The Serbian government on Tuesday decided to call back its ambassador to Japan, Ivan Mrkic, from Tokyo after Japan earlier in the day officially recognized Kosovo, which declared its independence from Serbia last month. The ambassador was ordered by the Serbian foreign ministry to leave Tokyo within 48 hours and return for consultations after handing over Serbia's protest note to Japan over the recognition, a statement by the ministry said.
Ahead of Kosovo's declaration of independence, the Serbian government had approved action plans, which included downgrading diplomatic relations with the countries which recognize Kosovo.
So far, more than 30 countries, including the United States, Britain, France and Germany have recognized Kosovo.