Kosovo formally declares independence from Serbia

Kosovo is currently the southernmost province of Serbia

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Sunday, 17, Feb 2008 07:53

Kosovo has formally declared its independence from Serbia, in an historic parliamentary session.

The declaration was read out in Albanian, Serbian and English by prime minister Hashim Thaci today.

Thaci declared Kosovo an "independent and democratic" state. "From this day onwards, Kosovo is proud, independent and free," he said.

All 109 deputies present at the parliamentary session in the capital Pristina voted in favour of independence and the declaration was signed by all the MPs present.

Crowds had been gathering all day to welcome the historic news that Serbia's former most southernmost province had broken away from the Balkan state.

When the announcement was made, the city centre was filled with fireworks and celebratory gunfire.

Violent protests have since broken out with two hand grenades thrown at international community buildings.

A UN court building was attacked in the town of Mitrovica, as were offices expected to house an EU mission.

Earlier, Mr Thaci had said: "The constitution is ready and national symbols are ready. I want to make clear that independence is a closed chapter. We have to focus on the future."

While Serbia and Russia have expressed opposition to the territory's independence, the US and the majority of EU states are in favour of the declaration.

International efforts to support the state, which is currently being administered by the United Nations, have begun with the European Union (EU) approving the deployment of a 2,000-strong mission consisting of police and judicial experts to Kosovo.

The EU contingent of 2,000 will take over the duties currently performed by UN officials after a transition period of 120 days. Officials from the 27-member bloc will work towards ensuring the stability of institutions in the new state

Kosovo's predominant ethnicity is Albanian, however there are areas containing ethnic Serbs within the province’s borders.

Mr Thaci has previously promised to respect minority rights in the new country: "In independent Kosovo, not one citizen will feel discriminated against or neglected. We guarantee equal rights and security. Kosovo is the homeland of all citizens."

The entire province has been run by the United Nations since 1999 after NATO air strikes in the region sought to expel Serbian troops from the area.