RIYADH (AFP)--The 57-member Organization of the Islamic Conference on Monday said it supports the independence of Kosovo, whose Albanian ethnic majority are mostly Muslim. 

"The Islamic umma (nation) wishes the people of Kosovo and its government success in their new struggle to build a strong and prosperous country," the Islamic bloc said in a statement issued from its headquarters in the Saudi city of Jeddah. 

Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia on Sunday and Prime Minister Hashim Thaci said the mainly ethnic Albanian province had requested diplomatic recognition from governments worldwide. 

Independence is however bitterly opposed by Serbia, which regards Kosovo as the cradle of Serb culture and religion, and by Russia. Many countries facing separatist movements also have voiced reservations.