The UN Security Council has begun debate on the future of Kosovo, with the body' s current president, Britain, saying there is considerable support for supervised independence.

The US and the EU back the recommendation made by the UN mediator for the Serbian province but it is opposed by Belgrade.

"For us it's extremely important to move forward as soon as possible," said the president of Kosovo.

The Serbian Prime Minister says the proposal is not in accordance with the UN charter: "Mr Ahtisaari, instead of dealing with the status of Kosovo, dealt with the status of Serbia, with its internationally recognized borders and there is something fundamental to this and that is the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the existing states."

Vojislav Kostunica is calling for news talks and a new mediator. Russia, a Security Council member with veto power, also wants more talks to find a solution acceptable to both sides.