The U.S. has recognized Kosovo’s declaration of independence. U.S. mission chief Tina Kaidanov made the announcement in Kosovo.

Tina Kaidanov: “Today, the United States recognized Kosovo as a sovereign and independent state. President Bush has responded affirmatively to a request from Kosovo to establish diplomatic relations between our two
countries.”

The Serbian government, meanwhile, has condemned any international recognition of Kosovo and recalled its ambassador to the United States. Serbia told a Security Council emergency meeting Monday Kosovo’s independence violates international law. We’ll have more on Kosovo later in the broadcast.