Kosovo sparks early elections in Serbia

BELGRADE, Serbia, March 9 (UPI) -- Serbia's president said he will propose early general elections following the collapse of the coalition government over the issue of Kosovo's independence.

Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica said the coalition government fell apart when his Cabinet rejected proposals to move closer to the European Union following the Kosovo declaration of independence from Serbia Feb. 17, the BBC reported Sunday.

Serbian President Boris Tadic said general elections will be the best way to get over the political crisis in Serbia, allowing the people to choose the best way forward.

"I respect the prime minister's decision that he is no longer able to lead the government of Serbia and, when I get the government's decision, I will call an election," Tadic said in a statement

Tadic and Kostunica split over the relationship with the EU. Tadic says embracing the EU will give Serbia a stronger voice over its economy and Kosovo, while Kostunica moved in the opposite direction toward a more nationalist policy.

The prime minister also considers the EU recognition of Kosovo's independence illegal.

Kostunica is supposed to meet with his Cabinet Monday to discuss holding general elections May 11.