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Serbian Prime Minister resigns

09 March 2008 11:30 (UTC +04:00)

"The government of Serbia has no united policy any more on an important issue related to the future of the country - Kosovo as a part of Serbia. Such a government could not function any more," Kostunica said, as quoted by BBC, adding he had scheduled a cabinet meeting for March 10, when he would propose that snap polls be held on May 11, at the same time with the scheduled local elections.
Mr Kostunica has said recognition of Kosovo by EU states is illegal.
"Elections are the democratic way to overcome political crises and the people are the only ones who have right to decide which is the way forward for Serbia."
Kosovoâ€™s declaration of independence came nearly a decade after Nato forces expelled Serbian forces from the mainly ethnic-Albanian territory.
Serbia, said it will never accept an independent Kosovo.
The outgoing prime minister has maintained that ties can improve only if the EU rejects Kosovoâ€™s declaration of independence.
Belgrade has reacted angrily to an EU mission to ease Kosovoâ€™s transition.