Montenegro, Macedonia recognize Kosovo's independence

amplify image

Incidents in Kosovo. File Photo: EFE

Both Montenegro and Macedonia have recognized Kosovo's independence despite opposition from Serbia, which called the moves by its Balkan neighbors a betrayal and expelled the Montenegrin ambassador from Belgrade. The moves represent a major blow to Serbia's diplomatic efforts to maintain a claim over Kosovo, considered by Serbs to be the cradle of their Orthodox Christian religion and statehood.

Montenegro and Macedonia, both seeking membership in NATO and the European Union, have been under pressure from the United States and some EU countries to recognize Kosovo's February declaration of independence.

Montenegro's Foreign Minister Milan Rocen said the two coordinated with one another in recognizing Kosovo on Thursday. Serbian officials say that Montenegrin and Macedonian recognition of Kosovo were designed to counter the success in the U.N. of Serbia's bid to challenge Kosovo's independence at the World Court.

Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic says the countries which have not recognized Kosovo so far “have no reason to do so now except to try to prejudge the ruling'' by the Netherlands-based court. Interior Minister Ivica Dacic says the decisions were made under pressure from the United States and the EU. He warns it will “permanently upset the relations between Serbia and Montenegro.''

Nationalist opposition has called a parliament session Friday on the issue. Serbia expelled the Montenegrin ambassador shortly after the recognition was announced on Thursday.