Kosovo declares independence, Serbia rejects

by Ismet Hajdari and Robert MacphersonMon Feb 18, 1:21 AM ET

Kosovo began its first full day of self-declared independence from Serbia Monday, despite riots in the streets of Belgrade and a last-ditch Russian bid to block the move at the United Nations.

Tens of thousands of people in central Pristina erupted in cheers on Sunday as the Kosovo parliament formally voted to break from Serbia, completing the conflict-strewn breakup of the former Yugoslavia.

The celebrations there went on into the night.

But in the Serbian capital Belgrade, riot police using tear gas and batons dispersed about 800 youths who went on the rampage for several hours, smashing two McDonald's restaurants, and those of the US and Slovenian embassies.

Hospital officials said at least 50 people including 20 policemen were injured during the rioting, but none seriously.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080218/wl_afp/serbiakosovopoliticsindependence_080218062112