No bridge-building between Serbs and Albanians in Kosovo

February 12, 2008

Serbia and Russia issued stark warnings Tuesday in a last-gasp bid to stave off an imminent declaration of independence by Kosovo. Belgrade pledged various measures in retaliation and Moscow warned Europe's stability would be threatened by the move, which is expected as early as Sunday. But Kosovo's leaders pressed ahead with plans for the historic move, putting the final touches on their declaration, constitution and celebration plans. Symbolising the conflict in the breakaway province, the river Sitnica divides the two opposed communities -- Serbs on one bank, ethnic-Albanians on the other. They cannot agree on rebuilding a bridge to connect the two. Serb farmers cannot reach their fields and Albanians must make a large detour to travel to the capital. An AFPTV report.