Kosovo declares Independence

1.33.42pm GMT Mon 18th Feb 2008

In the worst kept secret Kosovo has declared independence from Serbia. Kosovo leaders sent 192 letters to governments around the world seeking formal recognition of independence. As many will know I have been to Kosovo as an election monitor a number of years ago, I welcome this move and hope many countries recognise them immediately.

Unsurprisingly Serbia and Russia have stated that will not recognise Serbia. Also not unsurprisingly neither will Spain, it is likely Slovakia, Greece and Cyprus will all refuse too. In many cases this will be to prevent parts of their own countries from declaring Independence.