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Serbia's Future Depends on Kosovo

Posted Jan 21, 08 11:11 CST in World 

(Newser) – On the verge of declaring independence, Kosovo is the key in this year’s Serbian election, the Guardian reports. Tomislav Nicolic, a Russian-aligned Serbian nationalist, won the first round of the presidential elections last night, defeating moderate incumbent Boris Tadic 39% to 35%. Seven other candidates, many pro-Western, are out of the race, which will be decided in a Feb. 3 run-off.

Vladimir Putin stopped in the Balkans Friday to reiterate Russia’s stance that a Kosovar declaration of independence would be “illegal and immoral.” The EU offered to talk about visa-free travel and a pre-membership deal in an effort to bolster Tadic’s pro-Western campaign, though he doesn’t support Kosovo's independence either. Nationalist PM Vojislav Kostunica’s endorsement may tip the vote.
Source: Guardian (UK)

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Serbia's President Boris Tadic speaks and gestures after the preliminary results of the first-round presidential elections vote in Belgrade, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008. Belgrade's Center for Free Elections...   (Associated Press)
Ultra-nationalist Serbian Radical Party leader Tomislav Nikolic cuts the cake in his headquarters, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, after he received about 39 percent of the first-round vote, compared with incumbent...   (Associated Press)
Ultra-nationalist Serbian Radical Party leader Tomislav Nikolic addresses media in his headquarters, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, after he had received a predicted 39 percent of the first-round vote, compared...   (Associated Press)
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Russia • European Union • Serbia • Kosovo • Kosovar independence • Vojislav Kostunica • Boris Tadic • Balkans • Tomislav Nikolic


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