Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said Kosovo’s independence follows from “illegal steps of the province’s leadership” and “poses a threat to peace and security in the Balkans.” Chinese Ambassador Wang Guangya agreed, saying his country is “deeply concerned” about the future status of Kosovo, saying it “is extremely complicated and sensitive” and “may rekindle conflicts and turbulences in the region, which in turn would cause serious humanitarian crisis and adversely impact the entire Balkan region and beyond.”The European Union, however, like the permanent three members, is in support of Kosovo’s secession. However, EU foreign ministers on Monday agreed that member countries have the national right to decide whether to recognize Kosovo’s new status. Arab representatives at the United Nations had yet to take a stand on this issue. One Arab diplomat told SPA on Tuesday that it was too early to know whether Arab countries would accept Kosovo’s independence. However, he told SPA that the Organization of the Islamic Conference has announced its recognition of Kosovo’s independence.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/528681