But Churkin would not directly say whether Russia was prepared to block Kosovo's U.N. membership.

But Churkin made clear that Moscow did not feel responsible for the impasse and hoped the council would discuss his idea of a "roadmap" that could resolve the Kosovo issue.

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting Monday on the latest nuclear test, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin said.

Russia's U. N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said Moscow supports the NATO mission in Afghanistan, but voiced concern about a clause thanking Japan for its support.

Russia's U. N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said Moscow supports the NATO mission in Afghanistan, but voiced concern about a clause thanking Japan for its support.