Russia seeks U.N. meeting on Kosovo

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- The U.N. Security Council was called into session at U.N. headquarters to consider Russia's request to block Kosovo's declaration of independence.

While people celebrated throughout Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia on Sunday, Serbia and Russia said the action was illegal and backed by the international community, the Voice of America reported Monday.

Kosovo's parliament on Sunday approved a document declaring the province an independent, democratic and sovereign state.

"The day has come and from today onward, Kosovo is proud, independent and free," Kosovar Prime Minister Hashim Thaci said. "There is no room for intimidation, discrimination or unequal treatment of anyone. Our state institutions and our society will stamp out discriminatory practices."

Serbian President Boris Tadic denounced the declaration as illegal and unilateral. Russia also rejected the action, calling for an emergency meeting of the Security Council, Voice of America said.

Tadic has said Serbia would try to revoke Kosovo's move for independence, stopping short of using force to reclaim the province. He urged Serbia's political parties and 130,000 Serbs living in Kosovo stay calm.

Some violence was reported after Kosovo declared its independence but no significant damage was reported.