UN vote:The major powers remained deadlocked over Kosovo, with Russia resisting the terms of a French plan to delay a UN vote on its independence.
The major powers remained deadlocked over Kosovo, with Russia resisting the terms of a French plan to delay a UN vote on its independence.
"For the time being, the necessary progress has not been made," French president Nicolas Sarkozy said after talks with US president George Bush yesterday.
Reports of a possible delay jangled nerves in Kosovo, where a US call for patience was quickly followed by an appeal to major powers from Kosovo's prime minister Agim Ceku to "adopt a resolution as soon as possible or to let us take our own path".
"We can't wait any more. Every day of delay means an increase in frustration and a loss of legitimacy," said Mr Ceku, who has warned that Kosovo would declare independence unilaterally if thwarted by Russia.
Russia opposes a western resolution that would clear the way for independence and Mr Sarkozy on Thursday suggested a six-month delay in any vote to find more time for a deal.
Mr Sarkozy said Russia had not agreed to a delay in return for recognising "the unavoidable prospect" of independence for Kosovo. Asked if there was still a threat of a Russian veto over Kosovo, he said: "I think one could say it like that."
A source in the Russian delegation said there was "a general understanding" among G8 leaders that there was "no need to hurry" with a UN vote on Kosovo. Mr Sarkozy in particular shared that understanding, the source said.
Russia has been a sometime ally of Serbia, whose government refuses to brook independence for Kosovo.