The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs late last week issued a statement reacting to "a series of recent statements by various Albanian politicians."

These statements that concern "the redrawing of borders in the Balkans" have raised particular concern, the Russian MFA said.

The leaders and residents of the three Albanian municipalities in southern Serbia have reacted against the visit to the region by Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic who was wearing a military uniform. The Albanian leaders told Preseva Jone news site that Nikolic’s appearance in a military uniform was a scandal, a provocation and a threat against the civilian population.

Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) MP Ganimete Musliu told the news site today that she will not vote in favor of the special court that is expected to address war crimes allegations in Kosovo. “In my opinion, this is going to be a political court and I have my doubts about trials that will be held in another country,” she said. Musliu, who recently visited Belgrade together with a group of Kosovo MPs, said she expects Serbia to recognize Kosovo’s independence soon.