Serbia blames Washington for Balkan crisis

SERBIA was back on the offensive over Kosovo’s independence yesterday, blaming the United States for the crisis in the Balkans while its ally Russia accused the Americans of destroying “world order”.

Three days after young rioters in Belgrade embarrassed the country by attacking Western embassies and looting shops, Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica said it is Washington that is threatening peace. In a strongly worded statement from Moscow, Russia also accused Washington of trampling on international law.

“The United States must annul the decision to recognise a false state on the territory of Serbia,” Mr Kostunica said.