SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) -- Croatia, Bulgaria and Hungary said Wednesday they will recognize Kosovo as an independent country.
Serbian President Boris Tadic says recognition by Croatia would have "immediate negative" consequences.
Croatia's recognition of Kosovo is certain to renew tensions with Serbia, its wartime foe.
Serbia's three neighbors issued a joint statement, carried by Bulgaria's official news agency BTA, announcing their decision.
Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry says Sofia will recognize Kosovo on Thursday. Croatia did not specify a time, but could do so as early as Wednesday.
Kosovo's ethnic Albanian leaders declared independence from Serbia on February 17 despite fierce opposition from Belgrade and from Kosovo's minority Serbs.
Serbian President Boris Tadic said earlier this week that recognition by Croatia would have "immediate negative" consequences on bilateral relations.
The two countries have greatly improved relations after they fought a war in 1991 as Yugoslavia disintegrated, but animosity has lingered.
Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic criticized the decision by the three countries.
"Every country that decides to recognize the illegally declared state of Kosovo breaches international law," Jeremic said during a visit to Athens, Greece. Any country that does so "can't count on good relations with Serbia."
Jeremic issued an appeal to regional countries. "Don't do this. Help us to find a solution," he said after meeting Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis.
In the joint statement, Croatia, Bulgaria and Hungary said that Kosovo should "provide guarantees for a multiethnic state."
They said their decision was prompted by the failure of talks on Kosovo's future, and their aim to work on stabilizing southeast Europe.
But they emphasized they want good relations with Serbia. E-mail to a friend
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All About Serbia • Kosovo
Serbians protesting against Kosovan independence on February 21, 2008. 
Croatia, Bulgaria and Hungary, all of which border Serbia, announced in a joint statement Wednesday that they will recognize Kosovo as an independent state.

"The decision on the recognition of Kosovo is based on thorough consideration," the statement said. 

Croatia and Hungary later confirmed they had officially recognized Kosovo, while Bulgaria is expected to make an announcement Thursday. Yesterday, Bulgaria's security council held a meeting regarding Kosovo. Angel Naidenov, spokesman of the Bulgarian Socialist Party, praised Kosovo for their efforts in establishing a "multi-ethnic and democratic country."

The statement says Kosovo's declaration of independence was prompted by the international community's failure to work out a solution between Serbia and Kosovo. "In these circumstances the change of the unsustainable status quo was unavoidable," the statement said.

The three nations express their interest in helping the European Union with stabilizing the region, and they wish to develop ties with a Kosovo that "maintains good relations with its neighbors, enjoys economic growth, and keeps its European orientation."

Serbian foreign minister Vuk Jeremić criticized their decision. "Every country that decides to recognize the illegally declared state of Kosovo breaches international law," he said, adding that countries who recognize Kosovo "cannot have good ties with Serbia." 

"I call on states, particularly those of the region, not to take this step. Do not injure our country's territorial integrity and sovereignty," Jeremić said.

Boris Tadić, Serbia's president, had previously warned Croatia that recognizing Kosovo would have a negative effect on their relations. "We want to have the best possible relations with this country," Tadić said. "But recognition of Kosovo is certainly not an act of goodwill between neighbours."

Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader says he does not expect relations to worsen. "I do understand this is a difficult one for Serbia to swallow. That's one of the reasons we have waited until now. But I don't expect a worsening of political and economic relations because there is no alternative to good neighbourly relations."

Kosovo's deputy prime minister, Hajredin Kuçi said the decision was "very good for the Serbian perception and the people of Serbia that everybody who is in the neighbourhood is recognizing the new reality."