Albanian celebrations leave Serbs defiant

Kosovo declared itself an independent state yesterday, celebrating a final break from Serbia. But the move immediately widened already ominous political rifts, with tensions inside the state amplifying on the world stage.

Hashim Thaci, prime minister of the world's newest nation, stood before parliament in Pristina and announced the creation of an independent Kosovo that would be "proud, independent and free".

The affirmation of "a democratic, secular and multi-ethnic republic" acknowledges that Kosovo's independence will be subject to supervision by outside administrators and will rely for a time on Nato troops to guard borders and keep peace among ethnic groups.

Kosovo's founding document was handwritten on parchment and signed by all members of parliament in the style of the American declaration of independence. Parliament also approved a new flag: a golden map of the country on a blue background with six white stars.

The declaration and leaders' speeches stressed rights for minorities. But the move was emphatically rejected by the Serbs in Kosovo. While the Albanian majority danced and enjoyed 80 tonnes of fireworks, the Serb enclaves were defiant. In the Serb area in Zvecan, a grenade exploded outside a UN-run court. An unexploded grenade was found in Mitrovica, outside a building used by the International Civilian Office, which will take over supervisory duties from the UN.

Albanian celebrations leave Serbs defiant - The Guardian and see the update Kosovo Wikipedia entry