Various events are being held across Kosovo to mark the first anniversary of its declaration of independence from Serbia.

Speaking before the anniversary celebrations, Kosovo's Prime Minister Hashim Thaci said his government is building a homeland for all of its people.

"I call upon all the citizens of Kosovo, regardless of their ethnicity, to celebrate with dignity and pride. It is a year of historical success for Kosovo," Thaci said.

"Kosovo has a safe future; therefore we should celebrate with dignity and be proud. We will have a state protocol of the highest level, but we will also have a big celebration for all our citizens," he said.

Albanian-majority Kosovo unilaterally declared independence a year ago amid support from the Western community.

U.S. and UK leaders are reported to congratulate Kosovo authorities on the anniversary.