BELGRADE, February 26 (RIA Novosti) - Bosnian Serb protestors rallying against independence for Kosovo have attempted to storm the U.S. consulate in the city of Banja Luka, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Beta agency reported on Tuesday.

A section of the 10,000-strong crowd protesting against Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence got close to the U.S. consulate in Banja Luka, in the Bosnian Serb Republika Srpska, but was stopped by police.

The demonstrators then threw stones and Molotov cocktails at police. Police fired tear gas at the demonstrators to drive them away.

A few days ago, the American consulate in Banja Luka was closed for security reasons after the building was stoned.

Republika Srpska, or the Serb Republic, is the part of Bosnia run by Bosnian Serbs. The other part is called the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and is run by Croats and Bosnians. Republika Srpska's parliament earlier condemned Kosovo's declaration of independence.

Kosovo unilaterally declared independence on February 17. It has so far been recognized by the U.S. and the majority of EU states. Russia and Spain have condemned the move.

Protests against Kosovo's independence turned into street riots in Belgrade last week leaving at least 130 people injured. Riots continued on Monday and Tuesday.

Protesters in the Serbian capital have so far attacked the embassies of the United States, Croatia, Belgium and Turkey, throwing stones and Molotov cocktails.

The U.S. embassy suffered the most damage and several floors were set on fire. U.S. diplomats later said that the remains of a charred body had been discovered in the building. The body was identified on Saturday as a Serb national.