The 61-year-old Rugova recently underwent a series of tests that sparked rumors that he is in critical condition.
Rugova told reporters that Kosovo's independence from Serbia is the main objective in 2006. UN-mediated talks on Kosovo's future status are expected to begin formally in January.
Kosovo is a Serb province under UN administration. Most Kosovo Albanians want independence for the province, while Belgrade says it must remain part of Serbia.
(AFP)