Seven Western countries said the UN Security Council could not agree on the future of Kosovo, which declared independence on Sunday, and its security and stability must be assured through the European Union and Nato.

"We regret that the Security Council cannot agree on the way forward, but this impasse has been clear for many months," Belgian Ambassador Johan Verbeke said in a statement on behalf of Belgium, France, Italy, Britain, Croatia, Germany and the United States.

"Today's events represent the conclusion of a status process that has exhausted all avenues in pursuit of a negotiated outcome," he said after a meeting of the 15-nation council called by Russia.-Reuters