Serbian President Criticizes Kosovo Referendum Plan

Serbian President Boris Tadic gestures during a news conference in Belgrade on December 30.

Serbian President Boris Tadic has criticized plans by northern Kosovo Serbs to hold a referendum on whether to accept the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo.

Tadic said the referendum planned for February 14 and 15 would “only deepen the crisis.”

Serbia and Kosovo Serbs reject the 2008 declaration of independence by Kosovar authorities in Pristina, but Belgrade is currently engaged in talks with Kosovo's leadership.

Kosovo Serbs have blocked roads to prevent the Pristina government from asserting authority, causing incidents with NATO peacekeepers and blocking Serbia's European Union bid.

compiled from agency reports