Facebook recognises Kosovo as independent state

The world's largest social network Facebook has listed Kosovo as a country more than five years after the breakaway territory proclaimed independence from Serbia, officials said Tuesday.

"Facebook recognises Kosovo as a state," Minister for EU Integration Vlora Citaku wrote on Twitter.

And Prime Minister Hashim Thaci said in a statement that he "was informed (on Monday) by senior Facebook executives... about including Kosovo in the global social network".

Until now Kosovans who wanted to create a Facebook account had to register as citizens of Serbia, as it was the only offered option when they put a Kosovo town down as their residence.

"Although this is not a recognition by a state, it has a tremendous value, because there are over one billion people in the world who use Facebook," Kosovo's influential Koha.net news portal said.

Despite fierce opposition from Serbia, Kosovo has been recognised so far by more than 100 countries, including the United States and all but five members of the European Union.

Russia and China have backed Serbia's stance and have not recognised Kosovo as a separate state.

[Image via Agence France-Presse]