President Ibrahim Rugova died of lung cancer today, leaving a leadership vacuum in Kosovo’s fraction-ridden political scene before crucial talks on whether the province should gain the independence that was his lifelong dream. He was 61.

Britain today vowed to help Kosovo improve its security as the disputed UN-run province nears possible talks on its future.

Britain’s Defence Secretary John Reid arrived in Kosovo today as the province nears possible talks on its future.

KOSOVAN President Ibrahim Rugova, linked for decades to the ethnic Albanian majority’s anti-Serb struggle, said yesterday he has lung cancer, but he pledged to stay in office as the UN-run province nears crucial talks on its future.

Irish defence forces must be allowed to participate in more peacekeeping missions, it was urged today.