[Arb]

Kosova prepares for independence
It's not known exactly when Kosovo will declare its independence from Serbia, but speculation as to the date is running rife. Comments in the press are repeated endlessly in gossip in the street.

The people of the province await the day with differing emotions - some with joy, many with apprehension, others with nostalgia. Shops have been stocking up with souvenirs to mark the occasion.

In the capital Pristina, shelves are stacked with items printed with the red and black motif of the Albanian flag. Store owner, Faton Zeqiri, said shoppers are snapping up the goods and he's ordering more to keep up: "This week we've sold more than in past six months," he said. "It's all to do with independence."

Kosovo has never had a crest of its own, nor a constitution, anthem or flag, apart from one borrowed from Albania, stamped on a yellow star representing Albanian people in Yugoslavia.

In the lead up to the declaration of independence, a group of twelve experts has been working on filling the gap.

The Head of the Symbols Commission Fadil Hysa said: "We have made our selection based on suggestions from the international community that the flag and crest not contain any national symbols, like the eagle, and are not made up of only two colours, red and black, the symbols of Albanians."

But there's less excitement among Serbs in the province. After the war nearly 200,000 fled Kosovo. Those who stayed or returned are watching events with concern. Kosovo's Prime Minister Hashim Thaci travelled to the Serb village of Rubovac to allay fears.

"My message to Serbs of Kosovo is to stay in Kosovo," Thaci said. "Kosovo is the country of everybody. We will respect them though affirmative action. I will stay with them, near them, for the best life to have in Kosovo for everybody."

It's a sentiment European leaders and supporters of independence affirm: Kosovo is to be multi-ethnic or not exist at all. The people of the province hope all the brave words are followed by actions.