Prague - Serbia reacted to the Czech Republic's recognition of independent Kosovo by calling back its ambassador in Prague - for consultations. 

In its letter to the Czech government, Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Vuk Jeremić, Foreign Affairs Minister, ordered the immediate return of ambassador Vladimir Vereš to Belgrade.

The diplomat has 48 hours to leave the country.

Serbia reacted in this way to all of the 41 countries that have recognized Kosovo so far.

Read more: Govt recognized independent Kosovo. Not unanimously

Among them are the USA and the majority of EU member states.

Jeremić has said in the past that recalled ambassadors will stay in Belgrade at least until fall.

Officially, Czech authorities have not yet received any information about the ambassador being recalled.  

Foreign Affairs Ministry spokeswoman Zuzana Opletalová said that ambassador Vereš is scheduled to visit the ministry today.

The Czech Republic is not planning a reciprocal measure, so the Czech ambassador to Serbia will stay in Belgrade.

The Czech government recognized Kosovo's independence in spite of opposition by Christian Democratic (KDU-ČSL) ministers this week. The decision was criticized by the Social Democratic (ČSSD) opposition as well as President Václav Klaus.

Kosovo unilaterally declared its independence on 17 February.