Kosovars march for independence from Serbia

04/03/2007| IslamWeb

An estimated 4,000 Kosovars have demonstrated in front of the UN's mission in Pristina demanding unilateral autonomy from Serbia. Today's protest comes three weeks after violent demonstrations left two dead.

Tensions in the breakaway province have risen since plans on the future of Kosovo were published last month. About 90 percent of Kosovans are ethnic Albanian and after years of turmoil and violence want separation from Serbia. But Belgrade and the minority Serbs in the province are opposed.

On Friday, the UN envoy, Martti Ahtisaari, admitted that both sides meeting in Vienna to agree his blue print for the province, which includes a measure of independence, remained poles apart. He has called a final meeting for March 10 before he presents his plans to the UN Security council.

PHOTO CAPTION

Ethnic Albanian men carry a picture of the leader of "Self Determination" movement Albin Kurti during a protest in central Pristina. (AFP)