Kosovo approves new constitution

Kosovo’s politicians have unanimously adopted a constitution pledging to build a state with broad provisions for Serb and other minorities.

President Fatmir Sejdiu said the document was an important step in Kosovo’s state-building process and signals Kosovo’s commitment to creating a society of equal citizens.

Kosovo, whose population is 90% ethnic Albanian, unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in February.

Pledges by its leaders to protect the Serb minority – much of which was driven out of Kosovo after the 1998-99 war – have failed to blunt Belgrade’s fierce opposition to the territory’s independence.

The 120-seat assembly approved the constitution with thunderous applause.