EU approves Kosovo constitution

BRUSSELS, April 3 (UPI) -- The European Union has given its approval to Kosovo's new constitution, saying it guarantees "full respect of individual and community rights."

With that in mind, Pieter Feith, an EU special representative, said, "I believe the government and all the citizens of Kosovo can move ahead to build a sustainable, multi-ethnic society that is a home for all."

Those rights, he added, included "those of Kosovo Serbs." Kosovo declared independence from Serbia Feb. 17.

The constitution is expected to go into effect June15.

Kosovo has been under U.N. administration since 1999 when Serbia's war against ethnic Albanians was ended by NATO air strikes.