US, EU States Recognize Independent Kosovo

The US and major European states recognized Kosovo as an independent state today, reports Reuters. Condoleezza Rice issued an official statement several hours after President Bush jumped the gun by saying in a speech in Africa that Kosovo is "now independent." His Secretary of State said later: "We congratulate the people of Kosovo on this historic occasion."

"The recognition of Kosovo is as important as the declaration of independence," said a government official. Several countries withheld acceptance; Spain said it would not recognize the unilateral independence Kosovo declared yesterday, despite fierce opposition from Serbia. "This does not respect international law," said the Spanish foreign minister.