Serbia refuses to quit Kosovo

Serbia will not withdraw from northern Kosovo, even though this could block its prospects of becoming an official candidate for European Union membership this year.

President Boris Tadic said yesterday Serbia would not give up its bid to join the EU, but it could not dismantle Serb-controlled institutions in the north of Kosovo.

“Serbia will not abandon its people in Kosovo,” Mr Tadic said.

“If Serbia is requested to choose… my response will be that Serbia will not give up its legitimate interests.”