Lisbon - Portugal announced Tuesday evening its official recognition of Kosovo, which last February had unilaterally declared its independence from Serbia.

The office of Foreign Minister Luis Amado announced the move, which reduced the number of European Union states still opposed to recognizing Kosovo's independence.

Cyprus, Spain, Greece, Romania and the Czech Republic are still opposed to Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence which they regard as contrary to international law.

With Portugal's move, 48 countries, including the United States and the majority of the 27-member EU, now recognize the government in Pristina. But 144 countries, among them Russia, China and Brazil remain opposed to recognition.

Analysts in Lisbon said that Premier Jose Socrates was no longer able to resist the increasing pressure being exerted by such countries as the US, German, France, Italy and Britain to recognize Kosovo. (dpa)