DAR AL HARB/ISLAM-BALKANS: KOSOVO PREPARES FOR ITS INDEPENDENCE

Kosovo prepares for independence
by David Charter

THE Kosovo Philharmonic is rehearsing and the flagpoles are ready. As it prepares to declare independence from Serbia, all that the world's newest country needs is an anthem, a flag, a constitution, a legal code, international recognition and a truce with its angry neighbour, amid continued fears of violence.

Some of the essentials are nearly in place, but the others will take years and may never be achieved.

One thing is certain: there will be a small but significant name change on the map when the province of Kosovo breaks away from Serbian rule and becomes the Republic of Kosova, the title used by the ethnic Albanians who make up 90 per cent of the population.

"We call Kosovo Kosova. It is the name that has existed here for centuries," said Fadil Hysa, an adviser to the Prime Minister.

"It was always Kosova among the Albanians. It will be the Republic of Kosova."

Kosovo has been under UN protection since the war of 1999 when NATO bombed Belgrade to prevent Serbian ethnic cleansing. It is expected to declare independence on February 17.

Russia will never recognise Kosovo as long as Serbia objects to the loss of the southern province it regards as the cradle of the Serb nation, leaving the new country in international legal limbo, even with the approval of the US and most of Europe.

Kosovo's constitution is being written with help from US advisers. The Museum of London has advised on the materials to use to best preserve it and the declaration of independence.

But the simple process of finding a flag for this new Balkan territory shows how difficult the transition to statehood will be.

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