Serbia Security Body to Discuss Riots

02/26/2008

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) - Serbia's pro-Western president will insist on Tuesday on a full probe of riots that targeted U.S. and other Western embassies in protest of international recognition of Kosovo's declaration of independence, officials said.

President Boris Tadic scheduled a meeting of the National Security Council for Tuesday, when he will call for an investigation into the unrest, Serbia's Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic told B92 television on Monday.

The council includes the president and prime minister, as well as the army, police and intelligence chiefs.

Tadic opposes Kosovo's independence but advocates maintaining economic and political ties with the United States and other Western countries, despite their recognition of Kosovo's statehood.

Hundreds of hooligans attacked the U.S. Embassy in downtown Belgrade last Thursday, setting part of it on fire and smashing windows. One person died and hundreds were injured and arrested.

The mobs also targeted other Western missions, foreign banks and shops. The rioters looted dozens of shops in Belgrade's center before police chased them away.

U.S. and European Union officials have sharply criticized Belgrade over the riots, demanding better protection of foreign diplomatic missions.

Some U.S. and other Western staff in Belgrade have left the city for security reasons.

Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica vowed Monday that state-sponsored protests will continue until the countries that have recognized the independence of Kosovo reverse their decisions.

Kosovo's ethnic Albanian leadership unilaterally seceded from Serbia on Feb. 17, despite strong opposition from Belgrade and Serbia's ally Russia.

The move swiftly won recognition from the U.S. and its EU allies. But it also sparked fury among the Serbs, who consider Kosovo the heartland of their national identity.