Kosovo's government falls after no-confidence vote

Kosovo's parliament backed a no-confidence motion Tuesday, bringing down Prime Minister Hashim Thaci's (pictured) government, which led the country to independence from Serbia in 2008. Elections will be held within 45 days.

By News Wires (text)

REUTERS - Kosovo's parliament backed a no-confidence motion on Tuesday, bringing down the government that led the country to independence from Serbia in 2008 and triggering early elections within 45 days.

The landlocked Balkan country's political turmoil in recent weeks follows the resignation of the president and collapse of a government coalition led by Prime Minister Hashim Thaci.

The early elections are likely to delay the start of European Union-sponsored talks with Serbia on improving their poor relations and delay privatisation of state-owned companies.

"This vote is an exit strategy for Kosovo institutions from this crisis," Thaci told lawmakers before the voting process.

"Your vote is a new beginning for the state of Kosovo."

Serbia does not recognise the independence of its former province where a minority of the population are Serbs, complicating daily life and the long-term path to the EU for both countries.

Kosovo's acting president, Jakup Krasniqi, had already called early elections for Feb. 13, but has said after a no-confidence vote he would dissolve parliament and call snap elections within 45 days.

Kosovo entered political deadlock when President Fatmir Sejdiu resigned in September after a court ruled he could not simultaneously be a party leader and the head of state.

His Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) party, which had ruled in coalition since independence, quit the government, depriving it of a parliamentary majority.