February 18, 2008 - 16:31 AMT
Europe not in hurry to recognize Kosovo independence
European Union nations stood deeply divided Monday over whether to recognize Kosovo's independence.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said her government will not take an immediate decision until the EU spells out its position.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said Kosovo's independence was "a great success for Europe, a great success for the Kosovars and certainly not a defeat for the Serbs." He said there was no alternative to independence.

Meanwhile, U.S. State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack said the United States had "noted" that Kosovo had declared its independence and was reviewing the issue, Deutsche Welle reports.