HUNTINGTON BEACH, California, February 18. IN Serbia for a common training arranged months ago, the USA Men's National Water Polo team today is in a "lockdown" at their hotel in Belgrade to avoid unrest caused by Kosovo's announcement of independence. The team is in Serbia as part of a multi-week European training trip in preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.<\/p>\n
"Unfortunately, we are here in the middle of a political situation that unfolded today," said USA Head Coach Terry Schroeder. "We were asked to stay inside our hotel and stay safe because of the uncertainty in the streets. Everything at our hotel remained quiet and safe. We are here to train and prepare for the Olympic Games in Beijing. The Serbians have been great hosts and the water polo training has been the highest level possible."<\/p>\n
Serb protesters reportedly threw stones at the US Embassy in Belgrade on Sunday evening, hours after the authorities in Kosovo declared the independence of the province, which the United States had said it backed, international news organizations announced. In the capital of Serbia, some two thousand protesters shouting patriotic slogans gathered before the US Embassy and broke some of its windows with stones.<\/p>\n
The building was defended by several hundred police in riot gear. Traffic in the area was blocked.<\/p>\n
The Serbians are among the world's great water polo powers. Underscoring the national love of the sport, the Serbs celebrated National Water Polo day on Saturday, triumphing in an exhibition match against the Americans by the score of 14-6 before an estimated 4,000 fans.<\/p>\n
Team USA plans to depart Serbia on February 20 where they will continue on to Greece and Italy completing their trip on February 29.<\/p>\n
Special thanks to USA Water Polo for contributing this report.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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