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Serbia's neighbours accept Kosovo Serbia's neighbours accept Kosovo
(40 minutes later)
Three of Serbia's neighbours have announced they are to recognise Kosovo's independence.Three of Serbia's neighbours have announced they are to recognise Kosovo's independence.
Croatia, Bulgaria and Hungary issued a joint statement saying their decision was "based on thorough consideration" as well as the conclusions of the EU. Croatia, Bulgaria and Hungary said in a joint statement that their decision was "based on thorough consideration" as well as the conclusions of the EU.
Belgrade argues Kosovo's declaration last month is illegal, insisting it is still a southern province of Serbia. The three countries expressed their intention to develop ties with Serbia.
The three countries describe Kosovo's case as unique and express their intention to develop ties with Serbia. Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic said Kosovo was "an illegal state" and countries that made "this move cannot count on good relations with us".
Belgrade's warning Belgrade insists Kosovo is still a southern province of Serbia.
The joint statement makes it clear that Bulgaria, Croatia and Hungary will support EU and Nato efforts to maintain stability and build democracy in Kosovo. 'Unique case'
The joint statement describes Kosovo's case as unique and makes it clear that Bulgaria, Croatia and Hungary will support EU and Nato efforts to maintain stability and build democracy in Kosovo.
Significantly, they base their decision on the judgements of EU leaders and foreign ministers and they express the hope that Belgrade will keep "its European orientation".Significantly, they base their decision on the judgements of EU leaders and foreign ministers and they express the hope that Belgrade will keep "its European orientation".
Hungary and Bulgaria are both part of the 27-member EU, and Croatia is currently negotiating EU membership. Hungary and Bulgaria are both part of the 27-member EU, and Croatia is negotiating EU membership.
All three countries are expected to confirm their recognition of Kosovo soon.All three countries are expected to confirm their recognition of Kosovo soon.
Speaking in Athens, Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic warned that those countries that recognise Kosovo cannot count on good relations with Serbia. While most EU member states have already recognised Kosovo's independence, a significant minority - including Spain, Slovakia, Romania and Cyprus - have refused to accept the declaration.
While a majority of EU member states have already recognised Kosovo's independence, a significant minority - including Spain, Slovakia, Romania and Cyprus - have refused to accept the declaration.
Are you in Bulgaria, Croatia or Hungary? Do you agree with your government's decision to recognise Kosovo? Or are you in Serbia or Kosovo? How significant a development is this? Send us your comments using the form below.
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