Task: Question Answering
Input (English): passage: A number of states expressed concern over the unilateral character of Kosovo's declaration, or explicitly announced that they would not recognise an independent Kosovo. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) remains divided on this issue: of its five members with veto power, three (the United States, the United Kingdom, and France) have recognised the declaration of independence, while the People's Republic of China has expressed concern, urging the continuation of the previous negotiation framework. The Russian Federation has rejected the declaration and considers it illegal. On 15 May 2008, Russia, China, and India released a joint statement calling for new negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina.
 question: does the united states recognize kosovo as a country?
Output (English): Yes