Kosovo's parliament has approved a declaration of independence from Serbia.

The extraordinary session opened Sunday with the region's Prime Minister, Hashim Thaci, calling Kosovo from this day forward "proud, independent and free."

Tens of thousands of jubilant ethnic Albanians packed streets outside the parliament building as Mr. Thaci read the declaration to lawmakers.

Parliament speaker Jakup Krasniqi said the new government is committed to a democratic state, in cooperation with the international community.

President Bush today said the United States will continue to work with its allies to ensure there is no violence in the territory. He also said he is encouraged by the Pristina government's willingness to support minority Serbian rights in Kosovo.

Serbia opposes independence for Kosovo. Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica was scheduled to address his nation an hour after independence is declared in Pristina.

Serbian ally Russia said earlier it will call for urgent consultations by the U.N. Security Council immediately following Kosovo's declaration.

Both Belgrade and Moscow governments have argued that Kosovo's independence could spark secessionist movements elsewhere in Europe.

Kosovo has been under United Nations' administration since 1999, when NATO air strikes drove Serb forces from the embattled province.

Saturday, Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica said Serbia will protect its citizens in Kosovo. Many Serbs from Kosovo have left their homes recently, but Mr. Kostunica says they should remain.