Over 20 EU states back Kosovo independence-Britain

BRUSSELS, Nov 19 (Reuters) Well over 20 of the EU's 27 states support recognising independence of the breakaway Serbian province of Kosovo, Britain's Europe Minister said today.

''There is a very big EU majority already for recognition ...

certainly well above 20, but we haven't got to 27 yet,'' Jim Murphy told a news briefing after talks among EU ministers in Brussels.

Murphy added that it was up to individual states to recognise another state. ''But in terms of managing this process, it's a much better outcome for everyone involved if there's maximum international unity,'' he said.

REUTERS RSA KN2330