AP: Bush recognizes Kosovo independence:

President Bush on Monday recognized Kosovo's historic declaration of independence, saying ''The Kosavars are now independent.''

Kosovo's ethnic Albanian leadership announced its independence from Serbia over the weekend, and suspense gripped the province on Monday as its citizens awaited key backing from the United States and key European powers.

''It's something that I've advocated along with my government,'' Bush said in an interview on NBC's ''Today.''

By appealing directly to the U.S. and other nations for recognition, Kosovo's independence set up a showdown with Serbia -- outraged at the imminent loss of its territory -- and Russia.

Posted by Laura at February 18, 2008 07:53 AM