World | Kosovo US, EU States Recognize Independent Kosovo Spain withholds nod; prez gets ahead of US State Dept. By Sam Gale Rosen Posted Feb 18, 2008 11:41 AM CST Copied Thousands of Kosovars gather to celebrate Kosovo's declaration of independence in the main square of Kosovo's capital, Pristina, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu) (Associated Press) The US and major European states recognized Kosovo as an independent state today, reports Reuters. Condoleezza Rice issued an official statement several hours after President Bush jumped the gun by saying in a speech in Africa that Kosovo is "now independent." His Secretary of State said later: "We congratulate the people of Kosovo on this historic occasion." "The recognition of Kosovo is as important as the declaration of independence," said a government official. Several countries withheld acceptance; Spain said it would not recognize the unilateral independence Kosovo declared yesterday, despite fierce opposition from Serbia. "This does not respect international law," said the Spanish foreign minister. Read These Next A former NFL Pro Bowler has died at age 36. The massive AWS failure exposed a big problem with the internet. Backlash for Trump nominee who said he has 'a Nazi streak.' A man ended up dead after trying to steal from Spirit Halloween. Report an error