Priština keeps recognition count

The Kosovo Albanian officials believe that the province will soon be recognized by a hundred countries. And while some analysts dispute this as "too optimistic", Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu has publicly expressed his gratitude to the states that were first to decide to recognize Pristina's unilaterally declared independence, rejected as illegal by Serbia. Pristina keeps recognition count Sejdiu addressed the public in the province last night to inform them about the recognitions, and thanked the British in particular. During the day yesterday, six countries opted for this move: Albania, Afghanistan, Great Britain, France, Turkey, and the U.S. Germany has announced it will go ahead with its recognition on Wednesday, while Australia confirmed its decision today. Poland, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Bulgaria and Austria will all follow, reports suggest. Elsewhere, the Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said today that it will also recognize the "new state of Kosovo", and said it will "help in maintaining peace, stability and good relations between the nations in the Balkans". Taiwan has also said that it is ready to recognize Kosovo. But China considers the island a part of its sovereign territory and has warned that only Beijing can make such decisions. The Organization of the Islamic Conference also welcomed the unilateral declaration of secession, hailing it as a move for to the benefit of the Muslim world. "Kosovo has finally declared independence, after a long and steadfast struggle of its people. We are rejoicing this happy outcome and expressing our solidarity and support for our brothers and sisters in Kosovo," the organization was quoted by Reuters. "The Islamic nation wishes them luck in the new struggle that lies ahead, and that is to build a strong and prosperous state capable of satisfying its people. There is no doubt that an independent Kosovo is to the benefit of the Muslim world and a further enticement for a common Islamic action," a statement said. Unlike other recognitions coming from the western world, which have angered Serbia and forced it to downgrade the level of diplomatic ties with those countries, this endorsement caused a reaction from the Serbian Muslims. The Islamic Community of Serbia has today condemned the unilateral declaration of Kosovo's independence, and appealed to all Islamic countries to consider the interests of Muslims in Serbia when they make a decision on whether to recognize such proclamations. Mufti of Serbia Muhamed Jusufspahic in a statement today "thanked God that the state is protecting the mosques, since that is in the interest of all the citizens of Serbia". He was referring to strong police cordons deployed around the mosques in Belgrade, guarding the places of worship as rioting continues in the capital. Jusufspahic also said that the "community of Muslims whose homeland is Serbia" condemn the declaration adopted by Pristina as an "act of political violence that can increase discord among nations of the world". He called on other Islamic communities in the region to show restraint and not offer any comment, "since it is in the interest of the Islamic community to live in harmony with its Christian neighbors".

Priština keeps recognition count

Sejdiu addressed the public in the province last night to inform them about the recognitions, and thanked the British in particular.

During the day yesterday, six countries opted for this move: Albania, Afghanistan, Great Britain, France, Turkey, and the U.S.

Germany has announced it will go ahead with its recognition on Wednesday, while Australia confirmed its decision today.

Poland, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Bulgaria and Austria will all follow, reports suggest.

Elsewhere, the Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said today that it will also recognize the "new state of Kosovo", and said it will "help in maintaining peace, stability and good relations between the nations in the Balkans".

Taiwan has also said that it is ready to recognize Kosovo. But China considers the island a part of its sovereign territory and has warned that only Beijing can make such decisions.

The Organization of the Islamic Conference also welcomed the unilateral declaration of secession, hailing it as a move for to the benefit of the Muslim world.

"Kosovo has finally declared independence, after a long and steadfast struggle of its people. We are rejoicing this happy outcome and expressing our solidarity and support for our brothers and sisters in Kosovo," the organization was quoted by Reuters.

"The Islamic nation wishes them luck in the new struggle that lies ahead, and that is to build a strong and prosperous state capable of satisfying its people. There is no doubt that an independent Kosovo is to the benefit of the Muslim world and a further enticement for a common Islamic action," a statement said.

Unlike other recognitions coming from the western world, which have angered Serbia and forced it to downgrade the level of diplomatic ties with those countries, this endorsement caused a reaction from the Serbian Muslims.

The Islamic Community of Serbia has today condemned the unilateral declaration of Kosovo's independence, and appealed to all Islamic countries to consider the interests of Muslims in Serbia when they make a decision on whether to recognize such proclamations.

Mufti of Serbia Muhamed Jusufspahić in a statement today "thanked God that the state is protecting the mosques, since that is in the interest of all the citizens of Serbia".

He was referring to strong police cordons deployed around the mosques in Belgrade, guarding the places of worship as rioting continues in the capital.

Jusufspahić also said that the "community of Muslims whose homeland is Serbia" condemn the declaration adopted by Priština as an "act of political violence that can increase discord among nations of the world".

He called on other Islamic communities in the region to show restraint and not offer any comment, "since it is in the interest of the Islamic community to live in harmony with its Christian neighbors".