Kosovo party withdraws from government coalition

The LDK announced this move a day after the country’s President called for early elections.

“From Monday, October 18, 2010, LDK will withdraw from the ruling coalition and the government of the Republicof Kosovo,” LDK leader Fatmir Sejdiu said. Last month, Sejdiu had resigned from his post as national president, following a ruling he could not simultaneously be a party leader and the head of state.

This political decision will delay talks with Serbia, pushed forward by the European Union, which refuses to recognise the independence of Kosovo. It will also delay the privatisation of important state-owned companies.

Kosovo Albanian declared independence in 2008. This move was recognised by 70 countries including most EU members and the United States.