Macedonia became the third country to recognize Kosovo in as many days, despite Serbia's attempt to delay or stop the process of recognitions for the newborn state.

 

After coming close many times and stepping back, Macedonian Government braced the threats coming from its larger neighbhor and economic partner, Serbia, and recognized Republic of Kosovo. The move comes after 85 of the 120  legislators of the Macedonian Parliament in an extraordinary session recommended to the government it recognize Kosovo independence. The decision is a slap in the face to Serbia which was hoping that the passing of the non-binding ICJ resolution by the approval of only one third of the UN member countries yesterday would halt the flow of recognitions for Kosovo.

Macedonia becomes the 50th UN member country to recognize Kosovo after Kosovo's other neighbor Montenegro recognized a few hours earlier and EU member's Portugal recognition on Tuesday.

Macedonia departed ways with Serb-dominated Yugoslav federation, member of which was Kosovo, in 1991. Its independence was not recognized until 1993.

Montenegrin Foreign Ministry stated earlier today that it hoped that the decision by Montenegro and Macedonia is understood by Serbia as taken with the best desire to help in resolving the question of Kosovo which holds Serbia and the region back, as well as its stability and prosperity, and which will bring the speed up of European integration for the Western Balkans.

Hungary and Lithuania also said today that they now recognize Kosovo passports. Montenegro and Macedonia already do so.