<P> Since its declaration of independence from Serbia (enacted on 17 February 2008), international recognition of Kosovo has been mixed, and the international community continues to be divided on the issue . </P> <P> As of 17 February 2018, the Republic of Kosovo has received 117 diplomatic recognitions as an independent state, of which two have been withdrawn . Notably, 113 out of 193 (7001585000000000000 ♠ 58.5%) United Nations (UN) member states, 23 out of 28 (7001820000000000000 ♠ 82%) European Union (EU) member states, 25 out of 29 (7001860000000000000 ♠ 86%) NATO member states, and 36 out of 57 (7001630000000000000 ♠ 63%) Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states have recognised Kosovo . The Government of Serbia does not recognise it as a sovereign state, but has begun to normalise relations with the Government of Kosovo in accordance with the Brussels Agreement . </P> <P> A number of states expressed concern over the unilateral character of Kosovo's declaration, or explicitly announced that they would not recognise an independent Kosovo . The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) remains divided on this issue: of its five members with veto power, three (the United States, the United Kingdom, and France) have recognised the declaration of independence, while the People's Republic of China has expressed concern, urging the continuation of the previous negotiation framework . The Russian Federation has rejected the declaration and considers it illegal . On 15 May 2008, Russia, China, and India released a joint statement calling for new negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina . </P> <P> Although EU member states individually decide whether to recognise Kosovo, by consensus the EU has commissioned the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) to ensure peace and continued external oversight . Due to the dispute in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the reconfiguration of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and partial handover to the EULEX mission met with difficulties . In spite of Russian and Serbian protests, the UN Secretary - General Ban Ki - moon proceeded with the reconfiguration plan . On 15 July 2008, he stated: "In the light of the fact that the Security Council is unable to provide guidance, I have instructed my Special Representative to move forward with the reconfiguration of UNMIK...in order to adapt UNMIK to a changed reality ." According to the Secretary - General, the "United Nations has maintained a position of strict neutrality on the question of Kosovo's status". On 26 November 2008, the UNSC gave the green light to the deployment of the EULEX mission in Kosovo . The EU mission is to assume police, justice, and customs duties from the UN, while operating under the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (UNSCR 1244) that first placed Kosovo under UN administration in 1999 . </P>

Does the united states recognize kosovo as a country