The constitution says that Kosovo "will contribute to the stability of the region and entire Europe by creating good neighborly relations with all neighboring countries."

Although the draft constitution pledges protection for minority, no ethnic Serb representatives took part in neither drafting nor signing the constitution.

The signing ceremony was attended by representatives of the Kosovo institutions, the EU special representative Pieter Feith and officials of international offices in Pristina.

"This (constitution) will help Kosovo move closer to Europe," said Feith, who approved the draft constitution on April 2.

Feith, who also acts as the International Civilian Representative for Kosovo, is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Kosovo status settlement proposal drafted by U.N. Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari.

The proposal of Ahtisaari is taken as a basis for the draft constitution. According to Ahtisaari's proposal, Kosovo should be a state but under international supervision, to ensure the protection of minority rights and respect for the rule of law.

Serbia has rejected Ahtisaari's proposal and Kosovo's independence, calling on Kosovo Serbs for a boycott of the EU mission in areas of Kosovo where they live.

(Xinhua News Agency April 8, 2008)