Moscow: International presence in Kosovo can be changed only by the UN SC
Russia insists that the format of the international presence in Kosovo can only be changed if this is sanctioned by the UN Security Council.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Wednesday, July 16, 2008
"Any change of the format of the international civil presence in Kosovo is to receive prior approval of the UN Security Council and should take place in line with the provisions set forth in the Resolution 1244. It is our firm conviction that the Kosovo issue should be resolved on the basis of the parties' accord, for which the negotiations need to be resumed," Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman
Andrei Nesterenko said before Thursday's visit by Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic to Moscow.
"I would like to emphasize that it is vital to strengthen the foundations of international relations and observe the principles of international law by respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state. The sides are convinced that the Kosovo issue should be resolved on this solid foundation with the UN playing the leading role in this settlement," said Nesterenko.
During his visit to Moscow on July 17, Jeremic is scheduled to meet with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
Meanwhile, Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday that the declaration of independence of Kosovo has again undermined international law as a fundamental principle of coexistence of states.
Medvedev said that in his address to the meeting of Russian ambassadors and permanent representatives to international organizations in Moscow.
He called on Russian diplomats to pursue a balanced policy, to resist the attempts by some countries or groups of countries to pursue their interests by evading international law.
According to President Medvedev, mechanisms for foreign policy activities aimed at solving concrete issues such as Kosovo have to be improved.
