Prague  - Serbia has withdrawn its ambassador from the Czech Republic in a move anticipated after Prague's recognition of independent Kosovo, the Czech Foreign Ministry said Friday.

Serbian ambassador to Prague Vladimir Veres delivered a protest note to the Czech government before his planned departure Sunday, the ministry said.

"We believe it is a temporary step," spokeswoman Zuzana Opletalova said in a statement.

Since the breakaway province unilaterally declared independence from Serbia on February 17, Kosovo was recognized by several dozen countries, including the United States and European Union heavyweights Germany and France.

Prague has been lukewarm to Kosovo's independence declaration, avoiding an early recognition in order to preserve traditionally good relations with Serbia.

Russia has supported Serbia in its attempt to hold on to Kosovo, whose population of some 2 million is largely Albanian. (dpa)