Kosovo
Kosovo’s proposal for membership was narrowly rejected by the UNESCO members. According to UNESCO rules, the support of two—thirds of those voting was required to allow membership for a new state. Kosovo’s proposal got less than two-thirds of votes. Kosovo has been recognized by 111 countries since it declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Russia backed Serbia in Kosovo’s 1998—99 war for independence. Russia has used its U.N. Security Council veto to block Kosovo from becoming a full U.N. member.