Miliband defends UK's Kosovo stance

Broad support for Kosovo's independence from Serbia is a positive step for the European Union, David Miliband believes.

The foreign secretary's claim followed several European countries, including Britain, France and Germany, recognising Kosovo alongside the US after the former Serbian province declared its independence on Sunday.

Yesterday EU foreign ministers were unable to reach agreement on the issue, with Spain leading a group of five states opposing Pristina's secession.

It joined Russia in fearing recognition of Kosovo would set a precedent encouraging separatist movements. High-profile terrorist group Eta is pushing for independence for Spain's Basque region.

Mr Miliband reiterated US dismissals of such concerns on the Today programme this morning.

He said Kosovo was a "unique case" because of the region's nine years as a UN protectorate within Serbia.

"That does mean... it is not one that can be equated to the Basque issue or some of the issues that have been raised," he commented.

The foreign secretary made clear his belief the EU's broad support would result in individual governments recognising the new Kosovo government this week.

And he rejected suggestions the UK's position may be inflaming hostilities in the region, saying the case for independence was compelling.

"I think the risks would have been far greater if we had tried to squash this desire for independence," he added.

"If we had tried to sit on that aspiration, tried to deny it, I think we would have had far more instability and danger."