Dec. 09--Kosovo can send its own team to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympic Games after winning full recognition from the International Olympic Committee on Tuesday.
Having declared independence from Serbia in 2008, the republic is recognized by 108 of the 193 United Nations member states. It gained entry in the Olympic movement despite opposition from Serbia.
The IOC's decision came on the second and final day of a historic session in Monaco, where members earlier approved "Olympic Agenda 2020," a sweeping package of reforms. The meeting came to a close with several other developments.
Lima, Peru, was chosen to host the 130th IOC session in 2017, when members will choose the host of the 2024 Summer Olympics. That could be a significant meeting for Los Angeles as it vies to be the U.S. bid city for those Games.
The IOC also extended the membership of Gian-Franco Kasper, president of the international ski federation. Kaspar benefited from the reform package, which allows members to potentially continue past 70, his current age.
