Kosovo readies for "inevitable" independence

By Fatos Bytyci

PRISTINA, Serbia (Reuters) - When Russia's ambassador to the United Nations cautioned this month against "preaching the inevitability" of independence for Kosovo, it barely registered in the breakaway Serbian province.

Leaders of the territory's 90-percent ethnic Albanian majority are planning for the big day, despite concern in the West that Moscow could delay, dilute or veto a U.N. independence plan on behalf of its Balkan ally Serbia.

Preparations are well advanced for the creation of a Kosovo army, a foreign ministry, a state constitution and a flag to replace the black-on-red, double-headed eagle of Albania which has flown from public buildings and private homes since 1999.

"The plan is ready," a political source said of the blueprint for the Kosovo Security Force. "We just have one thing to add, and then it's done."

With the help of British legal experts, the Kosovars have drafted a 140-page plan for a foreign ministry and a network of embassies in 14 Western countries and Balkan neighbours.

A state constitution is almost written. Lawmakers this month promised a 'national' design competition for a flag and state symbols.

"The first priority must be to secure membership of the United Nations and other international organisations, which will also require the goodwill and cooperation of Russia," says the plan for the Kosovo foreign ministry, seen by Reuters.

U.N. mediator Martti Ahtisaari submitted his recommendations on Monday for Kosovo, advocating independence supervised by the European Union and secured by NATO. He said independence was "the only viable option", and warned restoration of Serbian rule would invite "violent opposition".