February 9, 2008 - 15:24 AMT
NATO to form Kosovo army
NATO intents to from a Kosovo army after the breakaway province proclaims independence. "Formation of the future Kosovo army numbering a 2500 personnel can become one of NATO's functions in the Albanian-populated territory," La Libre Belgique newspaper reports. The mission will be officially requested after Kosovo announces independence.

"Another side effect of Kosovo's independence will be Macedonia's bid for NATO," the edition says.

Meanwhile, British SkyNews reports that Kosovo will proclaim independence February 17. "Some 100 states are ready to recognize Kosovo's independence," Prime Minister Hashim Thaci said in Pristina.

The government of Kosovo has assigned 1 million euro for festivities dedicated to proclamation of independence, NEWSRU.com.

Belgrade and Moscow oppose the move describing it as grave violation of UN resolution 1244, UN regulations and Helsonki Final Act.