Kosovo world's newest independent country

[Chacor]

Prime Minister of Kosovo Mr Hashim Thaçi has proclaimed Kosovo an “independent, sovereign state”. The official unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia has been expected for some time now but it is now confirmed. The US and at least 20 EU states are expected to recognise Mr Thaçi's government tomorrow.

Kosovo, a majority Muslim country, considers the US, UK and EU as key allies in its independence while Serbia and Russia both oppose it. Serbia's Prime Minister is due to make a speech soon.

[HURAKAN]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!



The Approved Logo of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government.

[Squarethecircle]

Finally, it's happened. Happy Kosovo day!

Hopefully support from big places should help keep it stable and free from the wrath of Serbia and Russia.

[Cryomaniac]

Finally, it's happened. Happy Kosovo day!

Hopefully support from big places should help keep it stable and free from the wrath of Serbia and Russia.

I would hope so, the last thing Europe needs is another war.

[RL3AO]

Countries that have recognized Kosovo

* Estonia
* France
* Germany
* Republic of Ireland
* Italy
* United Kingdom
* United States

Countries that have not recognized Kosovo

* Cyprus
* Georgia
* Greece
* Russia
* Romania
* Serbia
* Slovakia
* Spain

[JonathanBelles]

I hadnt heard about the place until today. Congrats anyway.

[RL3AO]

I hadnt heard about the place until today. Congrats anyway.

The US did have a 4 month war over there in 1999.

[RL3AO]

Flag of Kosovo

[Coredesat]

For some reason I could see Serbia recognizing Kosovo, then immediately declaring war on it, given the ethnic tensions that still exist in that area.

[RL3AO]

The IOC has recognized them, but expressed doubt if they will be able to compete in Beijing.

[wyq614]

Despite the current attitude of Chinese government, I congratulate Kosovo and its people.

ps: Policies are changeable. For example, When Bangladesh became independent, China was once a strong opposer (as China at that time had a firm relationship with Pakistan), it even used its veto to prevent Bangladesh from entering the UN, but a few years later, The world saw China recognize Bangladesh and establish diplomatic relations with it.

China will observe for some time and then recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the newly-born Kosovo before Taiwan could do so.

[wyq614]

and also, Kosovo has already joined some pre-Olympic events (We call it TEST GAMES) in Beijing, so Kosovo will be free to join the 2008 Olympic Games.

[Ed Mahmoud]

Since the US bombing to stop Serbian aggression against the Kosovars, ethnic Muslim Albanians, the Muslims have more than had their revenge for the crimes committed against them by the Serbs. Dozens of Serbian Orthodox churches have been burned, and hundreds, or thousands, of ethnic Serb woman of all ages have been raped. I can internet search for links if you really need it, but feel free to do it yourself.



There are no 'good guys' in the Balkans. Just the really bad, and the not quite as bad.

[DanKellFla]

It is amazing to be witness to a new country. Once again, the map makers are being kept busy.

[RL3AO]

It is amazing to be witness to a new country. Once again, the map makers are being kept busy.

The map in the library at my HS still has the Soviet Union on it.

[HURAKAN]

It is amazing to be witness to a new country. Once again, the map makers are being kept busy.

The map in the library at my HS still has the Soviet Union on it.

No surprise when you look how bad our education system is.

[DanKellFla]

It is amazing to be witness to a new country. Once again, the map makers are being kept busy.

The map in the library at my HS still has the Soviet Union on it.

No surprise when you look how bad our education system is.

There should be a map in your library with the Soviet Union on it. It is part of history. Sounds like a good project. Fund raise for a new map to sit side by side with the old map. I think that would be an interesting display.

[Ed Mahmoud]

Putin is doing his best to reconstitute the Soviet Union. It may not include all of the former republics, especially the non-Slavic republics, but Putin has been whittling away basic freedoms and consolidating power, even as he prepares to change titles. And Russia has become rather hostile to the United States and nations it considers our allies.