Kosovo announces public holidays

BELGRADE, May 19 (RIA Novosti) - The government of Kosovo has adopted a law on public holidays in the "world's newest state", Serbia's Tanyug news agency reported on Monday.

Kosovo will celebrate Independence Day, marking its unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia, on February 17.

Constitution Day is expected to be celebrated on June 15, when the key independence document, approved by Kosovo's parliament in April, is due to enter into force.

Kosovo also plans to celebrate New Year, International Labor Day on May 1, Europe Day on May 9, the Muslim holidays Uraza-bairam and Kurban-bairam, as well as Western and Orthodox Christmas, and Western and Orthodox Easter.

The holiday of Uraza-bairam marks the end of the fast in the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Kurban-bairam, the holiday of sacrifice, is celebrated on the tenth day of Ramadan, when many Muslims take up hajj, a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.

Kosovo's sovereignty has so far been formally recognized by 40 countries, including the U.S. and most EU nations. Russia and China back Belgrade's position that Kosovo must remain a part of Serbia.