Kosovo Premier Warns Against Independence Delay

Agim Ceku (file photo) (epa) November 20, 2006 -- The prime minister of the Serbian province of Kosovo, Agim Ceku, says that a further delay of Kosovo's independence will only hold up reform across the Balkans.

Western powers and Russia decided this month to push back a decision on Kosovo's status, due this year, until after a Serbian parliamentary election in January.

Ceku wrote in "The Wall Street Journal" today that the UN-run province is entering another period of stagnation, delay, and uncertainty, while the Balkans are finally turning the corner.

(Reuters)