By DPA
Pristina (Kosovo) : Kosovo would declare independence in February, a top official said in Pristina Monday, a day after Serbia completed its presidential election.
“We are ready and in coordination with our Western allies, the US and European Union, we will declare independence during this month,” Kosovo assembly speaker Jakup Krasnici told reporters.
The Kosovo leadership, representing the 90-percent Albanian majority, eagerly awaits full separation from Serbia, which has, if only nominal, sovereignty over the territory.
The Western powers, keen to end an expensive and inefficient UN administration that has governed the province since the 1999 war, are supportive of Kosovo’s break for independence.
Backing Serbia, Russia has, however, blocked the initiative in the UN Security Council to recognise Kosovo, leaving open only the path of a unilateral declaration by Pristina.
The US and leading EU countries said they would recognise Kosovo, but have delayed the move until after the Serbian presidential poll ended with a close win by the pro-European incumbent Boris Tadic.
It is speculated that the likely date for the declaration of independence would be Sunday, Feb 17, a day before EU ministers are expected to decide on sending a law-implementing mission to Kosovo as a replacement for the UN.