Fresh setback for Serbia as 50 countries recognise Kosovo (AFP)

by Olivera Nikolic 7 minutes ago PODGORICA (AFP) - Montenegro and Macedonia Thursday recognised Kosovo as independent, taking to 50 the number of countries to formally acknowledge its unilateral February secession from Serbia. Montenegro's announcement sparked outrage in Belgrade, which along with key ally Russia has been vehemently opposing the split. Serbia in a knee-jerk reaction said it was expelling the Montenegrin envoy. Majority ethnic-Albanian Kosovo -- a UN-run province since 1999 when it was wrested from Serbian control in a NATO air war -- has been recognised by the United States and most European Union members. "The government unanimously decided to recognise the republic of Kosovo," Montenegrin Foreign Minister Milan Rocen said in Podgorica, adding that his country would establish full diplomatic relations with... [read full story]