Additional information has emerged that bolsters allegations of abductions and cross-border transfers from Kosovo to Albania after the 1998-1999 Kosovo war, Human Rights Watch said today. The Kosovar and Albanian governments should open independent and transparent investigations to help resolve the fate of approximately 400 Serbs who went missing after the war.

Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic said he does not anticipate any pressure from the EU and NATO to recognize the independence of Kosovo.

“Montenegro has proved a serious partner in the international community, and I don’t expect the EU and NATO to put any kind of pressure on us,” Djukanovic said, adding that the outcome of Kosovo issue was expected considering its history.

Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuçi is quoted as saying that in the course of this year, Kosovo will apply for membership to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

“Application to these financial institutions will be done directly after making sure that the environment for gaining membership is certain,” Kuçi said.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has stated that Serbia and Kosovo are two separate states, adding that the US expects to have good relations with both countries.