Lavrov: Kosovo recognition by Russia out of question
Any recognition of Kosovo by Russia is out of the question, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday, following a meeting with Serbian counterpart Vuk Jeremic in Moscow, reiterating that Russia continues to support Serbia's efforts aimed at the defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Friday, February 20, 2009
"Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci mistakes his wish for the reality. Russia's position has been explained by its leadership, and I have reiterated it today. There can be no ambiguity," the minister said.
Thaci yesterday said in an interview for the Belgrade daily Politika that Russia will recognize Kosovo.
"Russia reiterates the inalterability of its position, in accordance with which the problem should be settled on the basis of UN Security Council resolution 1244. We invariably support Serbia's efforts to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country," Lavrov said.
Minister Jeremic said he was pleased with the results of talks, noting "complete coincidence of opinions of the two countries" regarding the issue of Kosovo.
"Belgrade will defend its sovereignty by all legal and political means, and it highly appreciates Moscow's unconditional and uncompromising position on this issue, Jeremic said.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov has said that "the quasi-statehood of Kosovo has merely intensified the existing problems".
"There is growing unemployment, the economic factors are stagnating, integrative links within the province have been severed, while the dismantling of the social sphere continues", Titov said in an interview to the Interfax news agency, commenting on the anniversary of the unilateral secession of Kosovo.
