By GARENTINA KRAJA
The Associated Press
Sunday, February 11, 2007; 6:24 AM

PRISTINA, Serbia -- Two protesters injured in violent clashes with police in Kosovo died of their wounds on Sunday, U.N. police said.

Saturday's protests against the U.N. plan for Kosovo turned violent, and riot police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at thousands of ethnic Albanians who broke through a security cordon and marched toward a government building.

"It is totally regrettable that two lives were lost as a result of wanton breach of security at the government buildings," said U.N. police commissioner Stephen Curtis. "The demonstrators at the government buildings compelled the police to take defensive measures to restore order. Any death is disheartening and saddens us greatly."

The crowds were protesting the U.N. plan on Kosovo's future status, which they say does not go far enough. Kosovo's ethnic Albanians demand full independence, while the U.N. plan calls for internationally supervised self-rule.

Authorities reported that four people were seriously injured in the clashes, which took place in Kosovo's provincial capital, Pristina. About 70 protesters sought medical assistance, mainly for the effects of tear gas.

Curtis said he invited Kosovo's police inspectorate "to maintain an independent overview of the investigation into the deaths to ensure transparency."

U.N. and Kosovo police broke up the protest after demonstrators tried to charge a security cordon and head toward a government building, throwing stones and sticks at the officers. An estimated 3,000 people _ many carrying banners reading "No negotiation, Self-determination" _ took part in the rally.

Chief U.N. envoy Martti Ahtisaari released his proposal for Kosovo's future a week ago. The plan does not explicitly call for Kosovo's independence from Serbia, but spells out conditions for self-rule _ including a flag, anthem, army, constitution and the right to apply for membership in international organizations.

Kosovo's Serb minority would have a high degree of control over its own affairs.

The plan, which needs approval by the U.N. Security Council to come into force, was endorsed by Kosovo's ethnic Albanian leaders but rejected by Serbian officials in Belgrade who refuse to give up the province, considered Serbia's historic heartland.