UN envoy Martti Ahtisaari said Tuesday that he believed Russia would use its veto in the United Nations Security Council to stop his proposal to offer Kosovo de facto independence, according to dpa. In an interview with Finnish radio, the former Finnish president said he believed that Kosovo, which has has been under UN jurisdiction since 1999, would be independent this year, possibly with the support of the United States and the European Union. Ahtisaari said he believed Moscow's stance would weaken the authority of the UN. Last month, Ahtisaari had said he doubted Russia would veto his proposal. Ahtisaari's plan has been endorsed by the West but rejected by Serbia and Russia. The former Finnish head of state turns 70 on Saturday, and after successful mediation in the Aceh conflict has tried to mediate a deal on Kosovo's status.
