North Kosovan Serbs stage controversial referendum

On the 14-15 February 2012, only a few days before the fourth anniversary of Kosovo's declaration of independence, four Serb-dominated areas are voting on the legitimacy of the Pristina government. It's a referendum many saw as unhelpful.

Kosovo, which broke away from Serbia in 2008 and which is currently recognised by 86 United Nations member states, is dominated by ethnic Albanians.

Serbia still considers Kosovo a part of Serbia that is under UN administration, a position supported by Russia and China. On the other hand, Serbia would like to join the EU, and 22 of the 27 current members of the European Union have recognised Kosovo's independence.

The referendum went ahead despite criticism from the EU, the Kosovan government, Serbia and even some Serbians within Kosovo.

• Primary Source

EurActiv, 14.2.12: Commission deplores Serb's Northern Kosovo referendum http://www.euractiv.com/enlargement/commission-deplores-northern-kosovo-referendum-news-510772

ESO: Background information: Clock is ticking on Serbia's EU bid http://www.europeansources.info/record/clock-is-ticking-on-serbias-eu-bid/

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