Albania Lobbies for Kosovo's Independence
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}TIRANA, Albania (AP) -- Albania's president is urging all U.N. General Assembly members to back Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia.
Bamir Topi said in a letter Friday that approval of a Serbian resolution challenging Kosovo's independence would "negatively affect" Balkan peace and stability.
The resolution for the early September General Assembly gathering in New York calls Kosovo's 2008 declaration "unacceptable."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The U.S. and 68 other countries recognize the independence of Kosovo, which has a majority ethnic Albanian population. Belgrade lost the province after a crackdown on ethnic Albanian rebels prompted NATO bombardments in 1999.
Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci is in Tirana to coordinate lobbying efforts with the Albanian government.