China joins critics of Kosovo independence

Russia tried to block Kosovo’s independence during a closed-door emergency session of the UN Security Council, saying it is deeply concerned about the safety of Serbs living in the territory.

The discussion of the 15-member council continued to expose divisions among members on the future of Kosovo.

Russia backs its close ally Serbia, while the United States, Britain, France and other European Union members support Kosovo’s majority ethnic Albanians.

China, a veto-wielding UN Security Council member that had close ties with the Yugoslav government of Slobodan Milosevic, expressed its “deep concern” today over Kosovo’s declaration and called on the province to reach a “proper solution through negotiations” with Serbia.

The council met at the request of Serbia and Russia, which argue that Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia made yesterday violates a 1999 council resolution that authorises the UN to administer the territory.

The session got off to a rocky start; shortly after it began, it had to be suspended for a couple hours because of a lack of interpreters.

Secretary general Ban Ki-moon said Serbia’s president told him that Kosovo’s declaration carries no legal weight, while Kosovo’s prime minister assured him he was committed to “equal opportunities and no discrimination” against anyone in Kosovo.

Mr Ban urged all sides to “refrain from any actions or statements that could endanger peace, incite violence or jeopardise security in Kosovo and the region”.

The Security Council resolution on Kosovo remains in force and the UN “will continue to implement its mandate in the light of the evolving circumstances”, Mr Ban said.