Serbia adopts Kosovo resolution Staff and agencies 26 December, 2007
By DUSAN STOJANOVIC, Associated Press Writer Wed Dec 26, 6:14 PM ET BELGRADE, Serbia - Serbia‘s parliament overwhelmingly adopted a resolution Wednesday that threatens to halt the country‘s integration into the European Union and cut off diplomatic ties with Western countries if they recognize Kosovo‘s independence. Ethnic Albanians, who account for about 90 percent of Kosovo‘s 2 million people, have said they would proclaim independence early next year. Serbia, backed by Russia, insists Kosovo — considered the cradle of Serbia‘s medieval state and religion — should remain part of its territory, and has urged more negotiations with Kosovo Albanians. "America is openly striving for the destruction of the international order," Kostunica told the parliament. "America, which once seemed like a symbol of freedom, now advocates the policies of force." The resolution says Serbia must "reconsider" diplomatic ties with Western countries that recognize Kosovo‘s statehood. It says that, because of NATO‘s support for Kosovo‘s independence, Serbia must remain outside the Western military alliance. Kostunica clarified that Serbia would not join the EU if the bloc recognized Kosovo‘s independence. http://www.localnewsleader.com/elytimes/stories3/index.php?action=fullnews&id=223476
