Basketball body FIBA grants Kosovo full membership

PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) The governing body of basketball, FIBA, says Kosovo has become a full member of the organization, allowing its national teams to take part in international competitions.

The decision was made during a meeting of FIBA's executive committee, the organization said on its website Friday.

The move comes after the International Olympic Committee cleared the way last year for Kosovo to compete as an independent nation.

Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, becomes FIBA's 215th national member. Serbia rejects Kosovo's secession and campaigns against its claim to statehood.

Friday's decision was met with joy in Kosovo and welcomed by its leaders.

''Alley-oop for Kosovo,'' President Atifete Jahjaga tweeted minutes after the decision was made public.