Pristina (Serbia): Kosovo's rival parties today struck a power-sharing deal to form a government that is expected to declare independence from Serbia this year.

Former rebel leader Hashim Thaci said his Democratic Party of Kosovo will govern with its key opponent, Fatmir Sejdiu's Democratic League of Kosovo. The two party leaders signed the deal, which is to be voted on Wednesday by the province s 120-seat assembly.

"The No 1 commitment of this government and of all Kosovo citizens is to formalise Kosovo as an independent, democratic state," Thaci, who is the Prime Minister-designate, told reporters.

The coalition s first challenge will be to steer the province through a declaration of independence from Serbia, which is backed by Western governments but fiercely opposed by Serbia and Russia.

The deal will see the 39-year old Thaci become Kosovo's Prime Minister of the ethnically troubled province. His party, which won most votes in November elections, will have control over seven ministries including finances, economy, energy and education.

Sejdiu, who took over the Democratic League of Kosovo after the death of Ibrahim Rugova two years ago, is the province s current president and will retain that post. His party colleagues will run five ministries, including justice and health.
Serbian parties will run the social welfare ministry and the department dealing with the return of Serbian refugees who fled Kosovo after the 1998-1999 war.

Source : PTI