BRUSSELS, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- The European Union Monday backed a statement recognizing Kosovo's independence as an exception to the "territorial integrity" rule under international law.
Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitri Rupel said during a news conference in Brussels the statement endorsed by EU foreign ministers provides for individual countries to decide whether and when they would recognize Kosovo's independence from Serbia, Deutsche Welle reported.
Kosovo broke free Sunday from Serbia, which has protested the action as illegal. Slovenia has the EU presidency.
Most EU countries are expected to recognize Kosovo's unilaterally declared independence. However, several countries -- such as Spain and Cypress -- have expressed concern about how Kosovo's actions would be perceived by separatists.
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband told the BBC Kosovo was a "unique situation, which deserves a unique response."
The European Union agreed to send about 2,000 police and justice personnel to Kosovo to help oversee and help the country develop.
A split emerged Sunday at the U.N. Security Council when Russia said Kosovo's declaration should be null and void. The Security Council was called back into session to consider Russia's request to revoke Kosovo's independence.
