Kosovo declared itself an independent nation on Sunday, sealing a historic bid for statehood in defiance of the Serbian government and Russia.
Kosovo's prime minister, Hashim Thaci, is greeted as he walks to the parliament in Pristina on Sunday.
(Visar Kryeziu/Associated Press) Legislators unanimously approved the declaration of independence from Serbia. Eleven ethnic minority deputies, including Serbs, were absent for the vote.
Ambassadors from Europe and the U.S. released a joint statement on behalf of their member states, saying that they supported Kosovo's right to independence and also called on all parties involved to not resort to violence.
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica responded to the news of the declaration by calling the breakaway province a "false state."
Serbian nationalists have repeated many times that they will never recognize Kosovo's independence.
Some countries in the EU have indicated they will recognize Kosovo's independence. However, Russia, a Serbian ally, says it will not. It says the move could set a dangerous precedent for separatist groups worldwide.
However, most Western nations have said they will support the fledgling nation. Canada has yet to state weather it will support Kosovo's independence declaration.
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(Visar Kryeziu/Associated Press)
Ambassadors from Europe and the U.S. released a joint statement on behalf of their member states, saying that they supported Kosovo's right to independence and also called on all parties involved to not resort to violence.
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica responded to the news of the declaration by calling the breakaway province a "false state."
Serbian nationalists have repeated many times that they will never recognize Kosovo's independence.
Some countries in the EU have indicated they will recognize Kosovo's independence. However, Russia, a Serbian ally, says it will not. It says the move could set a dangerous precedent for separatist groups worldwide.
However, most Western nations have said they will support the fledgling nation. Canada has yet to state weather it will support Kosovo's independence declaration.
Full story
Should Canada recognize Kosovo as an independent nation?
More...