest.

US president George Bush announced that full diplomatic relations would soon be established with Kosovo, where one of its biggest military bases is located.

Meanwhile, Serbia has said that the declaration of independence is in violation of international law; Serbia has withdrawn its diplomats in France, Turkey and the USA.

The Serbian parliament has announced that it would not recognise Kosovan independence and it has issued search warrants for Kosovo leaders. Tens of thousands of protesting students poured into the streets of Belgrade.

The United Nations Security Council is also divided. Although it has assembled twice, it has not reached a decision.

The EU has left the decision on recognition to its individual member states. Spain and the Republic of Cyprus have condemned the move, fearing for emulation closer to home.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin opposed the independence by giving the example of Cyprus, which is currently divided into the Republic of Cyprus in the South, and the Turkish Republic of Cyprus in the North, the latter only recognised by Turkey.

Northern Cyprus welcomed independence 

Mehmet Ali Talat, the President of Northern Cyprus, said in his statement: “"I ask that those, who object to the independence of Kosovo, take into consideration that no people can be forced to live under the rule of another people, and make the necessary contribution so that the problems that may arise can be solved through cooperation.”

After NATO bombings in 1999, Serbian forces were pushed out of Kosovo. Ever since, the region has been administerd by the UN.

The population of around 2 million is mainly Albanian, with 10 per cent Serbians.

The UN administration will be replaced with European Union personel. (EÜ/TK/AG)

* This news item was collated from BBC, Cyprus New Order and The Guardian.