Serbian premier resigns

Updated 18.30 Sat Mar 08 2008

Keywords: Kosovo, Serbia

Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica has resigned, plunging the Balkan country into a political crisis.

Mr Kostunica has said he wants to dissolve the government and hold an election in May after falling out with his coalition partner Boris Tadic over Kosovo.

The nationalist firebrand, says Serbia should abandon plans to join the European Union after it recognised the secession of Kosovo

The nationalist firebrand says Serbia should abandon plans to join the European Union after it recognised the secession of Kosovo.

But Mr Tadic disagrees, and the strain between them reached breaking point after Kosovo declared independence from Belgrade, sparking anti-Western rioting.

Mr Kostunica said: "A government that has no united policy cannot function, of course, and this is the end of the government.

"That means that we have to give the mandate back to the people."

"I have called a government session on March 10 to discuss dissolution of parliament," he said, adding that he wants a general election on May 11."

He added: "All parties in Serbia are in favour of entering the EU.

"The difference arises when the question is asked: should Serbia enter the EU with or without Kosovo.

"Kosovo is Serbia, and Serbia can only enter the EU with Kosovo," Kostunica added.