Serbia appealed to nations on Wednesday not to recognise the month-old republic of Kosovo, saying the breakaway state was part of its territory.

"Don't do it. This is an appeal," Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic told reporters in Athens after meeting his Greek counterpart Dora Bakoyanni. "Countries that take this decision cannot have good ties with Serbia."

Bulgaria, Hungary and Croatia were preparing on Wednesday to become the first neighbours of Serbia to recognise the republic.

"I see with sadness now that there are states in our region that have recognised or will recognise it," Jeremic said. "I say don't do it. Do not touch on the sovereignty of Serbia by recognising Kosovo."

In a statement obtained by Reuters and due to be made public on Wednesday, the three countries said their decision was based on "thorough consideration" and noted the importance of protecting the Serb minority in the overwhelming ethnic Albanian territory.