BELGRADE: US authorities have instructed dependents of staff at its embassy in Belgrade to leave Serbia after the mission was torched in rioting, a US embassy spokeswoman said on Friday. “The dependents are being temporarily ordered to depart Belgrade,” spokeswoman Rian Harris said, adding: “We do not have confidence that

Serbian authorities can provide security for our staff members.” The decision to relocate the dependents came after Serbian rioters enraged by Kosovo’s declaration of independence stormed and set fire to the US diplomatic mission on Thursday night, resulting in the death of one person.

They would remain abroad for an initial period of between seven to 10 days in a decision made by the “embassy staff in consultation with the Department of State and Washington,” said Harris.

US Ambassador to Belgrade Cameron Munter and his “core staff” would not be leaving the Serbian capital, where the embassy would reopen on Tuesday after repairs, she added.

Also attacked during Thursday’s rioting were the Belgrade embassies of other western countries that have recognised the independence of Kosovo, which many Serbs consider their country’s historic heartland. Among these were the Belgian, British, Bosnian, Croatian, German and Turkish embassies.

The private news agency Beta reported that the German embassy was also closed on Friday, and along with the US embassy was not receiving visa applications at its consular section.

Beta reported that the United States had warned its citizens in Serbia to be cautious and avoid areas where there have been protests over Kosovo’s independence proclamation.

The Italian and Slovenian embassies were also closed, state-run news agency Tanjug reported.—AFP