Belgrade welcomes, Pristina regrets UN decision

"The explicit language of the report confirms the status neutrality of EULEX's engagement, which is a guarantee that no part of its mandate can be devoted to the implementation of the Ahtisaari Plan for Kosovo's independence-rejected by the Republic of Serbia, and "never endorsed by the Security Council," in the words of the report that is before us today," Jeremic said.

"What has always been a crucial condition for our acceptance of reconfiguration is a clear and binding commitment by the European Union - confirmed in the Security Council - to be fully status neutral, and completely anchor its presence in Kosovo under the authority of the United Nations, in conformity with resolution 1244," the foreign minister said and voiced his satisfaction with the fact that these requests had been met.

"What is of great significance, however, is that the implementation of the six points - as well as the deployment of Eulex that, to quote the report, "will fully respect resolution 1244 and operate under the overall authority and within the status-neutral framework of the United Nations" - shall nonetheless be put into operation. And that it shall be done in consultation with relevant stakeholders, such as the Republic of Serbia ." Jeremic said.

"I call on the authorities in Pristina neither to obstruct the will of the international community, nor to oppose the binding resolve of the Security Council," he said.

The Serbian foreign minister once again reiterated that this was "why Serbia will never, ever accept the independence of Kosovo."

Meanwhile, Kosovo's Foreign Minister Skender Hiseni rejected the UN plan, saying it is "unacceptable and contrary to the Kosovo constitution".

He said Pristina was not against Eulex, but against its "status neutrality".

He said the Albanian authorities were ready to cooperate with the "EU, the US and NATO", but did not mention the UN.

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