Slovenia backs Kosovo secession

Slovenia broke away from Yugoslavia in 1991

Slovenia has recognised the independence of Kosovo - the first former Yugoslav republic to do so.

The parliament in Ljubljana voted overwhelmingly in favour of a request from the Slovenian government.

Kosovo's declaration of independence last month was recognised by the US and much of the EU but strongly opposed by Serbia and Russia.

There are fears that Slovenia's move could affect its extensive trade with Serbia and prompt economic reprisals.

The proposal to recognise Kosovo - seen by Belgrade as part of Serbia - was carried by 57 votes to four in the Slovenian parliament.

The Slovenian government, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, had argued that Kosovo's independence from Serbia would help stability in the Balkans.

Hesitation

Opposition came from a nationalist party which described it as a "stab in Serbia's back".

More than 20 nations have now recognised Kosovo but other former Yugoslav republics, such as Croatia and Bosnia, are said to be hesitating over recognition fearing this would lead to a deterioration in relations with Belgrade.

Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, though the ensuing 10-day conflict was much less severe than the wars that were later fought in Croatia and Bosnia.

Kosovo's declaration of independence on 17 February came nearly a decade after Nato forces expelled Serbian forces from the mainly ethnic-Albanian territory.