Kosovo Declares Independence

Serbia enraged as US, EU expected to recognize new country tomorrow
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 17, 2008 10:30 AM CST
Kosovo Declares Independence
Kosovo's Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, center, sits in front of the declaration of independence, foreground left, during the parliament session in Pristina, Kosovo, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008. Kosovo declared itself a nation on Sunday, mounting a brash and historic bid to become an "independent and democratic...   (Associated Press)

Kosovo's parliament declared independence from Serbia today by a unanimous vote, the BBC reports. "We have waited for this day for a very long time,” said PM Hashim Thaci, before reading the declaration, which promised respect for the Serbian minority. Serbia’s PM, meanwhile, slammed the US and other western nations for their plans to recognize Kosovo, saying they had created a “false state.”

"Kosovo is Serbia," said PM Vojislav Kostunica, quoting a popular nationalist saying. After today’s ceremony, Kosovar politicians are set to sign their names to a giant iron sign that says “newborn” and join the thousands celebrating in the streets for fireworks and parades. (More Kosovo stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X