Former Rebel Leader Becomes Kosovo Premier

PRISTINA, Serbia — Kosovo's Parliament elected a former rebel leader as prime minister yesterday, a vote foreshadowing a declaration of independence from Serbia. Lawmakers voted 85–22 to make Hashim Thaci head of the coalition government. Both the American and key European governments support independence for Kosovo, but it is fiercely opposed by Serbia and Russia.

"Our aim is to make Kosovo independent in the first part of this year," Mr. Thaci told lawmakers. "We will make our dream and our right come true soon. ... Kosovo will be independent."