Western powers including US and its European allies have introduced a resolution in the Security Council backing a UN plan calling for Kosovo's independence from Serbia despite stiff opposition from veto-wielding Russia.
The text, a copy of which was obtained a news agency, "endorses" recommendations made by UN mediator Martti Ahtisaari on Kosovo's future status, which effectively call for supervised independence for the Albanian-majority province.
The binding text, which invokes Chapter Seven of the UN Charter, also reaffirms the council's "commitment to a multi-ethnic and democratic Kosovo, which will reinforce regional stability."
It was sponsored by the United States and its European allies on the 15-member council as well as by Germany, which is not a member but currently chairs the European Union (EU).
Serbia and Russia strongly oppose Kosovo independence, while the United States, the European Union and the leaders of ethnic Albanians, who comprise around 90 per cent of Kosovo's two million inhabitants, support it.
Moscow has threatened to wield its veto to block the plan, while Serbia has proposed "monitored autonomy" instead of independence for a province it views as its historic heartland.
Russia Ambassador Vitaly Churkin this week argued for implementation of Security Council resolution 1244 "without further delay" as an alternative to the Ahtisaari plan.
Resolution 1244, adopted by the Security Council in 1999, set UN democracy standards in areas such as creating a multi-ethnic democracy, respecting human rights and ensuring the security of minority Serbs. - DDNews India
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