Tadic claims victory in Serbian elections

BELGRADE, Serbia, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Pro-European Boris Tadic has won a second round of presidential elections in Serbia, giving him another term as head of the country.

Tadic, who first entered the post in 2004, gave congratulations to his opponent, Tomislav Nikolic, for having nearly as many votes, Euronet.news reported Sunday.

Democratic Party supporters were also overjoyed with the win, celebrating in the streets of Belgrade after the announcement.

The election overshadowed somewhat by Kosovo's bid for autonomy. Both Tadic and Nikolic, a nationalist, drew on popular resentment of Kosovo to ramp up support, EuroNews.net reported.

Officials said Kosovo would have declared independence within days if Nikolic had been victorious.