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London condemns Serb attacks on UK, foreign embassies

By IRNA

London : The British government has condemned the series of attacks on the US, UK and other embassies in Serbia following the declaration of independence by Kosovo that has been supported by many western countries.

“While the Kosovo issue raises strong feelings in Serbia, no cause can justify such displays of violence,” Foreign Secretary David Miliband said.

“We have made clear to the Serbian government that we expect them to fully uphold their obligations to protect our embassy and other diplomatic premises,” he said.

In the worst incident on Thursday, Serbs angered by Western recognition of Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence, set fire to parts of the US embassy in Belgrade.

In a written statement, Miliband said the British embassy also came under attack, but added that damage to the building was “limited” and staff were safe.

“I have been closely watching reports of the violence in Belgrade against international embassies, including the UK embassy. I want to underline that we are in close touch with our Ambassador in Belgrade,” he said.

The foreign secretary said he believed “all our embassy staff are safe, that the premises are currently secure and that damage to the building is limited.”