September 13, 2007 - 19:57 AMT
Albanian President calls for Kosovo independence
The possible decision by Contact Group troika to continue talks on Kosovo's future status upon completion of 120 days, on December 10, may stir up a wave discontent and disorders, Albanian President Bamir Topi said.

"Kosovo deserves becoming an independent state, since extension of the status quo hampers the stabilization processes," he told a news conference in Tirana after a meeting with Kosovo Acting Prime Minister Agim Ceku

For his part Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha called on Kosovo Albanians not to yield to Serbian extremism. He advised Kosovo population to unite in the name of holy principles. "Tirana calls on Kosovo leaders to take all possible measures in order achieve independence with assistance of the U.S. and EU member states," Berisha said.

Mr Ceku thanked the Albanian leaders for supporting Martti Ahtisaari's plan providing for independence of the province, RIA Novosti reports.

Kosovo talks have been held for 15 months already. In February UN Special Envoy for Kosovo Martti Ahtisaari developed a plan providing for Kosovo's independence under international control. Basing on Ahtisaari's plan, the U.S., France UK prepared a draft resolution submitted to the UN Security Council. However, Russia blocked the draft rating it as inadmissible.