The United Nations food agency, the FAO, has warned that Kosovo faces a severe and long-term food shortage because of the conflict.

The organisation said in a special report that the Kosovo's agricultural and food processing industries have been devastated, with most fields abandoned and huge numbers of livestock dead.

It estimated that even if the refugees were allowed to return, a massive relief effort lasting more than one year would be needed to feed the population.

Meanwhile reports from Serbia speak of food rationing being introduced for the first time in parts of the country.