Independence is the only viable option for Kosovo, the special UN envoy Martti Ahtisaari told the Security Council in a report and a proposal for the future of the province late on Monday, the Associated Press reported.
"Upon careful consideration of Kosovo's recent history, the realities of Kosovo today, and taking into account negotiations with the parties, I have come to the conclusion that the only viable option for Kosovo is independence, to be supervised for an initial period by the international community," Ahtisaari said in his report.
The Security Council is expected to start formal discussions on Ahtisaari's proposal next week.
The plan has the backing of Kosovo Albanians, but the last round of talks in February ended in a stalemate, with Serbian officials refusing to accept the proposal put forth by the former Finnish president.