Serbia expels ambassador in fury after Macedonia recognises Kosovo
Montenegro’s envoy had already been ordered out on Thursday night.
The measures were the harshest Serbia has taken so far against 50 countries that have recognised Kosovo. The move followed announcements late on Thursday by Montenegro and Macedonia that they will establish diplomatic ties with Kosovo — the cherished former Serbian province that declared independence in February.
The announcements by Montenegro and Macedonia marked a huge setback for Serbian diplomatic efforts to maintain a claim over Kosovo — the fledgling state considered by many Serbs to be the cradle of their Orthodox Christian religion and statehood.
Fears here are if Serbia’s close neighbours — and historic allies — have recognised Kosovo, many more countries will follow suit.
Serbian president Boris Tadic said the decision by Montenegro and Macedonia is “deeply wrong, contrary to international law and does not contribute to regional stability and good neighbourly relations.”
Montenegro and Macedonia — both seeking membership in NATO and the EU — have been under pressure from the US and some EU countries to recognise Kosovo’s declaration of independence.
Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia were once all part of the same country: All are former Yugoslav republics. Montenegro and Macedonia share the same religion with Serbia, and have been considered its allies. Montenegro did not split from Serbia until 2006.
“This act... was the result of great political pressure and time will show that the decisions that were made were wrong,” Tadic said in a statement.
