KOSOVO: Kosovo marks five year anniversary since it declared independence from Serbia

Record ID: 860902

  • Title: KOSOVO: Kosovo marks five year anniversary since it declared independence from Serbia
  • Date: 17th February 2013
  • Summary: PEOPLE TAKING PHOTOS AT THE OBELISK
  • Embargoed: 4th March 2013 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Kosovo
  • City:
  • Country: Kosovo
  • Topics: International Relations,Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA5KR6857C2UY2H16PM3X3MP4KA
  • Aspect Ratio:
  • Story Text: Kosovo marked five years since it seceded from Serbia on Sunday (February 17), with flag-filled streets, a military parade and growing signs of progress in EU-mediated talks to regulate relations between the Balkan neighbours.
    For the first time since its formation the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) paraded with weapons to mark the fifth anniversary of Kosovo's independence. The force that it is being monitored and trained by NATO, hopes to start the process of becoming a full army by mid June.
    The national flags of Kosovo, Albania and the United States flew from lampposts and balconies in the capital, Pristina.
    "I am aware that the results achieved by our new country in the last five years are visible, we achieved this together despite many challenges we've faced, but at the same time I am aware that we need to do much more," Hashim Thaci, Kosovo's prime minister and a former commander, said to the people watching the parade.
    Majority-Albanian Kosovo declared independence in 2008 with the backing of the Western powers who waged a NATO air war in 1999 to wrest control of the territory from late Serb strongman Slobodan Milosevic.
    Recognised by roughly half the world but not yet a member of the United Nations, Kosovo is one of the poorest countries in Europe with its government still challenged by minority Serbs in the north who reject the secession.
    "I am very happy with what our country achieved so far, of course there is a lot more left to do. We've managed to conclude the internationally supervised independence and now we are freer to make decisions, there is still space for improvements but it is good," said Arben Halili, an engineer.
    Kosovo and its former ruler Serbia are locked in delicate European Union-mediated talks to normalise ties. Recognised by some 98 countries, including the major Western powers, Kosovo is still in search of a seat at the United Nations. Under EU pressure, there are signs of a thaw in relations with Serbia, but a Serb-populated pocket of northern Kosovo continues to reject the secession.
    A huge obelisk made of yellow letters spelling the word 'Newborn' was freshly painted with the flags of the 98 countries so far to have recognised Kosovo.
    The expectations of the people when independence was declared were high, but although Kosovo moved forwards in many areas, poverty and corruption remain top problems.
    "So far from what I can see the only reason to be proud of, is cause of the people, the government still lacks in many aspects," said Gazmend Gjonbalaj, an IT engineer.
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