By KUNA
Sarajevo : Serbian opposition to an anticipated declaration of independence of Kosovo heightened on Saturday, at a time when the European Union called on Belgrade to forge a partnership with Kosovo and look toward a joint future within the European framework.
Kosovo, of Albanian majority and considered by Serbia as a part of its territories, is expected to declare independence on Sunday.
Belgrade TV broadcast fiery speeches by Serb President Boris Tadic and Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, underscoring historic roots of Serbs in Kosovo.
Tadic, in an open session with Serb official on the occasion of taking over presidency, said he would not be acknowledging this independence, but stressed the importance of strengthening relations with the European Union.
On his part, the Serb premier called on his supporters, in an open rally, to refuse any compromise over Kosovo if it declared independence.
Meanwhile, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, whose country currently heads the European Union, said that it was in Serbia’s interest to hasten steps for union membership and not head toward isolation.
The Kosovo issue has been out of Serbia’s scope for a long time and is an issue of the European Union, he said, noting that many countries of the union would be acknowledging the region’s independence, including Slovenia, Macedonia and Croatia.