Sarkozy hails ‘free and independent’ Kosovo

   PARIS, February 19, 2008  – French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday
recognised Kosovo "as a free and independent state" in a letter addressed to
Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu, the Elysee presidential palace announced.
   "I have the honour of informing you that France, in full accord with the
declaration of the European Union, and following the resolution of the Kosovo
parliament on February 17, 2008, from now on recognises Kosovo as a sovereign
and independent state," Sarkozy wrote.