Crowds gather to celebrate Kosovo independence

Ethnic Albanians in Kosovo took to the streets to celebrate the declaration of independence from Serbia expected to come this weekend.

People gathered in groups in the outskirts of the province’s capital, Pristina, dancing in circles to the rhythm of drums and other traditional instruments.

“We are very, very happy, this is really happening,” said Ahmet Jashari, an ethnic Albanian in the town of Lipljane who was draped in an American flag.

“We have been waiting for this for a long time, for a century.”

The jubilant crowds honked car horns and waved flags as they drove by NATO peacekeepers in charge of security.

On Friday, the NATO force, known as KFOR, increased its visibility in an effort to prevent any violence.

Kosovo’s leaders have announced no date for a declaration of secession from Serbia and statehood.

But the parliament is expected to approve the declaration tomorrow and select a flag and a crest.

Ethnic Albanians make up 90% of Kosovo’s population. The rest are Serbs, most of whom want to keep the province under Belgrade’s control.