(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-02-19 18:45

MOSCOW - The parliament of Russia condemned on Monday the declaration of Kosovo's independence, saying it violates international law, Itar-Tass news agency reported.

"The proclamation of Kosovo independence violates one of the chief principles of international law -- the non-violation of territorial integrity of a state," said the two chambers of the Russian parliament in a joint statement issued on Monday.

Kosovo officially declared independence from Serbia on Sunday, with support from the United States and European Union, triggering mixed response from international community.

Russia, which strongly opposes the province's independence, said it will demand the UN mission in Kosovo to annul the declaration of the province's independence, according to Itar-Tass news agency reports.