Serbian prime minister quits over Kosovo response
Saturday, 08 Mar 2008 20:24
Serbian popular opinion is firmly against Kosovo's independence
Divisions within Serbian politics over how to deal with Kosovo's declaration of independence have led to their prime minister's resignation.
The former province declared its split from Serbia on February 17th, prompting mass celebrations from ethnic Albanians who dominate the fledgling state.
Serbia remained opposed to the move and has vowed to oppose it through every measure bar force.
Ordinary Serbians have repeatedly backed that stance but there remains division among the Balkan country's politicians over how best to undermine Kosovo in the future.
The Belgrade cabinet voted to support Serbia advancing its interests through membership of the EU, prompting the present political crisis. Prime minister Vojislav Kostunica supported the decision to keep out of the organisation.
At an emergency press conference this afternoon he explained his decision, saying the time had come to "give the people the mandate".
He said the present divided government could not function and called for the establishment of a "united policy" on Kosovo.
"This is the end of government," he added.
Serbs have already been at the polls twice this year, re-electing pro-
European Boris Tadic as president. Mr Kostunica suggested April 11th as the date for parliamentary elections.