Vilnius - The Lithuanian parliament after a lengthy debate on Tuesday recognized the independence of Kosovo, adopting a resolution urging the government to establish the diplomatic relations with the breakaway Serbian region.

On April 1, the parliament failed to adopt a similar resolution. Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus welcomed the new independent state on February 17, but Lithuanian law requires the parliament to officially recognize another country.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia on February 17.

Kosovo has been formally recognized by 36 countries, of which Albania, Austria, Britain, Germany, Switzerland and the United States have opened embassies in the Kosovo capital Pristina. (dpa)