Finnish Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva says that Finland is prepared to recognize Kosovo as an independent nation. He adds that the rest of the EU's foreign ministers are on alert to respond, if Kosovo declares independence. Kanerva says that current EU president Slovenia would convene an extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers in a matter of a day or so.

He adds that even Serbia's opposition and current government crisis would not prevent Finland from quickly recognizing Kosovo.

"Serbia's political situation has completely stalled," says Kanerva, who is visiting Serbia and Kosovo this week. Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica has rejected a co-operation agreement with the EU, which he says would force Serbia to accept Kosovo independence.

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