Government enacts the constitution

Kosovo’s government took control as the newly independent nation’s constitution went into force after nine years of U.N. administration.

The charter, a milestone that comes four months after leaders declared independence from Serbia, gives the government in Pristina sole decision-making authority.

Kosovo’s ethnic Albanian leaders marked the transition in a low-key ceremony in the capital. Prime Minister Hashim Thaci said, “Today the dream of the people of the Republic of Kosovo has come true.”

The U.S., Japan, Britain and about 40 other nations have recognized Kosovo’s move but Serbia, its ally Russia and others have called the declaration illegal under international law.