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Serbia's PM Dissolves Government

Kostunica cites infighting over Kosovo, calls for new elections

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 8, 2008 11:47 AM CST

(Newser) – Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica dissolved the government today, saying it had become paralyzed over disagreements on how to deal with Kosovo and EU membership. He proposed new elections for May. "We are lacking government unity,” said Kostunica, charging that his pro-Western coalition partners aren't being adamant enough about rejecting Kosovo's recent independence.

Kostunica has demanded European governments withdraw their recognition of Kosovo before Belgrade continues EU membership talks. But President Boris Tadic favors stronger ties with Europe and opposes bundling the two issues. “Such a government could not function any more,” Kostunica argued. One analyst endorsed his efforts: “This is a huge rift and it’s good the people will have a chance to decide,” he said.

Protesters flash three fingers, the Serbian nationalist sign, during a mass protest rally against Kosovo's declaration of independence in Belgrade, Serbia, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
Protesters flash three fingers, the Serbian nationalist sign, during a mass protest rally against Kosovo's declaration of independence in Belgrade, Serbia, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)   (Associated Press)
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica has dissolved the government and called for new elections after clashing with his pro-Western coalition partners over Kosovo and EU membership. Kostunica said Saturday that he will convene a session of the government that will make a decision to call new elections for May 11....
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica has dissolved the government and called for new elections after clashing with his pro-Western coalition partners over Kosovo and EU membership. Kostunica said...   (Associated Press)
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica has dissolved the government and called for new elections after clashing with his pro-Western coalition partners over Kosovo and EU membership. Kostunica said Saturday that he will convene a session of the government that will make a decision to call new elections for May 11....
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica has dissolved the government and called for new elections after clashing with his pro-Western coalition partners over Kosovo and EU membership. Kostunica said...   (Associated Press)
Serbia's pro-Western President Boris Tadic speaks during a press conference, in Belgrade, Serbia, Thursday, March 6, 2008. Serbia's Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica attends a government session in a Thursday, March 6, 2008 file photo. Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica has dissolved the government and called for new elections after clashing...
Serbia's pro-Western President Boris Tadic speaks during a press conference, in Belgrade, Serbia, Thursday, March 6, 2008. Serbia's Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica attends a government session in a...   (Associated Press)
Members of Kosovo's emergency force, mostly former guerrillas that fought Serbia in the 1998-99 war, parade in the capital Pristina to mark the 10-year anniversary of the independence struggle. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia on Feb. 17. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)
Members of Kosovo's emergency force, mostly former guerrillas that fought Serbia in the 1998-99 war, parade in the capital Pristina to mark the 10-year anniversary of the independence struggle. Kosovo...   (Associated Press)
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