UN chief giving EU bigger role in Kosovo

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UNITED NATIONS, June 13 (Agencies): The United Nations chief said he plans to give more authority to the European Union over police, courts and other official duties in Kosovo. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's decision, detailed in a report Thursday to the Security Council, comes after nine years UN administration of the disputed territory and just before Kosovo is to adopt a new constitution Sunday.

The proposed constitution is strongly opposed by Russia, Serbia's traditional ally, which on Thursday called for the dismissal of the top UN official in Kosovo, Joachim Ruecker. Security Council veto-wielding Russia accused him of taking steps to reduce the UN mission there without authorization by the 15-nation council.

Russia backs Serbia and opposed steps toward independence for Kosovo, including the UN's handover of responsibility for security to the E.U, which has forced the UN to remain in Kosovo.

Russia has said it considers the 2,200-strong E.U. mission to be illegal because it has not been approved by the other four veto-wielding members - the United States, France, Britain and China - and the rest of the council.

The disagreement over Kosovo's statehood has sparked fears of tensions spilling over in the troubled Balkan region.