Estonia, Italy recognize Kosovo

The Estonian government today decided to recognize the Kosovo Albanians' unilateral declaration of independence. Official Tallinn explained that the "Western Balkans, as far as foreign policy and security goes, is one of the priority regions for Estonia and the EU". Estonia, Italy recognize Kosovo Italy followed suit, with an announcement from outgoing Prime Minister Romano Prodi and Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema. D'Alema warned yesterday that Italy had to "either recognize Kosovo or withdraw its troops from the province". Bloomberg this morningn also quoted Prodi as saying: "The recognition doesn't take anything away from Serbia." Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic reacted by ordering urgent withdrawal of Serbia's ambassador to Italy. Serbia has declared the ethnic Albanians' declaration and subsequent recognitions illegal, illegitimate, and contrary to international law.

Estonia, Italy recognize Kosovo

Italy followed suit, with an announcement from outgoing Prime Minister Romano Prodi and Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema.

D'Alema warned yesterday that Italy had to "either recognize Kosovo or withdraw its troops from the province".

Bloomberg this morningn also quoted Prodi as saying: "The recognition doesn't take anything away from Serbia."

Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić reacted by ordering urgent withdrawal of Serbia's ambassador to Italy.

Serbia has declared the ethnic Albanians' declaration and subsequent recognitions illegal, illegitimate, and contrary to international law.