PARIS, February 19, 2008  - French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Mondayrecognised Kosovo "as a free and independent state" in a letter addressed toKosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu, the Elysee presidential palace announced.   "I have the honour of informing you that France, in full accord with thedeclaration of the European Union, and following the resolution of the Kosovoparliament on February 17, 2008, from now on recognises Kosovo as a sovereignand independent state," Sarkozy wrote.