Serbia addressed Tuesday a protest note to the Japanese government on its recognition of the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo.

In keeping with the Foreign Ministry Action Plan adopted by the Serbian government, Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic has ordered the immediate withdrawal of Serbia's Ambassador to Japan Ivan Mrkic, the ministry said in a statement.

The ambassador has 48 hours to leave Japan and return to Belgrade for consultations.

Earlier on Tuesday, Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura announced that Japan has officially recognized the Republic of Kosovo.

"As the government of the Republic of Kosovo has made its intention clear that it will run the country according to the 'Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement' made by the United Nations Special Envoy (Martti Ahtisaari), Japan expects that Kosovo's independence will contribute to the long-lasting stability of the region," Koumura said in a statement.

Koumura said Japan has traditionally good relations with Serbia and it has no intention to make its recognition of Kosovo impede the friendly relations with Serbia.

"Japan hopes that such friendly relations with Serbia will be continued," he said.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia on February 17. Japan is the 28th country to recognize Kosovo's independence. Serbia, with the strong backing from Russia, strongly opposes Pristina's declaration of independence.

(Xinhua News Agency March 19, 2008)