Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
« Back to the grid | Next story »

Kosovo Eager for Freedom's Ring

Posted Mar 27, 08 10:23 AM CDT in World 

(Newser) – Kosovo has won recognition as an independent state from three dozen countries, but a call to the world's newest nation is a reminder of its history. Telephone numbers in Kosovo still begin with the old Serbian dialing code, and the breakaway republic now wants its own international prefix. It's not an isolated case, writes the Wall Street Journal: from Palestine to Taiwan, a country code can inspire as much patriotic fervor as a flag.

Last year Montenegro, which broke away from Serbia, got its own country code. But without a UN resolution recognizing Kosovo as independent, the new nation is still stuck with the old prefix. The issue is so contentious that Kosovo's telecom regulator has become the target of gun and rocket attacks. "I was not prepared for this kind of debate," said the regulator, who now travels with a police detail.

Source Wall Street Journal

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Serbs Storm UN's Kosovo Courthouse

    Mar 15, 08 8:11 AM CDT
    Serbs Storm UN's Kosovo Courthouse Hundreds of Serbs smashed down gates at two United Nations-run courthouses in northern Kosovo yesterday and stormed the buildings, AFP reports. The mob, opposed to Kosovo's independence, hauled down the UN flag and hoisted the Serbian one. They clashed with UN police, pelting them with rocks and metal objects. NATO's secretary-general condemned the violence as an unacceptable provocation. More »

  • Russia Steps Up Support for Serbia

    Feb 25, 08 4:46 AM CST
    Russia Steps Up Support for Serbia Unrest and uncertainty marked the one-week anniversary of Kosovo's independence as ethnic Serbs within Kosovo and around the world continued to protest, and Serbian ally Russia deployed top officials to Belgrade to meet with Serbian leaders, BBC reports. Serb protesters in northern Kosovo brandished posters of Vladimir Putin and a sign reading: "Russia Help!" More »

  • Body Found After Embassy Riot

    Feb 21, 08 5:25 PM CST
    Body Found After Embassy Riot Serb protesters angry about Kosovo independence set the US embassy in Belgrade on fire today, and at least one charred body has been found, the Los Angeles Times reports. The victim apparently is a protester because all US personnel have been accounted for. The fire, now under control, came after an estimated 150,000 marched through the city to protest Kosovo's declaration of independence Sunday. More »

  • NATO Seals Kosovo Borders

    Feb 20, 08 5:07 AM CST
    NATO Seals Kosovo Borders NATO peacekeepers have sealed off Kosovo's northern borders after angry mobs torched border posts, the BBC reports. US troops have blocked the main road to Serbia, and French and Estonian troops have cut off the crossing to Montenegro. The move is bound to infuriate Serbs both in Kosovo and Serbia, where the foreign minister yesterday vowed that Kosovo would be a part of his nation forever. More »

  • Violence Erupts in Split Kosovo

    Feb 19, 08 10:25 AM CST
    Violence Erupts in Split Kosovo Hundreds of Serbs torched government and UN buildings in Kosovo today in the worst violence since the country declared independence on Sunday, raising fears of an ethnic split, Reuters reports. Seemingly well-organized gangs rampaged near the border, driving off peacekeepers who tried to intervene. No injuries were reported. “We are inches from partition,” said one Western official. More »

Celebrations of Kosovo's independence in Pristina. Recognized by three dozen nations, the new republic still uses the old Serbian country code for international calls.   ((c) Shkumbin)
Celebrations of Kosovo's independence in London. Recognized by three dozen nations, the new republic still uses the old Serbian country code for international calls.   ((c) garryknight)
A French KFOR soldier guards the entrance to the U.N. court compound, in northern, Serb-dominated part of ethnically divided town of Kosovska Mitrovica, Thursday, March 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/Zveki)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 2)

Tags

Serbia • Kosovo • telecommunications • independence • Kosovar independence • Yugoslavia


Loading...

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other World Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »