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Montenegro in Kosovo recognition Montenegro in Kosovo recognition
(about 1 hour later)
Montenegro has formally recognised Kosovo as independent following its secession from Serbia in February.Montenegro has formally recognised Kosovo as independent following its secession from Serbia in February.
Montenegro's Foreign Minister Milan Rocen said the move was "unanimously decided" after a parliamentary debate.Montenegro's Foreign Minister Milan Rocen said the move was "unanimously decided" after a parliamentary debate.
Serbia said Montenegro's move jeopardised regional stability, and said its ambassador was "no longer welcome" in Belgrade.
Nearly 50 countries, including the US and most of the EU, have recognised Kosovo's independence so far.Nearly 50 countries, including the US and most of the EU, have recognised Kosovo's independence so far.
Meanwhile, Serbia reinstated its ambassadors to the US and other Western nations that had angered it by recognising Kosovo's independence. Macedonia is also reported to be considering recognition of Kosovo, which would leave Bosnia-Hercegovina as the only member of former Yugoslavia not to have made the move.
In a statement, the Serb government said the decision was made because of "continued diplomatic activity to preserve Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty". Earlier, Serbia said it was reinstating its ambassadors to the US and other Western nations that had angered it by recognising Kosovo's independence.
Serbia recalled many of its ambassadors in February from countries that backed Kosovo's unilateral declaration - a move that Serbia has condemned as illegal.Serbia recalled many of its ambassadors in February from countries that backed Kosovo's unilateral declaration - a move that Serbia has condemned as illegal.
Analysts say that Montenegro's approval - which was strongly opposed by Serbia - is likely to fuel tensions between the two Balkan nations that made up a single state until 2006. In a statement, the Serb government said the decision was made because of "continued diplomatic activity to preserve Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty".
Peace and stability
Serbian's Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic described the decision to eject Montenegro's ambassador from the country as "proportionate".
He told the state news agency, Tanjug, that "regional countries have special responsibility in preserving peace and stability in the Balkans".
Analysts say that Montenegro's move is likely to fuel tensions between the two Balkan nations that made up a single state until 2006.
Montenegro emerged as a sovereign state after just over 55% of the population opted for independence in a referendum.Montenegro emerged as a sovereign state after just over 55% of the population opted for independence in a referendum.
It marked the end of the former Union of Serbia and Montenegro - itself created only three years earlier out of the remnant of the former Yugoslavia.It marked the end of the former Union of Serbia and Montenegro - itself created only three years earlier out of the remnant of the former Yugoslavia.