(LJUBLJANA) - Current European Union president Slovenia Wednesday officially recognised Kosovo's independence from Serbia.

A motion recognising the breakaway province was backed by 57 lawmakers in the 90-seat parliament. Four MPs voted against it.

The Slovenian government forwarded its decision to recognise Kosovo to parliament for approval five days after the former Serbian province unilaterally proclaimed independence on February 17.

Like Serbia, Slovenia was part of the former republic of Yugoslavia, before declaring independence in June 1991.

The parliamentary opposition had called on the government to delay recognition, warning that it could affect relations with Belgrade, one of Slovenia's main economic partners in the region.

Over 20 countries have recognised Kosovo, including the United States and major EU states like Britain, France and Germany, but some countries fear Kosovo's declaration will serve as a precedent for other breakaway regions.

Russia has vehemently opposed the unilateral move and Western recognition of it, reflecting Moscow's historical ties with Belgrade, which continues to claim Kosovo as a Serbian province.

Text and Picture Copyright 2008 AFP. All other Copyright 2008 EUbusiness Ltd. All rights reserved. This material is intended solely for personal use. Any other reproduction, publication or redistribution of this material without the written agreement of the copyright owner is strictly forbidden and any breach of copyright will be considered actionable.