As Kosovo declares independence... celebrations in Pristina - but anger in Serbia at a move it condemns as illegal - je 18.02.2008

People in Kosovo celebrated their newfound independence late into the night -- despite riots in the streets of Belgrade and a last-ditch attempt by Russia to block the move in the United Nations security Council. Tens of thousands of people assembled in central Pristina Sunday as the Kosovo parliament formally voted to break from Serbia, completing the breakup of the former Yugoslavia. +++SYN-MAZ+++