PRISTINA, Feb 17 (KUNA) — Kosovo’s parliament declared on Sunday the enclave’s independence from Serbia, giving Europe a new nation and marking a historic turning point in the volatile Balkans.
“From this moment, the political position of Kosovo has changed,” announced the speaker of parliament, Jakup Krasniqi, after a declaration of independence was adopted by lawmakers through a show of hands.
“We are now an independent, free, sovereign and democratic country,” Krasniqi added.
The streets of Pristina, packed with cheering and flag-waving Kosovars, erupted in euphoria at the moment of independence under a crisp and clear winter sky, with volleys of firecrackers going off.
During the speech cheers and clapping were seen and heard in the capital.
Kosovo is expecting recognition from the U.S. and most European Union countries.