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Serbia Set for Snap Elections After Kosovo Spurs Collapse

Most important vote in decade called for May

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(Newser) – The president of Serbia dissolved parliament today, paving the way for early elections on May 11 that many are calling the country's most critical vote since the fall of strongman Slobodan Milosevic. Serbia's government collapsed over the weekend due to infighting over the fate of Kosovo and the country's prospect of membership in the European Union, reports Reuters. Early polls suggest the election will be close.

The election pits the pro-EU Democrats against the hardline nationalist Radicals party. Both parties insist that Kosovo is an intrinsic part of Serbia, but the Democrats want the process of EU membership to continue despite Brussels' support for the breakaway province. The timing could hardly be worse for Serbia's foreign standing. Many in the West have been shaken by the country's recall of ambassadors from nations that recognized Kosovo, as well as by recent riots in Belgrade.

Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, left, and vice-premier Bozidar Djelic are seen during a session of caretaker government, Monday, March 10, 2008, in Belgrade.
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, left, and vice-premier Bozidar Djelic are seen during a session of caretaker government, Monday, March 10, 2008, in Belgrade.   (AP Photo/Srdjan Ilic)
Serbia's Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica attends a government session, Thursday, March 6, 2008.
Serbia's Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica attends a government session, Thursday, March 6, 2008.   (AP Photo/Srdjan Ilic)
Serb protesters holding small national Serb flag gather in the town of Gracanica, south of Kosovo's capital Pristina, to protest a declaration of independence on Thursday, March 6, 2008.
Serb protesters holding small national Serb flag gather in the town of Gracanica, south of Kosovo's capital Pristina, to protest a declaration of independence on Thursday, March 6, 2008.   (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)
Kosovo Serbs kiss their national flag while protesting against Kosovo's independence in the ethnically divided town of Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008.
Kosovo Serbs kiss their national flag while protesting against Kosovo's independence in the ethnically divided town of Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008.   (AP Photo/Bela Szandelszky)
Serbia's president Boris Tadic signs the document to dissolve parliament and schedule early elections, in Belgrade, Thursday, March 13, 2008.
Serbia's president Boris Tadic signs the document to dissolve parliament and schedule early elections, in Belgrade, Thursday, March 13, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Serbia's president Boris Tadic signs the document to dissolve parliament and schedule early elections, in Belgrade, Thursday, March 13, 2008.
Serbia's president Boris Tadic signs the document to dissolve parliament and schedule early elections, in Belgrade, Thursday, March 13, 2008.   (AP Photo)
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French and Swedish foreign ministers' op-ed on Serbia and the EU
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