A senior aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says Palestinians should follow the example of Kosovo and unilaterally declare independence. VOA's Jim Teeple reports the idea was dismissed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and by Israeli officials.

Serbia's president told the U.N. Security Council that Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence is illegal and violates Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. But despite his demands that the council reject Kosovo's independence, several members expressed their support for the new state. From United Nations headquarters in New York, VOA's Margaret Besheer has more.

President Bush says he is backing independence for Kosovo because he believes it will bring peace to the Balkans. VOA White House Correspondent Scott Stearns reports Russia and Serbia say Kosovo's unilateral declaration sets a dangerous precedent for separatist movements, worldwide.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) will continue to administer Kosovo in accordance with a mandate authorized by Security Council resolution 1244.

Belgrade has recalled its ambassador from the U.S. over Washington’s recognition of Kosovo, as the rift among the international community deepened on Tuesday.

European Union foreign ministers are gathered in Brussels Monday for a crucial meeting in which at least four major European powers Britain, Italy, France and Germany are expected to recognize Kosovo's newly declared independence. Lisa Bryant has more from Paris.

U.S. President George Bush has reaffirmed his support for Kosovo's independence.

Sweden will recognise Kosovan independence after a meeting of the advisory council on foreign affairs on the 4th March with representatives of all of Sweden’s major political parties and the King.

They will have a new flag to fly, a new anthem to sing, and the support of much of the West. But when Kosovo finally becomes Europe's newest state, that hard-won status will have a huge asterisk attached.

Serbia's government has adopted a resolution annulling an expected declaration of independence to be issued by leaders of Kosovo's ethnic Albanian majority.

Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis told a Washington audience Wednesday the European Union is divided on whether to officially recognize Kosovo as a territory independent of Serbia. VOA's Barry Wood has more.

Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt says Sweden will not be among the first in the European Union to recognize Kosovo was an independent country.