Washington recognizes Kosovo independence

PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. President George W. Bush on Monday recognized Kosovo's historic declaration of independence, saying "The Kosovars are now independent."



Kosovo's ethnic Albanian leadership announced the province's independence from Serbia over the weekend, and its citizens on Monday awaited key backing from the United States and key European powers.



"Its something that I've advocated along with my government," Bush said.



By appealing directly to the U.S. and other nations for recognition of its independence, Kosovo set up a showdown with both Russia and Serbia, which is outraged at the imminent loss of its territory.



"The Ahtisaari plan is our blueprint forward," Bush said. "We'll watch to see how the events unfold today. The Kosovars are now independent."



Serbia made clear it would never accept Kosovo's statehood. On Monday, Serbia said it would seek to block Kosovo from gaining diplomatic recognition and membership in the UN and other international organizations, The Associated Press reports.