Kosovo Declares Independence!

Kosovo has just become the worlds newest country (following Montenegro which also parted from Serbia in 2006). It's parliament unanimously approved a declaration of independence earlier today, breaking away from Serbia. Serbia and Russia oppose an independent Kosovo while the US and much of the EU support it. Serbia has threatened to downgrade diplomatic relations with any countries that recognize Kosovo, while businesses in Kosovo have offered discounts to citizens of countries that recognize its independence (I see a future trip brewing here). This follows recent elections in Serbia that elected an "EU friendly" president rather than one with a tougher stance on Kosovo independence and closer ties to Russia. I'm told, by EU citizens here, that the back room deal was, if Serbia stays peaceful and does not take any military action against Kosovo, it will get the fast track to EU membership.