New Kosova Report

Declaration of Independence soon approaching

Tuesday, 15 January 2008

Jakup Krasniqi

Prishtina - The Assembly of Kosovo is approaching the moment of declaring independence, its speaker said on Monday afternoon.

Jakup Krasniqi, the new Speaker of the Kosovo legislative, told media that “the Assembly members are aware the declaration will take place in a very near future”.

Krasniqi made his statement after meeting with the Chief of the Italian Office in Pristina, Patrik Mura.

He said that “the Assembly will hold preparatory consultations with President, Fatmir Sejdiu and Prime Minister Hashim Thaci before it proceeds with the proclamation”.

Krasniqi’s remarks came after the Serbian government adopted an “action plan” on how Belgrade should act, in case of Kosovo declares its independence from Serbia.

Serbian government officials said the contents of the document would remain secret until further notice.

Mura was quoted by Kosovo public service television, RTK to have expressed the importance of taking action in coordination with international allies.

“Italy’s position is clear – we will act jointly as part of the European community”, Mura said after the meeting, reports RTK.

Kosovo authorities will most likely declare the independence of the UN-administered entity, soon after the Serbian presidential poll, whose expected second round is due to take place on February 3.