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PRISTINA: Diplomatic tensions over Kosovo’s
independence intensified Wednesday as NATO peacekeepers sealed two
border crossings with Serbia for 24 hours after angry Serbs torched
them.
The UN interim mission in Kosovo
(UNMIK), which has run Kosovo since a NATO air war in 1999, wrested
control of the province from Belgrade and which remains in charge of
border controls and later announced that, at its request, KFOR has
sealed the two crossings for 24 hours.
Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim
Tachi, who fought Serbian security forces a decade ago as commander
of the Kosovo Liberation army, said: “Everything is under the
control of NATO, Kosovo and UNMIK. These were isolated incidents
that will not undermine the greatness of the dignified celebrations
of independence by the citizens of Kosovo,” he added.
Despite the rising tensions,
Kosovo lawmakers pressed on with the mechanics of nation-building,
passing legislation to create Kosovo citizenship, passports and a
foreign ministry.
EU foreign policy chief Javier
Solana became the first top international figure to visit since
independence was proclaimed on Sunday, flying into the capital
Pristina for the day to see Kosovo leaders.
--AFP
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