Serbian prime minister Vojislav Koštunica has resigned, world news agencies reported on March 8 2008. He cited the lack of a common government position on Serbia's foreign policy in the aftermath of Kosovo's proclamation of independence on February 17 as the reason for his resignation.

Koštunica, the leader of the Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS), insisted on Belgrade tearing relations with the European Union unless the bloc recognises Serbia's territorial integrity, but DSS' coalition partner, the Democratic Party (DS) of president Boris Tadić, took a more moderate stance, claiming Serbia should continue with its EU integration.

"The government of Serbia has no united policy any more on an important issue related to the future of the country - Kosovo as a part of Serbia [...] Such a government could not function any more," Koštunica said, as quoted by BBC, adding he had scheduled a cabinet meeting for March 10, when he would propose that snap polls be held on May 11, at the same time with the scheduled local elections.

Kosovo's declaration of independence caused a division among the world powerhouses with most of them, however, agreeing this was the only possible solution to the long-existing problem and recognising the new republic. The United States and the major EU powers were quick to declare their recognition of the new state, but Russia, for its part, fully backed Serbia in its claim Kosovo unilaterally proclaiming independence was a breach of international law.