US diplomats on alert across Balkans after embassy attack in Belgrade
By MATTHEW LEE Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. Ambassador to Serbia asked the State Department this morning to evacuate some diplomats from the embassy in Belgrade following an attack on the compound.

The envoy, Cameron Munter, asked for the department to implement an "ordered departure" of all nonessential personnel and the families of all American staff at the embassy, a senior State Department official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the department has not yet approved the request.

The step came as U.S. diplomats around the Balkans are on alert, girding for more anti-American violence after Serb rioters stormed and torched the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade.

Protests over the declaration of independence by the former Serbian province of Kosovo have increased tensions across the region. And new mass demonstrations are expected following recognition of Kosovo by the United States and other Western countries.

American embassies in at least four former Yugoslav republics stepped up security, ordering diplomats to stay home or limit their movements and warning Americans to use extreme caution outside.

A day after the fiery attack on the Belgrade embassy compound _ in which at least one protester was killed _ the mission was closed and U.S. diplomats in the Serbian capital were told not to leave their houses.

"U.S. Embassy officials have been advised to stand fast in their residences and avoid movement," the embassy said in a notice to American citizens in Serbia. "American citizens are urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise extreme caution."

Several other embassies in Belgrade as well as a McDonald's restaurant were attacked by mobs on Thursday after a massive protest against Kosovo independence, and the warning noted that private businesses and organizations affiliated with the United States might also become targets for protesters.

"U.S. citizens are urged to avoid large crowds, maintain a low profile and review their personal protective measures," the embassy said, adding that it would also be closed on Monday.

In Podgorica, the capital of neighboring Montenegro, which was once joined with Serbia, the U.S. Embassy and international school shut down ahead of a mass protest that is feared could lead to violence, and it warned of vandalism against U.S. citizens and their property.

"Demonstrators may arrive in large numbers from other parts of Montenegro or Serbia by all modes of transportation throughout the day," the embassy said in a notice. "American citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution."

"The U.S. Embassy in Podgorica is now aware of at least two cases of vandalism directed at a vehicle with U.S.-license plates and a vehicle with license plates from the municipality of Ulcinj, an area with a majority Albanian population," it said. "American citizens are encouraged to exercise caution when driving their vehicles.

In Bosnia, the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo told diplomats to defer travel until further notice to the city of Banja Luka, where protesters on Thursday hurled rocks and stones at the U.S. embassy branch.

In Kosovo itself, the State Department advised U.S. citizens against any travel to the northern part of the new country, where ethnic Serbs predominate.